Custom Throwback Pittsburgh Steelers Jerseys
Since their debut in 1933, the Pittsburgh Steelers have worn black and gold.
Their very first jerseys had vertical black stripes on a gold background. The stripes were actually strips of raised felt meant to reduce fumbles by causing friction against the ball. It also featured Pittsburgh's city emblem as a way to rally hometown fans.
The 1934 jersey featured horizontal stripes and numbers instead of a crest. That jersey became known as the "bumblebee" throwback jersey.
In 1953, the first "modern" Steelers uniform appeared. The jerseys displayed gold horizontal bands on the sleeves and gold chest numbers. Plastic helmets replaced leather ones, but facemasks didn't become mandatory until the 1960s.
Several uniform experiments in the 1960s led to the removal of the jersey stripes twice. In 1962, they wore white jerseys with numbers inside gold diamonds on the sleeves.
One of the most famous uniforms the team ever wore was the Batman-themed uniforms worn in 1966-67. A diamond-shaped gold triangle covered the shoulders of the jerseys. But, these jerseys didn't last long, since the team disliked them.
In 1968, the Steelers introduced the current uniform design. These uniforms resemble a modern version of the 53' uniforms and are a lot like the ones worn today.
History of the Pittsburgh Steelers
Formerly known as the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Steelers were founded in 1933. The team is one of the most successful franchises in the NFL, winning more Super Bowls than anyone else. However, their road to success was not without challenges.
After struggling for more than 40 years without winning a championship, they finally won the AFC Central division title in 1972. In the wake of the Steelers' victory in 1975 at Super Bowl IX, sports fans everywhere cheered when owner Art Rooney, one of the world's most admired figures in sports, received the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Key players included quarterback Terry Bradshaw, defensive tackle Ernie Holmes, defensive end L.C. Greenwood, defensive tackle “Mean Joe” Greene, and defensive end Dwight White.
The 1974 season saw the Steelers sign four more players who would go on to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, including center Mike Webster, receivers John Stallworth and Lynn Swann, and linebacker Jack Lambert. They became a dynasty known for unmatched success, winning four Super Bowls (1975, 1976, 1979, and 1980) in six seasons. The team featured a dominant defense dubbed the Steel Curtain and an effective offense driven by Bradshaw.
In the 1980s, the Steelers lost many of their key players from the Super Bowl era to retirement. Some of these losses include Rocky Bleier after the 1980 season, Jack Ham and Lynn Swann after 1982, Terry Bradshaw and Mel Blount after 1983, and Franco Harris after 1984. The team was still in the playoff mix in the first half of the 80s, but fell into a slump in the second half of the decade.
Thanks to a new coach and new stars, the Steelers began to see success in the 1990s. They went to the playoffs in each of the first six seasons. The 90s Steelers' defense was highlighted by stars such as future Hall of Famer Rod Woodson and linebackers Greg Lloyd and Kevin Greene.
The Pittsburgh Steelers reached the 1996 Super Bowl, but lost to the Dallas Cowboys. Their success continued into the new century.