6 days ago
Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 33: a history of the number and who wore it best
The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we're at 33 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. 33 and the players who wore it best.
Current Steelers No. 33 wearer: OLB Jack Sawyer
Projected as one of the biggest steals of the 2025 NFL Draft, rookie OLB Jack Sawyer is the current No. 33 wearer on the Steelers roster. Selected with the 123rd pick of the fourth round, Sawyer checks all the boxes coming out of college — a perfect complement to an already loaded OLB room and a surefire lock to make the 53-man roster.
Best No. 33 in Steelers history: RB John "French" Fuqua
One of the most memorable Steelers of the '70s — RB John "Frenchy" Fuqua is the greatest wearer of No. 33. The New York Giants selected Fuqua with the 273rd pick in the 11th round of the 1969 NFL/AFL Draft — but he was traded to Pittsburgh after just one season.
In his seven years as a Steeler, Fuqua produced 4,178 yards from scrimmage and 24 total touchdowns. He also played a massive role in Steelers and NFL history — as he was QB Terry Bradshaw's intended target on the pass that led to the Immaculate Reception from the legendary RB Franco Harris. Frenchy Fuqua would win two Super Bowls with Pittsburgh before retiring in 1977 — leaving behind a legacy deserving of the title: best Steeler to ever wear No. 33.
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