Just two spots from the top, the Steelers are yet another classic uniform ranked highly because they got it right long ago, and there is likely nothing that will change their uniforms for the next 100 years.
The Steelers’ owners are among the classiest in team sports, and their attitude is reflected in the organization from top to bottom. This obviously doesn’t affect the jerseys, but the team’s history is being maintained through their efforts, and the uniforms certainly reflect that attitude.
When you observe the black and gold jerseys, two questions arise:
Q: Why are the logos only on one side of the helmets?
A: The Steelers equipment manager was asked by the team’s owner to place the new logo on one side of the helmets (which were then gold instead of black) as a test to see what it looked like. It proved to be so popular with the fans that they decided to leave it that way, and a logo was never added to the left side of the helmets.
Q: What does the logo mean?
A: I’m sounding like a broken record, but they’re tapping into local culture, which is always a huge plus. The Steelers’ logo is based on the Steelmark, owned by the AISI (American Iron and Steel Institute). The three colored “stars,” more accurately known as asteroids, originally stood for “Steel lightens your work, brightens your leisure, and widens your world.” No, I’m not kidding. Later, the colors came to represent the ingredients used in the steel-making process: yellow for coal, red for iron ore, and blue for scrap steel. The AISI allowed the Steelers to add the “ers” to the end of Steel on the left.
Today, the uniforms represent the winning tradition of their team. The Steelers are tied with the Dallas Cowboys for most Super Bowl appearances (eight), but are sole owners of the most Super Bowl wins in the NFL, with six. They are traditionally known for their tough, blue collar-ish work ethic and hard-nosed defense. The Steelers ownership, roster, coaches, fans, and uniforms all represent the work ethic of their city. What’s not to love about that?
Hines Ward, the hardest-blocking WR in the NFL
Fantasy owners are hoping Rashard Mendenhall's workload from last year doesn't lead to injuries and exhaustion in 2011
As intimidating as 95% of the NFL's defense
"Perhaps you recognize me from my shampoo commercials"
Oft-criticized (and often justly), Ben Roethlisberger is still a top-level (champion) QB
Facing off against bitter rivals, the Baltimore Ravens
"Let's talk about my hair some more..."
Their throwback alternates
I LOVE the Steelers!
-MTO
I’ve been a Steelers fan since childhood. I grew up in the decade of the great Cowboys/Steelers rivalry. You had to side with one or the other. There was not riding the fence on this one. I threw in with Terry Bradshaw and his Steelers way back then and have been a fan since…Curiously, my distaste for the Cowboys stem from the same era.