Steelers identify Clendon Thomas as best No. 28 ahead of 2026 season opener

The Pittsburgh Steelers are two days away from their 2026 NFL season opener against the Atlanta Falcons on September 13. As part of their countdown to kickoff series, the team has highlighted Clendon Thomas as the best player to ever wear jersey number 28 in franchise history.

Thomas, a defensive back who played for the Steelers from 1962 to 1968, recorded 23 interceptions in 96 games. He received Pro Bowl and Second-Team All-Pro recognition in 1963 after recording eight interceptions in a single season. A member of the Pittsburgh Steelers Legends Team, Thomas was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 1958 NFL Draft and played four seasons with them before joining Pittsburgh.

The designation of Thomas comes as the Steelers manage the transition of the number 28 jersey to their current roster. The number is currently worn by two rookies: wide receiver Levi Wentz and safety Robert Spears-Jennings.

The lineage of players who have worn the number 28 for the Steelers extends back through recent years. Prior to the current rookies, the jersey was worn by Miles Killebrew from 2021 to 2025, Mike Hilton from 2018 to 2020, and Sean Davis from 2016 to 2017.

The Steelers hosted the Atlanta Falcons in their season opener, marking the return of the Steel City brand of football. The countdown to kickoff series serves to engage fans during the final days of training camp, bridging the gap between preparation and the start of the regular season.