Is Number 7 Retired By The Steelers? Unpacking The Pittsburgh Steelers' Jersey Legacy

Orpha White 24 Jul 2025

Many Pittsburgh Steelers fans, and really, anyone who follows professional football, often ponder the fate of certain iconic jersey numbers. It is a question that pops up quite a bit, especially when thinking about a legendary player. You might wonder, for instance, about the famous number 7, a jersey so strongly tied to one of the team's most celebrated quarterbacks. This number, worn by Ben Roethlisberger, has certainly become a symbol of an era, a time filled with memorable plays and significant victories, so it is a natural thing to consider.

The Steelers, as a franchise, have a very distinct way of honoring their greats. Unlike some other teams that retire many numbers, Pittsburgh has, in fact, a much more reserved approach. This unique tradition means that while a player's impact is undeniably huge, their number might not get taken out of circulation in the way some fans might expect, or even hope for. It is, in a way, a part of what makes the Steelers' history so interesting to follow, as a matter of fact.

So, the big question remains: has number 7, the jersey of "Big Ben," officially been put aside by the Steelers? We will look closely at the team's history, their specific policies, and what this all means for the future of that very recognizable digit on the field. It is a topic that stirs up a lot of conversation among the black and gold faithful, and for good reason, you know.

Ben Roethlisberger: A Career in Number 7
- Personal Details and Bio Data
The Steelers' Approach to Jersey Retirement
- Officially Retired Numbers: A Short List
- Unofficially Honored Numbers
The Case of Number 7 and Ben Roethlisberger
- Why Number 7 Might Not Be Retired
- The Hall of Honor Alternative
Will We Ever See Number 7 Again?
Frequently Asked Questions About Steelers Jersey Numbers

Ben Roethlisberger: A Career in Number 7

Ben Roethlisberger's career with the Pittsburgh Steelers was, to put it mildly, quite extraordinary. He wore the number 7 jersey for his entire time with the team, from 2004 until his retirement after the 2021 season. During those years, he led the Steelers to two Super Bowl victories and became the franchise leader in pretty much every major passing statistic. His connection to the number 7 is, honestly, incredibly strong, almost inseparable in the minds of many fans.

He was known for his tough play, his ability to extend plays, and his knack for winning games, even when things looked bleak. Roethlisberger truly defined an era of Steelers football, and his number 7 jersey was right there through it all. It is, you know, a very iconic image for Pittsburgh football followers.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Here are some quick facts about Ben Roethlisberger:

Detail	Information
Full Name	Benjamin Todd Roethlisberger Sr.
Born	March 2, 1982
Birthplace	Lima, Ohio
College	Miami (OH)
NFL Draft	2004, Round 1, Pick 11
NFL Teams	Pittsburgh Steelers (2004-2021)
Jersey Number	7
Super Bowl Wins	2 (XL, XLIII)
Pro Bowl Selections	6
Career Passing Yards	64,088
Career Touchdowns	418

The Steelers' Approach to Jersey Retirement

The Pittsburgh Steelers have, for a very long time, maintained a very specific and rather strict policy when it comes to retiring jersey numbers. Unlike many other professional sports teams that might retire numbers for every Hall of Fame player, the Steelers have kept their list incredibly short. This philosophy, you see, is deeply rooted in the team's history and its founder, Art Rooney Sr.'s, original vision. They have a code, as it were, to be as minimal as possible about taking players' numbers out of circulation, and that is a pretty clear standard.

This approach means that earning a spot on the official retired numbers list is an incredibly rare honor, reserved for individuals whose contributions went far beyond just outstanding play on the field. It is, in a way, a reflection of the team's collective spirit and its focus on the overall success of the franchise rather than individual accolades. This is, you know, a pretty unique way of doing things in professional sports, but it has been their way for decades.

Officially Retired Numbers: A Short List

When you look at the Pittsburgh Steelers' history, you will find that only two numbers have been officially retired by the team. This is a remarkably small number, especially for a franchise with such a rich and storied past, with so many amazing players having worn the black and gold. The two numbers that stand alone in this regard are 70 and 75, and they belong to truly foundational figures in Steelers lore.

Number 70 was worn by Ernie Stautner, a Hall of Fame defensive lineman. He played for the Steelers from 1950 to 1963, a time when the team was not always winning, but he was a constant force. Stautner was known for his toughness and durability, playing in an incredible 160 consecutive games. His impact on the team, and his dedication, were just immense, and that is why his number was chosen for this rare honor.

The other officially retired number is 75, which belonged to "Mean" Joe Greene. Greene, a Hall of Fame defensive tackle, was the cornerstone of the legendary "Steel Curtain" defense of the 1970s. He played from 1969 to 1981 and was a key part of all four Super Bowl victories in that decade. His presence on the field was, quite simply, transformative for the franchise. Greene's number was retired not only for his incredible play but also for his leadership and the way he helped shape the team's identity. It is, in fact, a very big deal to have your number retired by the Steelers, given how few there are.

Unofficially Honored Numbers

While only two numbers are officially retired, the Steelers do have a handful of other numbers that, while not formally taken out of circulation, have not been reissued since their famous wearers left the team. This is a subtle, yet very meaningful, way the team shows respect for certain legends. It is, in some respects, a quiet acknowledgment of their lasting legacy, a nod to their importance without the official ceremony of retirement.

Perhaps the most prominent example of an unofficially retired number is 12, worn by quarterback Terry Bradshaw. Bradshaw, like Ben Roethlisberger, led the Steelers to multiple Super Bowl championships in the 1970s. He was the field general for all four of those "Steel Curtain" era titles. Despite his immense contributions and Hall of Fame career, his number 12 has never been officially retired. However, the team has not handed out the number since Bradshaw retired, which is, you know, a pretty strong indication of its special status. It is, essentially, retired in practice, even if not on paper.

This practice highlights the Steelers' unique philosophy. They prefer to let certain numbers fade into history with their legendary players, rather than creating a long list of formally retired jerseys. It is a way of preserving the past without, perhaps, limiting future players from wearing certain numbers, which is a bit of a different take than some other teams have. This approach, you see, keeps the official list very exclusive, making the few numbers that are truly retired even more special.

The Case of Number 7 and Ben Roethlisberger

Given the Steelers' established tradition, the question of whether Ben Roethlisberger's number 7 will be retired becomes a bit more complex. As of today, years after his retirement, the number 7 has not been officially retired by the Pittsburgh Steelers. And, according to various reports and the team's own history, it is quite likely that it never will be. This might seem surprising to some fans, especially considering Ben's undeniable impact and the sheer volume of records he holds for the franchise, but it is, in fact, consistent with their long-standing policy.

Ben Roethlisberger is, without a doubt, one of the most important players in Steelers history. He is arguably the greatest quarterback to ever wear the black and gold, having achieved so much during his long career. His name is synonymous with the number 7, and the thought of another player wearing it feels, to many, almost unthinkable. Yet, the team's reluctance to retire numbers is a deeply ingrained part of their organizational culture, a principle that, you know, goes back decades.

Why Number 7 Might Not Be Retired

The primary reason number 7 is unlikely to be officially retired boils down to the Steelers' very strict and long-held policy. They have, as we have discussed, only officially retired two numbers in their entire history. This is not because they do not appreciate their legends; rather, it is a deliberate choice to keep the list of retired numbers exceptionally short. The idea is that the honor should be incredibly rare, reserved for players who truly defined an era in a way that transcends even Hall of Fame status, which is a pretty high bar.

The Steelers believe that if they start retiring numbers for every Hall of Famer, or even every multi-Super Bowl winner, the list would quickly grow very long. This would, in their view, diminish the specialness of the honor itself. They prefer to celebrate their greats through other means, which we will touch on soon. So, while Ben Roethlisberger certainly meets the criteria for greatness, he does not, apparently, meet the incredibly specific and exclusive criteria for number retirement that the team has set for itself. It is, in a way, a tough pill to swallow for some fans, but it is their established practice.

Furthermore, the Steelers have a tradition of allowing new players to make their own mark on numbers previously worn by greats. This is different from many other franchises that immediately pull a number from circulation once a star retires. The Steelers, it seems, value the continuity of numbers being available, even if they are very careful about who gets to wear a number like 12, or potentially, 7 in the future. It is, basically, a different philosophy about how to honor the past while looking to the future.

The Hall of Honor Alternative

Instead of retiring a multitude of jersey numbers, the Pittsburgh Steelers have established the "Hall of Honor." This institution serves as the primary way the team celebrates its greatest players, coaches, and contributors. It is a place where the legacies of individuals like Ben Roethlisberger can be recognized and preserved in a very significant way, without the need to take their jersey numbers out of circulation. This is, in fact, the team's preferred method for recognizing excellence, and it is a very comprehensive system.

The Hall of Honor includes many Steelers legends, including those whose numbers are not officially retired, like Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, and Joe Greene (whose number 75 is retired, but he is also in the Hall of Honor). Ben Roethlisberger was inducted into the Hall of Honor as part of the Class of 2023, which was, naturally, a very fitting tribute to his incredible career. This induction acknowledges his immense contributions to the franchise, placing him among the very best in Steelers history. It is, you know, a very high honor indeed.

This system allows the team to celebrate a wider range of deserving individuals without the strict limitations of jersey retirement. It means that players like Roethlisberger receive the recognition they absolutely deserve, while the team maintains its unique and very exclusive policy on retired numbers. So, while you might not see number 7 retired, you can definitely expect Ben's name and accomplishments to be forever celebrated within the Steelers' Hall of Honor, and that is, in a way, just as important.

Will We Ever See Number 7 Again?

The question of whether we will ever see a Pittsburgh Steeler wear number 7 again is a topic of much discussion among the fan base. Given that the number is not officially retired, and the team's history of eventually reissuing even historically significant numbers (though sometimes after a long pause, like with number 12), it is, technically, possible. However, the emotional connection fans have to Ben Roethlisberger and that number is, honestly, incredibly strong. Many people just cannot imagine anyone else wearing it, not right now anyway.

It is worth noting that while number 12, Terry Bradshaw's number, has not been officially retired, the Steelers have not issued it since he left the team. This unofficial retirement is a powerful statement in itself. It is very likely that number 7 will follow a similar path for a considerable amount of time. The team might simply choose not to issue it for many years, perhaps decades, out of respect for Ben's legacy and the sheer weight of his accomplishments. This is, you know, a very common practice even without an official retirement.

So, while the official answer is "no, it is not retired," the practical reality is that it might be a very long time before another player steps onto the field in a Steelers uniform with the number 7 on their back. The shadow of Ben Roethlisberger's career is, quite simply, too large for any new player to easily step into that particular jersey right away. The team, you see, tends to be very mindful of these things, and they understand the sentiment of the fans. For now, number 7 remains very much Ben's number, in spirit if not by formal declaration. You can find more information about the history of NFL jerseys and their significance on various sports history sites, like this one: Learn more about the history of NFL jersey numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Steelers Jersey Numbers

Has the Pittsburgh Steelers retired any numbers officially?

Yes, the Pittsburgh Steelers have officially retired two jersey numbers. These are number 70, which belonged to Hall of Fame defensive lineman Ernie Stautner, and number 75, worn by the legendary "Mean" Joe Greene. These are the only two numbers the team has formally taken out of circulation, which is, you know, a pretty exclusive list for a team with such a long history.

Why haven't the Steelers retired more numbers, especially for players like Terry Bradshaw?

The Steelers have a very specific and long-standing policy of keeping their retired numbers list extremely short. They believe that if they retired numbers for every great player, the honor would lose its special significance. Instead, they often choose not to reissue numbers worn by legends, like Terry Bradshaw's number 12, without officially retiring them. This is, in a way, their unique approach to honoring their past, and it is a consistent practice for them.

How does the Steelers' Hall of Honor relate to jersey retirements?

The Steelers' Hall of Honor is the team's primary way of celebrating its greatest players, coaches, and contributors. It serves as an alternative to widely retiring jersey numbers. Players like Ben Roethlisberger, who are incredibly important to the franchise, are inducted into the Hall of Honor, which acknowledges their immense contributions without necessarily taking their jersey numbers out of circulation. It is, essentially, a way to honor many greats while keeping the official retired numbers list very short, which is a bit different from other teams, you see.

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