Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 53: a history of the number and who wore it best
Current Steelers No. 53 wearer: OLB Eku Leota
Heading into the 2025 season, OLB Eku Leota is the current Steelers wearer of No. 53. The outside linebacker signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2023 — where he would remain until being released on September 21, 2024. Less than two weeks later, the Steelers signed Leota to their practice squad — ultimately appearing in just one game in 2024 for Pittsburgh. He would sign a Future/Reserve contract this past January — but faces stiff competition to make the 53-man roster due to a loaded outside linebacker room.
Last five Steelers to wear No. 53:
Best No. 53 in Steelers history: C Maurkice Pouncey
When it comes to No. 53, no Steeler wore it better than C Maurkice Pouncey. Drafted by Pittsburgh with the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, Pouncey served as a long-time leader of the Steelers' offensive line for over a decade, tasked with protecting the legendary Ben Roethlisberger. He played in 134 career games and started every one of those contests for the Steelers. Pouncey's stellar play resulted in two First-Team All-Pro selections and three Second-Team All-Pro selections — while also being named to nine Pro Bowls. For his achievements, he was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team — and there is no honor more befitting than to be recognized as the greatest Steeler to ever wear No. 53.
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