The Pittsburgh Steelers are highlighting memorable moments from their history during the 2025 season, focusing this week on games against the Baltimore Ravens. The two teams have faced each other in several significant matchups over the years.
One notable game took place on January 20, 2002, during the AFC Divisional Playoffs. This was the first playoff game at the Steelers’ new home stadium. The Steelers defeated the Ravens 27-10, forcing four turnovers and limiting Baltimore to only 150 yards and seven first downs. Running back Jerome Bettis was sidelined due to an adverse reaction to medication before the game. Coach Bill Cowher addressed this after the game: “Jerome had an adverse reaction to medication prior to the game and that was unfortunate,” said Cowher postgame. “I called the team in after warmups and reminded them that Jerome didn’t play in that game in Baltimore when we beat them.” Despite Bettis’s absence, Amos Zereoue scored two touchdowns, Kris Brown added two field goals, and Plaxico Burress caught a touchdown pass from Kordell Stewart.
Another key matchup occurred on January 18, 2009, in the AFC Championship Game. Safety Troy Polamalu made a crucial interception of Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco late in the fourth quarter and returned it for a touchdown, securing a trip to Super Bowl XLV for Pittsburgh. Earlier in that game, Polamalu also stopped Flacco on a fourth-and-one attempt.
On January 15, 2011, during another AFC Divisional Round Game, Pittsburgh overcame a halftime deficit against Baltimore. Linebacker James Harrison sacked Flacco early in the second half; safety Ryan Clark forced a fumble recovered by LaMarr Woodley; Ben Roethlisberger threw touchdowns to Heath Miller and Hines Ward; Rashard Mendenhall scored what proved to be the winning touchdown for a final score of 31-24.
A more recent memorable moment came on December 25, 2016—Christmas Day—when Pittsburgh clinched the AFC North with a win over Baltimore. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger led an eight-play drive with just over one minute left on the clock before connecting with Antonio Brown for a decisive four-yard touchdown pass. Coach Mike Tomlin commented after clinching: “Man, it’s great to be AFC North Champs,” said Coach Mike Tomlin after the game. “We tip our cap to the Ravens, they’re a tough, tough opponent, not only today but always… All of the men are to be congratulated. It’s significant. We punched our ticket. And that’s an awesome thing.” Roethlisberger added: “No one stopped believing,” said Roethlisberger. “It’s pretty special the way we won it… So, to come back and win it is pretty special.”
The Steelers’ history includes honoring figures such as Terry Bradshaw and Joe Greene through their Hall of Honor program (https://www.steelers.com/history/hall-of-fame/). The franchise has achieved six Super Bowl championships (https://www.steelers.com/history/super-bowls/) and continues its focus on celebrating its legacy through initiatives like historical exhibits at Acrisure Stadium (https://www.steelers.com/museum/). The organization is recognized as one of professional football’s most successful franchises since its founding by Arthur J. Rooney Sr., maintaining its headquarters at Acrisure Stadium (https://www.steelers.com/museum/).
