Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 12: a history of the number and who wore it best

The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we’re at 12 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. 12 and the players who wore it best.

Current Steelers No. 12 wearer: N/A

There isn't an active No. 12 wearer on the roster, as the jersey was unofficially retired after the greatest Steeler to wear it hung up his cleats following the 1983 season.

Last five Steelers to wear No. 12:

• Terry Bradshaw, 1970–1983
• Terry Nofsinger, 1963–1964
• Jack Scarbath, 1956
• Vic Eaton, 1955
• Nick Skorich, 1946–1948

Best No. 12 in Steelers history: QB Terry Bradshaw

There is zero debate on this selection — the best No. 12 in Steelers history is the legendary QB Terry Bradshaw. Selected first overall in the 1970 NFL Draft, Bradshaw, AKA the Blonde Bomber, had one of the greatest careers by any NFL quarterback — leading the Steelers to four Super Bowl championships in the 1970s, two of which earned him Super Bowl MVP recognition. In his 14 years in Pittsburgh, Bradshaw threw for 27,989 passing yards and 212 touchdowns — the second-most all-time by a Steeler in both categories, trailing only Ben Roethlisberger.

Bradshaw was named NFL MVP and First-Team All-Pro in 1978, as well as being named to three Pro Bowls throughout his career. To recognize his impact on the game, he was selected to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team, the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team, and the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor. One of the most prestigious honors, Bradshaw was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989 — another feather in the cap of the greatest No. 12 in Steelers history.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 12: history behind the jersey