​The Pittsburgh Steelers’ countdown to kickoff is full speed ahead for the 2026 NFL regular season, with fans needing to wait just 65 more days until the Steel City brand of football returns when the Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons on September 13. In keeping with the countdown spirit, Steelers Wire will explore the history of the No. 65 jersey and evaluate which player wore it best.
The current No. 65 on the Steelers roster is Kyler Baugh, who has yet to make his NFL debut. Baugh wears the number as part of his early career with Pittsburgh, joining the franchise’s tradition while the team builds toward the 2026 slate. Jeremy Parquet also wore No. 65 for the Steelers, notably during the 2008 season, contributing to the legacy of a number associated with durability and versatility on the offensive line.
Among the players who have donned No. 65, the standout remains offensive tackle John Jackson. Jackson wore the Steelers’ colors from 1988 through 1997, then continued his professional career with the San Diego Chargers (1998–1999) and the Cincinnati Bengals (2000–2001). Over a 14-year span in the league, Jackson played in 203 games and started 166 of them, a testament to his reliability and consistency on the front line.
Jackson was a fixture for Pittsburgh during a period when the team leaned on a strong offensive line to propel its offense. He was a multi-year starter who contributed to the Steelers reaching Super Bowl XXX against the Dallas Cowboys. Although Pittsburgh did not win that game, Jackson’s impact as No. 65 etched him into the franchise’s history as the best bearer of the number.
For readers seeking the latest Steelers coverage, including offseason updates and moves, follow Steelers Wire on X at @TheSteelersWire and like the official Steelers Wire Facebook page. This reflection on No. 65 is part of our ongoing countdown coverage as the team approaches kickoff in September. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire as part of the day-by-day countdown to 2026, focusing on Day No. 65 for better SEO.