5 days ago
Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 43: a history of the number and who wore it best
The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we're at 43 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. 43 and the players who wore it best.
Current Steelers No. 43 wearer: N/A
There isn't a Steeler wearing No. 43 on the 2025 roster — and there hasn't been one since the NFL's greatest safety retired in 2015.
Last five Steelers to wear No. 43:
Best No. 43 in Steelers history: S Troy Polamalu
There's no debating this selection — Troy Polamalu is the best Steeler to ever wear No. 43. Drafted with the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft, Polamalu terrorized opposing offenses for 12 seasons — snagging 32 interceptions in 158 games for the Black and Gold. He helped lead Pittsburgh to two Super Bowl titles, was named the 2010 Defensive Player of the Year, earned eight Pro Bowl nominations, four First-Team All-Pro selections, and two Second-Team All-Pro selections. Additionally, Polamalu was named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team, and the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020 — leaving behind an untouchable legacy that will live on as not only the best Steeler to ever wear No. 43, but one of the NFL's greatest defenders of all time.
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