Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 22: a history of the number and who wore it best

The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we’re at 22 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. 22 and the players who wore it best.

Current Steelers No. 22 wearer: S Juan Thornhill

Signing with Pittsburgh this past March, Juan Thornhill is the current wearer of No. 22 on the Steelers roster. Thornhill has spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs and, more recently, the Cleveland Browns. A two-time Super Bowl champion with starting experience at the highest level, Thornhill will be tasked with replacing All-Pro FS Minkah Fitzpatrick — who was traded to the Dolphins on June 30.

Last five Steelers to wear No. 22:

• Juan Thornhill, 2025–present
• Najee Harris, 2021–2024
• Steven Nelson, 2019–2020
• Stevan Ridley, 2018
• William Gay, 2007–2017

Best No. 22 in Steelers history: CB William Gay

When it comes to the No. 22, there's arguably no greater Steelers wearer than CB William Gay. Selected with the 170th overall pick in the 5th round of the 2007 NFL Draft, Gay carved out his identity as a solid lockdown corner and pick-six machine, returning five of his 13 career interceptions for touchdowns — tied with legendary CB Rod Woodson for the most in franchise history. From 2007-2011 and 2013-2017 — excluding his brief 2012 season with the Cardinals — Gay played in 160 games, with 86 of those coming as starts, and was part of the Super Bowl XLIII championship team. His longevity and overall playmaking ability make him the best Steeler to ever wear No. 22.

Honorable mention: RB Najee Harris, who produced four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons and made the 2021 Pro Bowl.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 22: history behind the jersey