The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, known for their hard-nosed style, strong defenses, and passionate fan base. Over the decades, they’ve created and maintained some intense rivalries. These rivalries are often about more than just a game; they represent battles for pride, bragging rights, and even championships. Let’s explore the top five rivalries that define Steelers football.
1. Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens
Why It’s a Rivalry
This rivalry is arguably one of the fiercest in the NFL. It’s known for its hard hits, close scores, and deep-seated dislike between the two teams and their fans. The rivalry began in 1996, when the Baltimore Ravens were established, but it quickly became one of the most intense matchups in the league.
Memorable Moments
In 2008, the Steelers and Ravens faced off three times, including the AFC Championship Game. The Steelers won all three games that year, including the AFC title, and eventually went on to win the Super Bowl. Both teams have been known for their defensive powerhouses, and games often come down to the wire, with either team capable of winning.
Key Players
The rivalry has seen some legendary players on both sides. For the Steelers, names like Troy Polamalu, Ben Roethlisberger, and James Harrison have all had memorable moments against the Ravens. On the Ravens’ side, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs brought physicality and intensity to every game. This rivalry is truly a battle of pride, toughness, and grit.
Why It Defines Steelers Football
Steelers fans love tough, defensive battles, and games against the Ravens are always physical. It’s almost guaranteed that there will be big hits, intense plays, and unforgettable moments. This rivalry brings out the best in the Steelers, especially when they’re playing at home in front of the “Terrible Towels.”
2. Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Why It’s a Rivalry
The Steelers and Browns rivalry goes back to 1950, making it one of the oldest rivalries in the NFL. For decades, these teams have battled for the pride of the AFC North. The proximity of the two cities, Pittsburgh and Cleveland, adds fuel to the rivalry, as fans of both teams can easily attend games in either city.
Memorable Moments
Over the years, the Steelers have had the upper hand in this rivalry, especially since the 1970s. However, the Browns have occasionally had their moments. In the 2020 playoffs, the Browns defeated the Steelers at Heinz Field, marking a huge win for Cleveland fans who had waited years for playoff success.
Key Players
Players like Myles Garrett, Joe Thomas, and Baker Mayfield have contributed to the rivalry for the Browns, while the Steelers have seen memorable moments from Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, and Ben Roethlisberger in games against Cleveland. Every game between these two teams is packed with emotion and history.
Why It Defines Steelers Football
The Steelers-Browns rivalry represents classic, old-school football. Games are played in cold weather, fans are rowdy, and both teams have a lot of history behind them. Steelers fans get especially passionate for these matchups, and it’s a game that brings out the team’s fighting spirit.
3. Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Why It’s a Rivalry
The rivalry with the Cincinnati Bengals is another intense AFC North battle. The Steelers and Bengals have faced each other twice a season since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, and their games are often physical and heated. In recent years, the rivalry has grown due to some infamous incidents and controversial plays.
Memorable Moments
One of the most memorable moments in this rivalry came in the 2015 AFC Wild Card Game, where the Steelers narrowly defeated the Bengals in a game full of penalties and intense hits. The game saw several injuries, as well as costly penalties on the Bengals that helped the Steelers secure the win.
Key Players
Names like Antonio Brown, Vontaze Burfict, and JuJu Smith-Schuster have become associated with this rivalry. Burfict, in particular, was known for his hard hits on Steelers players, making games even more intense. For Pittsburgh, stars like James Harrison and Ben Roethlisberger often played a central role in these matchups.
Why It Defines Steelers Football
Games against the Bengals showcase the Steelers’ resilience and toughness. Despite the rivalry’s heated nature, the Steelers have historically come out on top, showing their ability to overcome challenges even when the games get rough.
4. Steelers vs. Dallas Cowboys
Why It’s a Rivalry
Though the Cowboys aren’t in the same division as the Steelers, their rivalry is legendary. In the 1970s, the Steelers and Cowboys played in two Super Bowls, with the Steelers winning both matchups. This rivalry represents a clash of two of the NFL’s most iconic teams, often referred to as a battle between the “blue-collar” Steelers and the “America’s Team” Cowboys.
Memorable Moments
The 1970s were a golden era for this rivalry, as both teams were at the top of the NFL. The Steelers beat the Cowboys in Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII, cementing their place as one of the league’s best teams. In the 1990s, however, the Cowboys got their revenge, beating the Steelers in Super Bowl XXX.
Key Players
This rivalry has seen some legendary players on both sides, including Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, and “Mean” Joe Greene for the Steelers, and Roger Staubach, Emmitt Smith, and Troy Aikman for the Cowboys. These stars helped define what each franchise stands for.
Why It Defines Steelers Football
The Steelers-Cowboys rivalry is all about history and pride. It’s a matchup that brings back memories of the Steelers’ early Super Bowl successes and showcases the team’s blue-collar roots. This rivalry shows how the Steelers stand out as a hard-working, no-nonsense team, and it’s always an exciting game when these two teams meet.
5. Steelers vs. New England Patriots
Why It’s a Rivalry
This rivalry developed in the 2000s when the Patriots began to dominate the NFL. The Patriots frequently blocked the Steelers from reaching the Super Bowl, and fans grew frustrated watching New England win key matchups. This rivalry is more recent but has had a huge impact on the Steelers’ recent playoff runs.
Memorable Moments
The Steelers and Patriots have met multiple times in the playoffs, with the Patriots often coming out on top. One of the most memorable—and controversial—moments came in 2017 when a Jesse James touchdown catch was overturned, costing the Steelers the game. This led to more frustration for Steelers fans and fueled the rivalry even more.
Key Players
Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger have been the faces of this rivalry for years. Brady’s success against the Steelers became a sore point for Pittsburgh fans, as it often meant the end of the Steelers’ playoff hopes. Roethlisberger, however, fought hard in each matchup, showing Pittsburgh’s resilience and determination.
Why It Defines Steelers Football
Games against the Patriots have been a lesson in perseverance for the Steelers. Though they haven’t always come out on top, the Steelers have continued to battle and work to improve. This rivalry highlights the Steelers’ commitment to fighting through tough situations, even when up against one of the NFL’s greatest dynasties.
Conclusion
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ history is full of memorable rivalries, and each one brings out a different side of the team. From hard-hitting battles with the Ravens to classic matchups with the Cowboys, these games define what it means to play Steelers football. The fans and players share a strong connection, and these rivalries only make that bond stronger. For the Steelers, each rivalry is a chance to prove their toughness, passion, and dedication to the game, making every matchup unforgettable.
