NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

Lore & Background

The selection process didn't just count names; it echoed the roar of the Steel Curtain. While other franchises leaned on offensive fireworks, the Steelers' presence was anchored by a defensive terror that rewrote the sport's DNA. Joe Greene wasn't merely selected; he was recognized as the gravitational center who pulled the entire league into his orbit, while Mel Blount's nod acknowledged the moment the NFL had to change its rulebook because one man was simply too physical to guard legally.

Reader's Guide

In December 2019, the NFL didn't just host an anniversary; it held a coronation. For Pittsburgh, this wasn't a statistic; it was a historical seal of approval validating two distinct eras of dominance. Five Steelers earned their spot: Joe Greene (DT), Terry Bradshaw (QB), Mel Blount (CB), Jack Lambert (LB), and Franco Harris (RB). Their inclusion bridges the Steel Curtain's terrifying defense with the high-flying 1970s offense, creating an unbreakable link between eras. This list remains the definitive yardstick: to be considered truly great in Pittsburgh, you must now measure your soul against Greene's intensity or Blount's coverage.

Did You Know?

• Joe Greene is widely regarded as the only player on the entire All-Time Team who possessed the versatility and dominance to start at virtually any position on the field.
• Mel Blount's selection forced a permanent acknowledgment that his physical 'Blount Rule' style of coverage was so effective, it literally changed NFL regulations.
• The five Steelers honored represent the core of four of the franchise's six Super Bowl victories from their dominant 1970s dynasty.
• Jack Lambert stands as one of only three players on the entire All-Time Team who never played a single down on offense.