Steelers Wire ranks Jack Butler as greatest No. 80 in franchise history ahead of 2026 season
As the Pittsburgh Steelers mark 80 days to their season debut, Steelers Wire identifies cornerback Jack Butler as the definitive wearer of jersey No. 80, while noting tight end Darnell Washington’s current role.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are now 80 days away from their 2026 NFL regular season opener against the Atlanta Falcons on 13 September. In a feature marking the countdown to kickoff, Steelers Wire has examined the history of jersey No. 80 within the franchise, identifying Hall of Fame cornerback Jack Butler as the greatest player to wear the number.
Butler, a Pittsburgh native who signed with the team as an undrafted free agent, spent nine years in the Steel City. Over 104 career games, he recorded 52 interceptions, a total that sits just five short of franchise leader Mel Blount. His accolades include three First-Team All-Pro selections, four Pro Bowl appearances, and membership in the Steelers All-Time Team, Legends Team, and the NFL 1950s All-Decade Team. Butler passed away on 11 May 2013 at the age of 85.
The current wearer of No. 80 is tight end Darnell Washington, described in the report as a 6-foot-7, 300-plus-pound player. The article also provided an honourable mention to Plaxico Burress, who recorded 8,499 receiving yards and 64 touchdowns during his NFL career.
The 2026 schedule includes a Thursday Night Football match in Paris against the New Orleans Saints in Week 7 and a Black Friday game against the Denver Broncos in Week 12. The season begins with a home game against the Falcons, followed by a trip to the New England Patriots and a home contest against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The full schedule lists matchups against the Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, and Tennessee Titans. Weeks 9 and 16 are absent from the provided list, consistent with standard NFL bye week structures.
