The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we’re at 18 days until Pittsburgh faces off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.
The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we’re at 18 days until Pittsburgh faces off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. In the spirit of the countdown, we’re taking a look at the history of No. 18 and the players who wore it best.
Current Steelers No. 18 wearer: QB Will Howard
Selected with the 185th pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, fan-favorite rookie QB Will Howard is the current No. 18 on the Steelers roster. After finishing his Ohio State career as a National Champion, Howard carries the hopes of Steelers fans wishing he can become the next great franchise quarterback — and he has the perfect mentor in Aaron Rodgers to potentially turn this dream into reality.
Last five Steelers to wear No. 18:
- Will Howard, 2025–present
- Mike Williams, 2024
- Anthony Averett, 2024
- Diontae Johnson, 2019–2023
- David Gilreath, 2012
Best No. 18 in Steelers history: WR Diontae Johnson
Arguably the best Steeler to ever wear No. 18 is Diontae Johnson. Selected with the 66th overall pick in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Johnson wasted little time making an impact on the Steel City brand of football — earning a Second-Team All-Pro selection as a punt returner during his rookie season. He was also named to the 2021 Pro Bowl.
During his five seasons in Pittsburgh, Johnson caught 391 passes for 4,363 yards — the ninth-most by a Steeler all-time — and 25 touchdowns. Despite leaving the Steel City on bad terms and struggling to make an impact outside of Pittsburgh, his performance as a Steeler leaves him deserving of being named the greatest to wear No. 18.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 18: history behind the jersey
Category: Football
