T.J. Watt has solidified his place among the Pittsburgh Steelers’ all-time greats after reportedly agreeing to a three-year contract extension that makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL history by average annual salary. This milestone further cements Watt’s ranking within the Steelers franchise and highlights his status as one of the most impactful defensive players since the turn of the century.

Since turning 30 last fall, Watt’s career achievements have already matched or surpassed many of the franchise legends, proving he is among the best to wear black and gold in the modern era. The Steelers’ success over the past two decades, including multiple Super Bowl victories and numerous playoff appearances, owes much to the standout performances of players like Watt.

The Steelers’ Sustained Success and Player Excellence Since 2000

The Pittsburgh Steelers boast a remarkable record of consistent success in the 21st century, with two Super Bowl wins, three <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/afc/”>AFC Championships, and 10 division titles. This period also includes a franchise record of 21 consecutive seasons without a losing record, reflecting the depth of talent the team has assembled. Such sustained excellence provides the backdrop for understanding Watt’s franchise ranking and the impact he has had on the team’s defensive strength.

While the legendary Joe Greene is widely considered the greatest player in Steelers history, the discussion about the best players of the current century has produced a compelling list. It ranks the franchise’s most influential players since 2000, with Watt emerging as a top defensive icon.

Players Who Deserve Recognition but Didn’t Make the Top Ten

Before detailing the top-tier athletes, several notable Steelers have made significant contributions and warrant honorable mention. This group includes tight end Heath Miller, defensive end Aaron Smith, nose tackle Casey Hampton, linebacker Joey Porter, and running backs Le’Veon Bell and Willie Parker. Also acknowledged are linebacker James Farrior and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Their careers, while impactful, fell just short of the top ten distinction but highlight the depth of talent that Pittsburgh has maintained.

10. Jerome Bettis, Running Back (1996-2005)

Jerome Bettis, known affectionately as “The Bus,” represents an enduring figure who bridged two decades for the Steelers. Though his strongest years were in the 1990s, Bettis still amassed 5,199 rushing yards during the 2000s, ranking third behind Willie Parker and Le’Veon Bell for rushing yards in this century. Bettis was selected to two Pro Bowls in the 2000s, notably delivering a strong 2001 campaign cut short by injury, and was key to Pittsburgh’s dominance during their 15-1 regular season in 2004.

Bettis concluded his career with a Super Bowl XL victory over Seattle, contributing as a reliable goal-line back behind Willie Parker. He demonstrated that he could still deliver powerful performances late in his career, such as his 101-yard effort in a Week 14 victory over Chicago that fueled an eight-game winning streak. In recognition of his impact, Bettis was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.

9. Cameron Heyward, Defensive Tackle (2011-present)

Cameron Heyward took time to blossom into one of the Steelers’ premier defensive players. After being drafted in 2011, he became a starter in his third season and has since developed into a dominant force against both the run and the pass. Heyward earned seven Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro honors by 2024, showcasing his consistent elite play.

Following his return from injury in 2024, Heyward continued his streak of high-level production, finishing second on the team in sacks. At age 35, he joined Ben Roethlisberger as one of the oldest Steelers to earn Pro Bowl recognition, a testament to his longevity and continued excellence. His 88.5 career sacks are second only to T.J. Watt, and his 211 games played rank fourth in Steelers history.

8. Maurkice Pouncey, Center (2010-2020)

Maurkice Pouncey’s career was hallmarked by resilience and leadership despite two major injuries, earning him nine Pro Bowl selections and membership on the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team. As an immediate starter, Pouncey anchored the offensive line, protecting quarterbacks Kordell Stewart and Ben Roethlisberger, and contributed to a strong rushing attack with backs such as Jerome Bettis, Willie Parker, Le’Veon Bell, and James Conner.

His role as a leader behind a formidable offensive line helped Ben Roethlisberger solidify his Hall of Fame credentials and contributed directly to the team’s run to the AFC Championship game in 2016. Pouncey’s impact was as much about his blocking ability as his leadership on and off the field.

7. Antonio Brown, Wide Receiver (2010-2018)

Antonio Brown’s six-year stretch from 2013 to 2018 places him among the NFL’s most productive offensive threats. Garnering six of his seven career Pro Bowl nods during that span, Brown frequently led the league in receptions and receiving yards while setting franchise receiving records for catches and yardage.

Brown’s 2015 breakout campaign saw him amass 136 receptions and 1,834 yards, including a franchise single-game best of 284 yards against the Raiders, even as his quarterback missed significant time due to injury. In 2016, his famous “Immaculate Extension” touchdown on Christmas Day secured a division-clinching victory over the Ravens. He was a strong MVP candidate in 2017 before injury sidelined him late in the season.

Brown’s tenure also includes the four highest single-season receiving yardage totals in Steelers history, cementing his place in the franchise’s receiving legacy, second only to Hines Ward in career rankings.

6. James Harrison, Outside Linebacker (2002, 2004-2012, 2014-2017)

James Harrison’s story is one of perseverance, becoming the only undrafted rookie ever to win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2008. His breakout came late, as he became a full-time starter at age 29, quickly establishing himself as an elite defender known for his toughness and ability to intimidate opposing offenses.

Harrison led the NFL with 16 sacks in 2008, forced seven fumbles, and sealed his legacy with a 100-yard interception return touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII. After a brief retirement, he returned in 2014 and remained an effective pass rusher in a backup role, contributing to multiple playoff runs and becoming the Steelers’ all-time sack leader in 2016.

His achievements were honored by a 2024 induction into the Steelers Hall of Honor alongside other franchise greats.

5. Hines Ward, Wide Receiver (1998-2011)

Hines Ward’s legacy as the Steelers’ all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches places him just ahead of Antonio Brown in franchise rankings. A two-time Super Bowl champion and the MVP of Super Bowl XL, Ward also earned four Pro Bowl nods and is regarded as one of the NFL’s best blocking receivers.

Ward’s crushing tackle on Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers led to new protections for defenseless players. His MVP performance in Super Bowl XL, highlighted by a crucial 37-yard third-and-28 reception and a 43-yard touchdown catch, epitomized his clutch postseason play. Ward ranks among the top players in career playoff receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches but remains among the many deserving receivers yet to enter the Hall of Fame. He was a semifinalist for the 2025 induction class.

4. Alan Faneca, Guard (1998-2007)

Alan Faneca established himself as a dominant offensive lineman from his rookie season and went on to earn seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro honors with the Steelers. Known for his run blocking and pass protection, Faneca enabled success behind multiple star running backs and quarterbacks, including helping Tommy Maddox win Comeback Player of the Year in 2002.

His trademark moment arrived in Super Bowl XL when he delivered a key block clearing the way for Willie Parker’s 75-yard touchdown run, the longest in Super Bowl history. Faneca’s career was ultimately recognized with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

3. T.J. Watt, Outside Linebacker (2017-present)

T.J. Watt’s individual accolades are staggering: seven Pro Bowl selections, four All-Pro honors, and the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. He equaled Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record of 22.5 and is the only player since 1982 to lead the league in sacks three times.

Watt’s consistency shines in his streak of recording at least 13 sacks over four consecutive seasons, a feat matched only by Hall of Famer Reggie White. He surpassed James Harrison to become the Steelers’ franchise career sack leader in 2023. With 108 sacks since 2017, Watt ranks as the NFL’s top pass rusher in that period.

Watt’s impact extends beyond sacks; he has led the NFL in forced fumbles twice and tackles for loss on two occasions, while also intercepting seven passes and breaking up 49. At just 30 years old, Watt is already one of the most dominant and versatile defenders the Steelers have ever seen.

2. Ben Roethlisberger, Quarterback (2004-2021)

Ben Roethlisberger is likely the single most influential player for the Steelers’ successes in the 21st century, responsible for guiding the team to two Super Bowl victories and a third appearance. Drafted 11th overall in 2004 after the team famously passed on Dan Marino, Roethlisberger made an immediate impact by helping the Steelers achieve a 15-1 regular season record.

Roethlisberger’s playoff career included iconic moments such as a game-saving tackle against Indianapolis and a dominant AFC title game performance versus Denver. His defining moment came in Super Bowl XLIII with a game-winning touchdown pass capping an 88-yard drive, considered one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history.

Known as “Big Ben,” he continued to excel, becoming the 10th quarterback in NFL history to start three Super Bowls and winning two passing titles. Roethlisberger also set league records, including six consecutive touchdown passes across two games and three 500-yard passing games. He holds the franchise record for most games played (272) and is expected to join the Hall of Fame in 2027.

1. Troy Polamalu, Strong Safety (2003-2014)

The Steelers’ most influential player this century is Troy Polamalu, whose explosive playmaking helped Pittsburgh secure its two most recent Super Bowls. Known for his extraordinary instincts and game-changing abilities, Polamalu was instrumental in playoff victories over Peyton Manning’s Colts and in AFC Championship games throughout his career.

Polamalu’s 2010 NFL Defensive Player of the Year season featured iconic plays such as a lunging sack in Week 1 against the Titans and a critical forced fumble against Joe Flacco in Week 13, which was pivotal in securing a Steelers win. His incredible interception off Philip Rivers remains one of the most memorable highlights of his career.

Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, Polamalu’s legacy as the Steelers’ most exceptional defensive player this century stands unmatched, underlining the franchise’s tradition of defensive dominance.