Here we will have the latest info on the Pittsburgh Steelers football team, the Pitt Panthers college football team, a bit of history about the Rooney dynasty as well as photos and videos of Pittsburgh, PA, famous players, and the stadium.
A Brief Pittsburgh Steelers Football History
The Pittsburgh Steelers were founded in 1933, making them the oldest franchise in the AFC. Pittsburgh has won 6 Super Bowls, as well as won more (8) AFC Championships, played in 15 and hosted more (11) conference championships than any other NFL team. Their latest Super Bowl victory was during the 2009 Super Bowl XLIII.
They were originally founded as the Pittsburgh Pirates by Art Rooney, and later changed their name to the Steelers prior to the 1940 season. They have seen many great head coaches pass through their ranks, including Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin. Their official mascot is currently Steely McBeam, whose name was picked from a contest in 2007 from 70,000 suggestions that fans sent in.
The team colors have always been Black and Gold, dating all the way back to their inception. What has changed throughout the years is the uniform and their overall design and look.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have had plenty of rivals over the years, with some of their more historic rivals being:
- Oakland Raiders; started in the 1970’s where both teams had heated games throughout the seasons.
- Dallas Cowboys; this rivalry dates all the way back to 1960, where the Steelers beat the Cowboys 35-28 in the Cotton Bowl.
- Denver Broncos; dating back to 1970, the Broncos have faced the Steelers 7 times during the playoffs.
- New England Patriots; after an upset by the Patriots in 2001, the team looked for revenge and managed to get it in 2004.
They have had a long history in the NFL, and will probably continue to dominate in this sport for many years to come; seeing as how they already have 18 Hall of Famers, tying for 3rd place in the NFL.
The Rooney Family Legacy in Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Steelers, formerly known as the Pirates, were founded by Art Rooney, whom was a well-known athlete. Some of the many sports he participated in were Boxing, Baseball, and was even a halfback on the semi-pro football team, J.P. Rooneys. As his career and fame skyrocketed, he made the decision to purchase a NFL franchise in 1933 for a whopping $2,500.
This would earmark the start of a very long and successful franchise career for not only the Steelers, but the entire Rooney family. Art was able to leave a grand legacy behind for his family, as he passed away in 1988, leaving the team to the rest of his family. Primarily, his brother Dan Rooney became the team Chairman, while Art Rooney II, Dan’s son, is the current team President.
In 2008, with the entire ownership restructuring approved by the NFL owners, the Steelers took on outside investors and limited the total ownership of each individual. This left Dan and Art II with 30%, with the rest being divided between other family members and outside investors. So far, the team has only become stronger, leaving an even greater legacy for future Rooney family members to have.
Steelers Stadium
Before moving to their current stadium, Heinz Field, the Steelers had several different homes over the years. From 1933 to 1963 they shared Forbes Field with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Starting in 1964 up until 1969, they played their home games at the University of Pittsburgh facility.
This did not last long, as the team moved to the Three Rivers Stadium in 1969. It was during this time when Chuck Noll was the head coach that the Steelers truly became a powerhouse. The team won 4 Super Bowls in just six years, making the playoffs 11 times in 13 seasons, as well as winning the AFC title 7 times, all between 1972 and 1984.
Their last move happened in 2001, where the team moved to Heinz Field. This amazing stadium has enough seating for 65,500 fans, with a nice natural grass field. This massive stadium was built for $281 million, but has ever since then become a beacon in the city. It is surrounded by the Allegheny and Ohio rivers, making it a prime spot for the NFL team.
The Pittsburgh Panthers
The professional football team isn’t the only team representing the city of Pittsburgh with high quality sports. The University of Pittsburgh, whom has historically helped the Steelers, is also part of this great tradition. The universities team, the Pittsburgh Panthers, is also one of the pride and joys of the city; or as it is most commonly known, the Pitt Panthers.
The Panthers have a very long history, dating back to when their football program started in 1889, making it more than 125 years old. The University has been the leader in several fronts when it comes to the sport, as they helped institute numbered jerseys, as well as having the first radio broadcast of a college football game.
There have been many famous players and coaches come out of Pittsburgh, including:
- Mike Ditka
- Tony Dorsett
- Hugh Green
- Dan Marino
- Curtis Martin
- Larry Fitzgerald
- Darrelle Revis
Their amazing history has led them to win 9 national championships, as well as having 87 players to be chosen as First-Team All-Americans. On top of this, they have gone undefeated in 8 different seasons, won 14 Eastern and conference Championships, as well as appeared 30 times in various bowls. They are certainly another piece of history and pride for the city of Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Steelers Team Infographic
