Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 51: a history of the number and who wore it best
Current Steelers No. 51 wearer: LB Nick Herbig
Nick Herbig, one of the most underrated Steelers on defense, currently wears No. 51 on the roster. Drafted with the 132nd pick in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Herbig burst onto the scene as an explosive pass rusher, with shades of his mentor, T.J. Watt, evident throughout his game. Over the past two seasons, Herbig was seen more and more opportunity on defense — with 2025 potentially serving as the season all the pieces align for the third-year edge rusher.
Last five Steelers to wear No. 51:
Best No. 51 in Steelers history: LB James Farrior
No Steeler has worn No. 51 better than James Farrior. Drafted by the New York Jets with the 8th overall pick in the first round of the 1997 NFL Draft, Farrior signed with Pittsburgh in 2002 — where he would go on to become one of the most dependable inside linebackers in Steelers history. In his 10 seasons in the Steel City, from 2002 to 2011, Farrior produced 1,085 combined tackles, 82 tackles for loss, 30 sacks, and 12 forced fumbles in 154 games — all of which were starts. He won two Super Bowls with Pittsburgh, as well as earning First-Team All-Pro and Second-Team All-Pro selections, and was named to two Pro Bowls. Farrior was later inducted into the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor — and it's his consistency, as well as his dedication to excellence, that make him the definitive choice as the greatest Steeler to ever wear No. 51.
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