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Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Why the Pittsburgh Steelers Won’t Issue Justin Fields Jersey Number 1

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Eric Dockett | Last updated 3/20/24

New Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields wore jersey No. 1 during his three seasons with the Chicago Bears. He wore No. 1 in college during his time at Ohio State. But it isn’t likely you’ll see him issued No. 1 as a Steeler.

Two more big acquisitions, quarterback Russell Wilson and linebacker Patrick Queen, have already been issued their No. 3 and No. 6 jerseys according to the official Pittsburgh Steelers roster. Their jerseys also appear in the NFL Shop, where Fields’ jersey appears as No. 00 with the note Jersey Number to Be Confirmed.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have not retired jersey No. 1. The only numbers officially retired by the team are:

70 (Ernie Stautner, DT, 1950-1963)
75 (Joe Greene, DT, 1969-1981)
32 (Franco Harris, RB, 1971-1983)

So, what gives?

What gives is the Pittsburgh Steelers are a team steeped in tradition, and part of that tradition means keeping a semi-secret list of “unofficially” retired jersey numbers, of which No. 1 is part.

It belonged to Gary Anderson, who played for the Steelers from 1982 to 1994 and is one of the greatest Steelers of all time.

Who Is Gary Anderson?

Gary Anderson was one of the most reliable kickers in the NFL during his career and among the best in NFL history. He is the Pittsburgh Steelers’ all-time leader in points scored by a wide margin and ranks third in NFL history with 2,434 career points.

During his thirteen seasons in Pittsburgh, Anderson made three Pro Bowls while kicking 309 field goals and 416 extra points for a total of 1,343 points. His defining moment came in the Wild Card round of the 1989 playoffs when the underdog Steelers upset the Houston Oilers in overtime with a 50-yard field goal.

After leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers after the 1994 season, Anderson kicked for Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Minnesota (where he made one more Pro Bowl and the All-Pro team) before finishing his career in Tennessee at the age of 45.

While there are few pure kickers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Gary Anderson is one who deserves a legitimate shot.

Pittsburgh Steelers “Unofficially” Retired Numbers

While only the team knows for sure, here is a list of numbers it appears the Pittsburgh Steelers have “unofficially” retired along with their associated players:

1. Gary Anderson, K, 1982-1994

7. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, 2004-2021

12. Terry Bradshaw, QB, 1970-1983

36. Jerome Bettis, RB, 1996-2005

43. Troy Polamalu, S, 2003-2014

47. Mel Blount, CB, 1970-1983

52. Mike Webster, C, 1974-1988

63. Dermontti Dawson, C, 1988-2000

58. Jack Lambert, LB, 1974-1984

59. Jack Ham, LB, 1971-1982

86. Hines Ward, WR, 1998-2011

Sometimes, we may see these numbers issued during the preseason. Others made rare appearances throughout the years. However, it isn’t likely we will see them issued for a long while.

What Number Will Justin Fields Wear with the Steelers?

More than likely, Justin Fields’ Pittsburgh Steelers jersey number will need to be something other than one. They do things a certain way in Pittsburgh, and will not break with tradition easily. Some (altered) images of him wearing No. 5 have appeared around the web, and it is easy to assume he may choose 10 or 11.

It won’t be long until we know for sure. Of course, the Pittsburgh Steelers may break with tradition and issue Fields his No. 1 jersey after all. It would be unusual, but if they are interested in keeping him happy, it would be a smart move.