The Greatest Steelers Moments Of All-Time

With the start of the new season approaching, there’s a gap in proceedings just about big enough to remember some golden moments. We’ve brought a handful of the all-time best Steelers memories right to you. So, buckle up, it’s going to be emotional. 

Past Season: Miles Killebrew Kills The NFL Pro Bowl (2024) 

It's not exactly a mid-game moment, but can we take a second to appreciate the football mastery of Miles Killebrew? During the NFL Pro Bowl, Killebrew showed his creativity and courage when sandwiching a football between his thighs. Doesn't sound too masterful? You have to watch the moment. He's already carrying four other footballs when he quickly holds one between his legs in order to catch a further football - and he manages it. 

It's true, the need to wrangle six footballs at once is probably not a skill that's going to come in handy on the pitch. But this was the punt catching challenge - and sometimes you've got to show off your best party tricks. With that said, this kind of quick thinking and courage is exactly the reason that the Steelers are ranking so highly in the NFL futures at the moment. We've got a classy team of players, who aren't afraid to take calculated risks. Sure, we had an unlucky loss (or two) in the previous season, but watching this kind of hilarious footballing skill, it's not wild to think we might get the trophy next time around. 

The Immaculate Reception (1972) 

From almost the present day, right back to 1972, for another stunning catch (this time not with five footballs already in hand/leg). This play was dubbed the ‘Immaculate Reception’ and for anyone who saw it live, it's likely remained etched in their brains forever. It was the final moments of the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the then-Oakland Raiders. 

A pass was launched at John Fuqua, but bounced off the shoulder of a defender and somehow straight into the arms of Franco Harris. He caught it maybe an inch from the ground and set off running like you've never seen. He slid into the end zone for a touchdown that would secure his place in the history books and the victory of the game. 

Fans sometimes complain that we never see moments like these anymore, and perhaps there is a certain romance about the games of yesteryear. However, our next pick is much more recent, and still gave us that 'heart in the mouth' feeling when we watched it unfurl. 

Santonio Holmes’ Toe-Tap Catch (2009) 

Who doesn't remember the 2009 Super Bowl when we were up against the Arizona Cardinals? It had been a back-and-forth game, but in the final quarter, we were struggling. However, we'd got a dynamic duo on our side. Ben Roethlisberger was the catalyst for a drive that would win us the game. He absolutely sent the ball and for a moment the whole crowd held their breath. There seemed to be no way that Santonio Holmes would be able to make it over the line and catch that throw. But he did. 

Or did he? Initially, it was ruled that the catch was incomplete, and a groan erupted from the Steelers stands. However, after the replay, it was found that Holmes had indeed caught the uncatchable. He'd grabbed the ball and got both feet down in bounds. This physics-defying play gave us the lead, with half a minute remaining. It's always an honor to win a Super Bowl, but this catch was one of the most exciting deciding moments in Super Bowl history.

The Steelers Dig Deep (2005) 

Heading into the playoffs at a 7-5 disadvantage is never a nice place to be, but it's exactly where we found ourselves entering Week 14 of the 2005 season. We were up against the Bears, and we'd got to win if the dreams of the playoffs were going to continue. Unfortunately, the Chicago Bears were at the top of their game that season with a 9-2 record and the literal bear Brian Urlacher heading up the defense. 

The snow was coming down and the pitch was heavy to say the least. With challenging conditions and an impermeable defense, the Steelers turned to Jerome Bettis (or The Bus as he was fondly known). Bettis ran for his life in that game, despite it being his 13th NFL season. He rushed for over 100 yards and scored a terrifying touchdown that saw The Bus collide with Brian Urlacher. Bettis threw himself through Urlacher's defense, knocking him to the ground and scoring what should have been an impossible touchdown. 

It was this grit that perhaps inspired the Steelers to their victory over the Bears. Not only this though, from their trailing position, the team's spirits were lifted, and they went on to secure an eight-game winning streak. They made it to the playoffs after all, showing that the drive of one player really can be enough to inspire the grit and determination of the whole team.