​The Pittsburgh Steelers’ countdown to kickoff for the 2026 NFL regular season is in full motion, with fans soon able to see their favorite Steel City brand of football return when Pittsburgh hosts the Atlanta Falcons on September 13. In keeping with the countdown spirit, Steelers Wire takes a closer look at the history of the No. 62 jersey and weighs which player wore it best.
Currently, Ryan McCollum wears No. 62 on Pittsburgh’s roster and serves as the top backup behind center Zach Frazier. He faces stiff competition from versatile offensive lineman Brock Hoffman as the competition for the number continues to heat up. McCollum, listed for 2024–2026, joins a lineage of players who have carried the number for the Steelers, including John Malecki (2012) and Justin Hartwig (2008–2009).
A visual reminder of the era comes from October 15, 2000, when No. 62 Roger Duffy lined up for the Steelers in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh. The Steelers dominated that afternoon, defeating the Bengals 15–0, a moment captured by Tom Pidgeon of Allsport (Getty Images). This snapshot sits among the many memories associated with the No. 62 jersey.
But the name most closely tied to No. 62 in Steelers lore is Tunch Ilkin, widely regarded as the finest wearer of the number. An offensive tackle who became a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s trenches throughout the 1980s, Ilkin was selected by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 1980 NFL Draft. He spent 13 memorable seasons with the team, appearing in 176 games and starting 143 of them. Ilkin’s excellence earned him back-to-back Pro Bowl selections in 1988 and 1989, underscoring his impact as a lineman who could dominate at the professional level.
After retiring from active play, Ilkin remained deeply connected to Pittsburgh sports and the Steelers Nation, transitioning to broadcasting and continuing to contribute to the team’s community and lore. His enduring contributions were acknowledged with his inclusion on the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team and the Hall of Honor, cementing his status as a true icon of the Steel City and as the best player to wear No. 62 in Steelers history.
As the Steelers prepare for the 2026 season, fans can look forward to continued coverage of offseason moves and roster developments. For the latest Steelers news, follow Steelers Wire on X at @TheSteelersWire and connect with the team’s updates on their Facebook page.
This piece originally appeared on Steelers Wire as part of the countdown to kickoff series, highlighting Day No. 62 in the journey toward the 2026 season and offering a deeper look at the players who have worn the No. 62 jersey.