Steelers Hall of Fame CB leads 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 47

The Pittsburgh Steelers' countdown to kickoff is full steam ahead for the 2026 NFL regular season, with fans needing to wait only 47 more days until the Steel City brand of football returns when the Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons on September 13.

>In the spirit of the countdown, we at Steelers Wire will take a look at the history of the No. 47 jersey and analyze which player wore it best.

Steelers current No. 47: N/AThere isn't current a No. 47 on Pittsburgh's roster. And for good reason, as the number was unofficially retired out of respect for the greatest all-time wearer.

Last 5 Steelers to wear No. 47Ronald Stanley, 2006 • >Scott Shields, 1999-2000 • >Cameron Riley, 1987 • >Bruce Jones, 1987 • >Steve Morse, 1985Best No. 47 in Steelers history: CB Mel BlountWe reached another historic number in the Steelers countdown to kickoff: No. 47. And the greatest wearer is, without a doubt, cornerback Mel Blount.

>Blount, who was selected by the Steelers with the 53rd overall pick in the third round of the 1970 NFL Draft, would play 14 seasons with Pittsburgh from 1970 to 1983. In his career, Blount played in 200 games and recorded 57 interceptions, which is the most all-time by a Steeler.

>Blount would win four Super Bowls with the legendary Steel Curtain defense. He also earned five Pro Bowl honors, two First-Team All-Pro selections, four Second-Team All-Pro selections, and was named the 1975 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

>For his excellence, Blount was named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team, the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, the Steelers All-Time Team, and the Steelers Hall of Honor. Blount was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989, forever cementing his legacy as an all-time great Steeler and the best to wear No. 47.

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>This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers Hall of Fame CB leads 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 47