Steelers Have Rich Franchise History In Block Numbers

In Sunday’s contest with the Green Bay Packers, the Pittsburgh Steelers will pay homage to their history as the team will sport the fan-favorite block-numbered alternate jersey. The team’s social media team teased the announcement earlier in the week Before it was confirmed by a X post on Tuesday.

From 1968 through 1996, the Steelers dawned their infamous block numerals until changing to their current jersey that displays more of a curved font before the 1997 season. The block numbers became a staple of the teams’ uniform during the height of the Steel Curtain in the 1970s, and the team wore them as their primary jersey for 28 seasons.

Compared to their regular uniforms, the Steelers’ throwbacks feature block numbers and do not have the team’s logo on the left chest. They will wear the uniforms for their annual alumni weekend when former players return for festivities to Pittsburgh for the weekend.

Since the turn of the century, the Steelers wore many different alternate jerseys until they debuted the block number jersey as their current alternate back in the 2018 season. The Steelers have worn the blocks as alternates in three games prior to this season and have won all three contests.

RELATED: Steelers Preparing to Be Down Multiple ILBs vs Packers

In 2018, the Steelers debuted the block numerals as an alternate against Cleveland as they defeated the Browns 33-18. They wore them again the following season and defeated the Los Angeles Rams 17-12. After the 2019 season, the block numerals took a backseat to the all-black color rush alternates until making a return last season.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) celebrates after his touchdown with Pat Freiermuth, right, and running back Najee Harris (22) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Don Wright)

Last year, the Steelers rocked the block uniforms was in Week 16 of the 2022 season when the Steelers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 13-10 in what turned out to be the coldest game in Heinz Field/Acrisure Stadium history. Last year’s edition came with a commemorative patch that celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.

Ironically, the Steelers will be in a 1970-esque matchup on Sunday as two of the league’s best defenses will face off against two of the league’s lowest-scoring offenses. Regardless of their history in the block numerals, the team will have to play a complete game to maintain their undefeated streak in the alternates.

Funnily enough, teams have won five straight games in throwback uniforms this season. That occurred all from Weeks 7 and 8, so Pittsburgh is preparing to play with a streak in the NFL on the line against another storied NFL franchise. The Packers come in off a 20-3 win against the battered Rams.