Pittsburgh Review

The Pittsburgh Steelers will don their throwback jerseys this week as they face the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium. The occasion marks the 50th Anniversary of Super Bowl IX, a significant milestone in the team's history.

"As we approach the 50th Anniversary of Super Bowl IX we think it is a good time to celebrate the team that ushered in an era of great success," said Steelers President Art Rooney II. "We're excited about being able to celebrate that pivotal time in Steelers history and honor the team that started it all."

The jerseys will feature block numbers and letters on the traditional black jersey, reminiscent of those worn during the 1970s, including the 1974 season when the Steelers clinched their first championship. This year, players will add gray facemasks to their helmets, replicating the look from 1974.

"Something that is so important being a Steeler is the legacy that comes with being a Steeler," stated special teams captain Miles Killebrew. "We are always talking about the history of this team and the past. And Coach (Mike) Tomlin does a great job of bringing guys back, legacy players who have been here. We see guys who have been on some of those teams, and we respect them. Their pictures are up. The trophies are up."

The jerseys will also include a commemorative patch celebrating Super Bowl IX's anniversary, incorporating elements from the team's championship ring design.

During halftime, members of the Super Bowl IX team will be honored. Additionally, an annual Alumni Dinner is scheduled for Saturday at Acrisure Stadium.

Receiver Calvin Austin III expressed enthusiasm about wearing these historic uniforms: "It'll be cool to just be wearing history and to honor them," he said. "It's something that we strive for and is our ultimate goal."

In past games featuring these throwback jerseys, Pittsburgh has maintained a winning streak against various opponents such as Cleveland Browns in 2018 and Green Bay Packers in 2023.

This weekend's game marks linebacker Patrick Queen's first opportunity to wear these iconic jerseys: "Especially with it honoring those guys from the first Super Bowl," Queen remarked. He appreciates being part of such an esteemed linebacker tradition alongside names like Jack Lambert and Jack Ham.

"Physicality," noted Queen when describing what he admires most about his predecessors' playing style. "Just being on the same team those guys were on is just incredible."