06-07-2025
Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 63: a history of the number and who wore it best
The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we're at 63 days until Pittsburgh faces off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. In the spirit of the countdown, we're taking a look at the history of No. 63 and the players who wore it best.
Current Steelers No. 63 wearer: N/A
There is no current wearer of No. 63 on the Steelers roster — and for good reason, as there hasn't been one since the best to ever wear it in Pittsburgh retired.
Last five Steelers to wear No. 63:
Best No. 63 in Steelers history: C Dermontti Dawson
Dermontti Dawson is the best Steeler to ever wear No. 63. Drafted by Pittsburgh with the 44th overall pick in the second round of the 1988 NFL Draft, Dawson had huge shoes to fill — those of Hall of Famer Mike Webster, who left Pittsburgh in 1989. From 1988 to 2000, Dawson started 181 games for the Steelers and was one of the most dominant offensive linemen of his era. He was named to seven Pro Bowls, six First-Team All-Pros, and even made the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team. Dawson was also named to the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team and the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor. He would be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012 and is without a doubt the best Steeler to ever wear No. 63 — which is why the number is unofficially retired.
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