Former Pittsburgh Steelers Defender Has Reportedly Died

Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Jackie Cline, a versatile force on the defensive line who contributed during the 1987 season, died July 25. He was 66.

Cline’s brief but memorable stop in Pittsburgh came amid the 24-day NFL players strike that year, when he appeared in one game for the Steelers after earlier professional experience elsewhere. That single contest marked his official entry into the NFL on a roster that valued depth and adaptability along the front.

Born March 13, 1960, in Kansas City, Kansas, Cline grew up in McCalla, Alabama. There he emerged as one of the state’s premier high school prospects while starring at McAdory High School, drawing widespread attention from major college programs.

He committed to the University of Alabama in the closing years of legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant’s tenure. As a freshman, Cline was part of the Crimson Tide squad that captured the 1979 national championship, gaining early exposure to championship-level expectations.

Over the subsequent four seasons, Cline developed into one of Alabama’s most reliable defensive linemen. His size and ability to handle multiple roles along the front made him a steady presence in the rotation for the Tide.

In his senior campaign of 1982, Cline earned second-team All-Southeastern Conference recognition. Those attributes of physicality and positional flexibility would later serve him well as he navigated the professional ranks.

Undrafted in 1983, Cline signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United States Football League. He helped the franchise secure championships in both 1984 and 1985, establishing himself as a key contributor on title-winning defenses before the league folded after the 1985 season.

The USFL’s collapse sent many players seeking NFL opportunities. Cline spent time with the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns organizations before landing with the Steelers during the 1987 labor dispute.

After his one-game stint in Pittsburgh, Cline moved to the Miami Dolphins later that same season. Under Hall of Fame coach Don Shula, he carved out his most substantial NFL role as a dependable reserve capable of lining up at defensive end or nose tackle whenever injuries created openings.

In 1988 with Miami, Cline started nine games and notched a career-best four sacks while playing in 14 contests. He continued as a primary backup the following year and also contributed on special teams units.

Cline wrapped up his NFL tenure with the Detroit Lions in 1990 following additional offseason work with the Atlanta Falcons and a short return to Miami. Over four NFL seasons, he appeared in 42 games, started 11 times and finished with six career sacks.

His professional journey also included time in the Canadian Football League, rounding out parts of eight seasons across the USFL, NFL and CFL. Cline’s ability to adapt across leagues and positions defined a career built on reliability rather than flash.

Cline’s son, Dylan Cline, followed a football path of his own, playing college ball at Jacksonville State and later earning a tryout with the Arizona Cardinals.

The elder Cline’s legacy remains tied to his Alabama championship roots and the brief but official chapter he wrote in Steelers black and gold.