Greatest Pittsburgh Steelers Games

The Top Ten
1972 AFC Divisional Playoff Game (The Immaculate Reception)

It's the ultimate moment for Steeler fans, a play that seemed to call on divine intervention. The game that launched the team of the 1970s. Many stories came from that day, including the disappearance of the ball that Harris used to score on that play. It wasn't found until it was seen in a bank vault in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania.

This game also started the famed Raiders-Steelers rivalry of the 1970s. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote, "The play that changed a city."

Its Joeysworld

Super Bowl XLIII

One of, if not the greatest, Super Bowl of all time. This game saw big plays by both teams. For the Steelers, an end-to-end interception by James Harrison took forever - his 100-yard touchdown felt like it took an hour to complete, but Steelers fans didn't mind.

Jeff Reed became the unsung hero by kicking two crucial field goals. Then there was the drive to glory, as Big Ben Roethlisberger led his troops on an 88-yard drive, capped off with an amazing 6-yard touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes. With that, Pittsburgh secured its sixth world title.

Its Joeysworld

Super Bowl XIII

This was a star-studded game perfectly fit for prime-time television. Jackie Smith's dropped pass in the second half paved the way for pro football history, as the Steelers became the first team to win the Super Bowl three times. Terry Bradshaw overcame some first-half turnovers to produce four touchdown passes and 318 yards.

Among the four touchdowns was an amazing 75-yard pass from Bradshaw to John Stallworth, who caught another touchdown pass from Bradshaw in the same game. Truly a super game from a super team.

Its Joeysworld

Super Bowl X

This Super Bowl was a true global event and the first genuinely competitive game. It featured the fire of Jack Lambert, especially in the second half when he wrestled a Cowboy to the ground, which fired up the team. On offense, the breathtaking catches of Lynn Swann would later be replayed over and over. Even now, in 2020, those images are still fresh in the minds of Steelers fans worldwide.

And yes, the Steelers repeated as World Champions, part of an unforgettable era in NFL history.

Its Joeysworld

Super Bowl IX

It was the lowest-scoring Super Bowl game until 2019, but that didn't matter to Steeler fans, who had waited 42 years for a chance to play for the pro football world championship. In that game, the Minnesota Vikings' offense was ineffective, and the Steelers' famed Steel Curtain dominated quarterback Fran Tarkenton and even scored the first safety in Super Bowl history.

The Steelers won the game with their defense and running game, where Franco Harris, the game's MVP, made the difference. Art Rooney, the proud owner, was a lovable loser no more.

Its Joeysworld

1975 AFC Championship Game

This title game was played in classic Steeler weather: cold and icy. Both teams played a tough game, and for the first three quarters, the Steelers only led 3-0 over their arch-rivals, the Oakland Raiders. Worse still, George Atkinson delivered a brutal hit on Lynn Swann, forcing him out of the game.

But the fourth quarter was different, as the Steelers and Raiders put on an offensive display. Franco Harris' 25-yard touchdown put the Steelers ahead to stay. The Raiders fought until the very end. On the game's last play, Stabler completed a pass to Cliff Branch for 37 yards to the Pittsburgh 15, but he was tackled inbounds, and that was it - Pittsburgh wins.

Its Joeysworld

2008 AFC Championship Game

This game made sense - a rivalry that, for the first time, decided who would represent the AFC in Super Bowl XLIII. It was an exciting game, as Big Ben Roethlisberger picked apart the Baltimore Ravens' defense with his great passing. His throws to Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes set up crucial touchdowns, and the defense came up big when needed.

With the Ravens threatening to take the lead, Troy Polamalu intercepted a pass and returned it 40 yards, sending the Steelers to Super Bowl XLIII.

Its Joeysworld

2005 AFC Divisional Playoff Game
Super Bowl XIV

The dynasty was complete, and in front of the largest Super Bowl crowd ever, the Steelers cemented their place as the team of the 1970s. Rest in peace, Chuck Noll and Art Rooney.

Its Joeysworld

Super Bowl XL

The Newcomers

? 1976 AFC Divisional Playoff Game
? 1995 AFC Divisional Playoff Game
The Contenders
1995 AFC Championship Game
1989 AFC Wild Card Game
1974 AFC Championship Game

This game had a great plot. When the Raiders beat the Dolphins in the Division Playoffs, they claimed they had just won a berth in the Super Bowl. Then Steelers coach Chuck Noll held a team meeting and told his players that the best team in pro football was in that room. When the game ended, Noll was right.

Franco Harris carried 29 times for 111 yards and two touchdowns and was named Player of the Game, while Roy Gerela had a great day himself, kicking a field goal and three extra points. The Steelers, not the Raiders, won a berth in the Super Bowl.

Its Joeysworld

2002 AFC Wild Card Game
Steelers vs New York Giants 11/30/1952
1984 AFC Divisional Playoff Game
1979 AFC Championship Game
BAdd New Item