Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 55: a history of the number and who wore it best

USA Today

14-07-2025

The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we're at 55 days until Pittsburgh faces off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. In the spirit of the countdown, we're taking a look at the history of No. 55 and the players who wore it best.
Current Steelers No. 55 wearer: LB Cole Holcomb
One of the most underrated inside linebackers in the NFL — Cole Holcomb is the current Steelers wearer of No. 55. He signed with Pittsburgh back in 2023 on a three-year, $18 million contract and showed real promise during his first season as a Steeler. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 9 of the 2023 season and hasn't played since. Holcomb is ready to compete in 2025, however, and figures to pick up where he left off in a revamped Steelers linebacker room.
Last five Steelers to wear No. 55:
Best No. 55 in Steelers history: LB Joey Porter Sr.
Joey Porter Sr. is the best Steeler to ever wear No. 55. Drafted by Pittsburgh with the 73rd overall pick in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft, Porter became one of the most feared linebackers in the league. Playing in 122 games for Pittsburgh from 1999 to 2006, he produced 60 sacks — the seventh most all-time by a Steeler. A key piece of the Steelers' Super Bowl XL championship defense, Porter earned three Pro Bowl selections with Pittsburgh and one more with Miami — as well as being named First-Team All-Pro in 2002. For his accomplishments, he was named to the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team, the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor, and the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team — making Porter an easy selection as the greatest Steeler to ever wear No. 55.
Honorable mention: OT Jon Kolb — who played in 177 games as a Steeler and won four Super Bowls.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.