The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we’re at 25 days until Pittsburgh faces off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.
The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we’re at 25 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. 25 and the players who wore it best.
Current Steelers No. 25 wearer: S DeShon Elliott
One of the most underrated free agent acquisitions last offseason, DeShon Elliott is the current No. 25 wearer on the Steelers roster. Signing with Pittsburgh on a two-year deal in March 2024, Elliott's impact was felt immediately — he was one of the best tacklers and run defenders for the Steelers last season. In 2025, Elliott is playing on arguably the best defense of his career — one that's vying for a Super Bowl run this upcoming season.
Last five Steelers to wear No. 25:
- DeShon Elliott, 2024–present
- Desmond King, 2023
- Eric Rowe, 2023
- Ahkello Witherspoon, 2021–2022
- Antoine Brooks Jr., 2020
Best No. 25 in Steelers history: S Ryan Clark
Arguably the best Steeler to ever wear No. 25 is one of the hardest hitting defenders in franchise history — the great S Ryan Clark. Signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent in 2006 to replace S Chris Hope, Clark quickly cemented his name in the Steel City — producing 66 combined tackles, 11 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and 12 interceptions during his eight years as a Steeler.
One of the most underrated and underappreciated safeties of the era, Clark played a major role for one of the most historic and feared Steelers defenses — one that was victorious over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. He earned his lone Pro Bowl selection in 2011 — but it was never about the individual accolades for Clark, who deserves to be recognized as the greatest Steeler to wear No. 25.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 25: history behind the jersey
Category: Football
