Steelers Wire retrospective names Joey Porter Sr as greatest to wear No 55 ahead of 2026 opener
Former linebacker’s tenure from 1999 to 2006 defined by 60 sacks and Super Bowl XL defence as current holder Holcomb enters backup role
The Pittsburgh Steelers are now 55 days from their 2026 NFL season opener, a milestone that has prompted Steelers Wire to examine the history of the club’s No 55 jersey. The countdown feature identifies former outside linebacker Joey Porter Sr as the most significant player to wear the number, citing his defensive impact during his tenure with the franchise.
The Steelers are scheduled to host the Atlanta Falcons at home in the Steel City on 13 September. As the team prepares for the regular season, the retrospective analysis focuses on the legacy of the jersey currently worn by Holcomb, who serves as the team’s top backup linebacker behind Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson.
Porter, selected by Pittsburgh with the 73rd overall pick in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft, appeared in 122 games for the club between 1999 and 2006. During this period, he recorded 60 sacks, a total that ranks as the seventh-most all-time for the franchise.
His career with the Steelers included a pivotal role in the Super Bowl XL championship defence. Porter earned three Pro Bowl selections while in Pittsburgh and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2002. He later added another Pro Bowl selection during his time with Miami.
Recognition of Porter’s contributions includes his inclusion in the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team, the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor, and the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. The Steelers Wire feature describes him as the only realistic selection for the greatest Steeler to ever wear No 55.
