I don’t know how many folks follow things like this, but I do and I hope others do as well.
The Steelers have retired only one number in their history (70, Ernie Stautner). When they had their run in the 70’s, they could have arguably retired 10 or more numbers based on the team that won 4 super bowls in 6 years.
Instead, they went with a practice of not handing out the number. Retiring it, in a sense, without actually doing it.
So, if you have been paying attention to it, since Bradshaw retired, no player has been issued 12.
Other numbers never issued again (as far as I know)
75 - Joe Greene
58 - Jack Lambert
59 - Jaclk Ham
52 - Mike Webster
32 - Franco Harris
12 - Terry Bradshaw (mentioned above)
For a long time, 82 (stallworth) and 88 (swann) weren’t given out, but when receivers were only permitted to wear numbers in the 80’s, they ran out of options and finally issued 88 and 82. Now, with receivers permitted to wear numbers in the teens, availability shouldn’t be a problem. And yet, the Steelers continue to issue 88 and 82. Does anyone know why?
And if you do know the answer to this, perhaps you know why the Steelers have recently begun to issue 47 (Mel Blount) after a long period of time. No shortage of numbers for cornerbacks in the 40’s, and Mel is a HOF player.
SFP - I don’t know why I notice these things. I just do.
And wow, you are correct. I was truly misremembering how long the 47, 82, and 88 numbers were out of action. One season for 47 and 82, no delay for 88. That completely conflicts with my memory.
I think we should chalk that one up to player superstition and the fact that until 2004 numbers from 10-19 were restricted to QBs, punters, and kickers. It looks like 13 was worn for a year in 1954, a year in 1936, and by two separate players in 1935. Not a very popular choice! Bill Mackrides, no offense to him, is probably not significant enough to merit the unofficial retirement treatment.