Top 10 Steelers of All Time

Frankly it is impossible to pick just 10 greats from an NFL franchise that has 6 Super Bowl Titles and a history of NFL success.

However I will try. And honestly if you are going to do this then you have to start with a defensive player. Because this is the Pittsburgh Steelers we are talking about and Defense is synonymous with the Steelers.

1- Charles Edward Greene – aka “MEAN JOE” - The hub and the catalyst of the legendary “Steel Curtain” defensive line of the 4 time Super Bowl champions of the late 1970's. 10 time Pro Bowler, 1969 defensive Rookie of the Year, and 2 time defensive player of the year. 4 Super Bowl rings. This guy had a non stop motor. He was Reggie White before there was a Reggie White. And of course he is in the Hall of Fame.

2 – John Harold Lambert – Jack. It was once said that “he tackled with vengeance in mind”. 9 time Pro Bowler, 1974 defensive Rookie of the Year, and 1 time defensive player of the year. 4 Super Bowl rings. Part of what made the “Steel Curtain” so relentless was they knew that behind them Jack Lambert had the rest of the defense where it was supposed to be. Oh yeah, Hall of Fame.

3 – Franco Harris – One thing you know the Steelers were going to do was run the football. Franco was the steady and reliable back to help the Steelers dominate on the ground. 9 time Pro Bowler, 1972 offensive Rookie of the Year, and Super Bowl IX MVP. 4 time Super Bowl champion. Wow what do you know he's in the Hall of Fame.

4 – Terry Bradshaw – No Bradshaw was not Joe Montana or Dan Marino but he had a fearless presence and had a great arm. 3 time Pro Bowler and 2 time Super Bowl MVP. (XIII, XIV). Regardless of what the media tells you or what the so called experts say, all of the Steelers that played with him will tell you he was their leader. And there is that Hall of Fame thing.

5 – Lynn Swann/ John Stallworth – Okay so I am stretching the rules a little, sue me. But in the era these 2 receivers played offenses did not through the ball 40 times a game. And these 2 became an ultimate tandem. Lynn Swann was 3 time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl X MVP. 4 Super Bowl rings. But anyone who hears that name and who saw him play, doesn't think of stats and accomplishments. You think of some of the most acrobatic and phenomenal catches ever to occur on a football field. And some on the biggest stages imaginable. Ah like the Super Bowl. He is a Hall of Famer also.

John Stallworth was not as high flying but he was an outstanding wide out. He ran perfect routes and he had hands of glue. 4 time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer. 4 Super Bowl rings.

Put the two together and it was magic!

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6 – Jerome Bettis – Aka “the Bus”. 6 time Pro Bowler and most likely headed to the Hall of Fame. Super Bowl champion. He was the second coming of Franco Harris in many ways. He brought back the dominate and reliable running game that the Steelers always depended on. The years between Harris and Bettis was filled with want to be's. Guys like Barry Foster and Bam Morris for example had brief moments. Bettis was that rock you could bank on. Even at the end of his career, beat up and running on damaged legs he led the Steelers to a Super Bowl XL title. He was a leader as well as top flight RB. He was the epitome of workhorse.

7 – Hines Ward – The heart and soul of the Steelers for a decade now. 4 time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl XL . 2 time Super Bowl champ. He also leads the Steelers in career receptions, receiving yards, and receiving TD's. He is as complete of a wide receiver as you will ever find. He will do it all, including the fact they he is an outstanding blocker. He is headed for the Hall of Fame.

8 – Ben Roethlisberger - Aka Big Ben. Although he has plenty of career left in him there is already a lot that can be said of the 2 time Super Bowl winner. Yes he has only been around since 2004. He only has 1 Pro Bowl on his resume so far but he is considered in the elite of NFL QB's. 2004 offensive player of the year. He has shown he can lead a team under any circumstances. He was part of one of the most dramatic and clutch plays ever in a Super Bowl. He connected with Santonio Holmes to beat the Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII in the closing seconds with an amazing throw and catch.

9 – Rod Woodson – Arguably he could be higher on this list. But the lack of a Super Bowl ring in his tenor in Pittsburgh is weighing in. He was an 11 time Pro bowler (7 times with the Steelers) , 1993 defensive player of the year, and a Hall of Fame player. He did get a Super Bowl ring in Super Bowl XXXV while playing with the Baltimore Ravens. He also played in Super Bowl XXX as a member of the Steelers. If it not for Neil O'Donnell he may have 2 rings! He holds the NFL record of 12 pick six Interceptions and an NFL record 1,483 interception yards! One of the fastest NFL players also.

10 – Jack Ham – One of, if not the best outside linebackers ever! 8 time Pro Bowler and 4 time Super Bowl champion. He actually had explosive speed for a bigger man. They used to say he was the fastest man on the squad for the first 10 yards. Which doesn't sound like much but it is on the field. He could rush and he could sack. One of 8 NFL players to be in the 20/20 club. 20 interceptions and 20 sacks.

Clearly I considered many others as there are many Hall of Famers from the 1970's dynasty team. I could have easily listed L C Greenwood, Dwight White, Ernie Holmes. They along with Joe Greene were the legendary Steel Curtain. Of course Greene was the dominating force that started the whole unit. But you also had Donnie Shell and Mel Blount. 2 amazing defensive backs who could hawk a ball and hit like a sledgehammer. Something you don't find today. The you have 2 of the greatest centers who ever played both played for the Steelers. Mike Webster and Dermanti Dawson. Then you had some big time linebackers like Andy Russell, Levon Kirkland, and Greg Lloyd. Of course before the days I remember you had greats like QB Bobby Layne, RB Bill Dudley, DL Ernie Stoutner, and RB John Johnson all of whom are in the Hall of Fame.

Then you even have honorable mentions like kicker Gary Anderson who had an illustrious kicking career. And in the 1950's there was a DB who had 52 interceptions in a 9 year span named Jack Butler. He had a Steelers record 4 interceptions in one game.

But all in all I am happy with my list ...................

By: Andy Natalie
ProFootball-fans.com Pittsburgh Steelers Correspondent