The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we’re at 8 days until Pittsburgh faces off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.
The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we’re at 8 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. 8 and the players who wore it best.
Current Steelers No. 8 wearer: QB Aaron Rodgers
Arguably one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time — Aaron Rodgers is the current No. 8 wearer on the Steelers roster. Signing with Pittsburgh last June after one of the most drawn-out waiting periods in recent memory, Rodgers brings 20 years of veteran experience to the Steelers offense — the perfect recipe for a deep playoff run with a talented roster.
Last five Steelers to wear No. 8:
- Aaron Rodgers, 2025-present
- Corliss Waitman, 2024
- Kenny Pickett, 2022–2023
- Melvin Ingram, 2021
- Karl Joseph, 2021
Best No. 8 in Steelers history: QB Tommy Maddox
Mr. XFL legend himself — the greatest Steeler ever to wear No. 8 is without a doubt QB Tommy Maddox. Struggling to earn a starting job with the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, and New York Giants, Maddox took a brief hiatus from football from 1998 to 1999 — before playing for the New Jersey Red Dogs of the Arena Football League in 2000.
Taking his talents to the XFL the next year, Maddox served as the starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Xtreme and became an XFL champion, earning league MVP recognition along the way. His tremendous success outside the NFL garnered the attention of the Pittsburgh Steelers — where he signed in 2001 to serve as Kordell Stewart's backup.
Maddox earned Comeback Player of the Year in 2002, eventually paving the way for Ben Roethlisberger to take over the starting QB role in 2004. He finished his five-year Pittsburgh tenure with 7,139 passing yards and 42 touchdowns — the ninth-most by a Steeler all time in both categories. He is truly deserving of the right to be named the best No. 8 in franchise history.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 8: history behind the jersey
Category: Football