​The Pittsburgh Steelers’ countdown to kickoff for the 2026 NFL regular season is in full motion, with fans counting down to the moment Steel City football returns when the Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons on September 13. In keeping with the countdown spirit, Steelers Wire takes a closer look at the history of the No. 58 jersey and identifies which player wore it best.
Currently, there is no No. 58 on the Steelers’ active roster, and there’s good reason for that absence: the number has been unofficially retired out of respect for the franchise’s greatest wearer of that digit. Among the early steel curtain era icons who briefly wore No. 58 were Chuck Allen (1970–1971), Roger Pillath (1966), and Ed Pine (1965). Each of these players contributed to a storied lineage, but the loudest claim to the best No. 58 in Steelers history belongs to linebacker Jack Lambert.
Lambert was selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 1974 NFL Draft and went on to star in Pittsburgh for 11 seasons from 1974 through 1984. His résumé reads like a defensive playbook: nine-time Pro Bowler, six-time First-Team All-Pro, two-time Second-Team All-Pro, the 1974 Defensive Rookie of the Year, and the 1976 Defensive Player of the Year. His impact extended beyond personal accolades; he helped the Steelers win four Super Bowls and contributed to a ledger that includes recognition on several of the game’s most prestigious lists and teams.
Lambert’s dominance was acknowledged on the game’s all-time greats lists, including selections to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team, the 1980s All-Decade Team, the 75th Anniversary Team, and the 100th Anniversary Team. He earned a place on the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team as well as induction into the Steelers Hall of Honor. For the wider football world, Lambert’s career culminated with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990, a testament to his status as the greatest No. 58 in franchise history and one of the sport’s most celebrated linebackers.
For ongoing Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow Steelers Wire on X @TheSteelersWire and be sure to like our Facebook page to stay updated. This piece originally appeared on Steelers Wire as part of our Legendary Hall of Fame LB leading Steelers’ 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 58.