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Inspirational LB leads Steelers' 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 50
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- Inspirational LB leads Steelers' 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 50
The Pittsburgh Steelers ' countdown to kickoff is full steam ahead for the 2026 NFL regular season, with fans needing to wait only 50 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. 50 jersey and analyze which player wore it best.
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Steelers current No. 50: LB Malik Harrison
Harrison, who signed with the Steelers on a two-year deal in March 2025 after a five-year stint with the Baltimore Ravens , is the current No. 50 wearer on Pittsburgh's roster.
Last 5 Steelers to wear No. 50
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Malik Harrison, 2025-2026
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Elandon Roberts , 2023-2024
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Malik Reed , 2022
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Delontae Scott , 2021-2022
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Ryan Shazier , 2014-2017
Nov 10, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) celebrates while leaving the field after defeating the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
(Amber Searls, Amber Searls-Imagn Images)
Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) rushes the ball past Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Malik Harrison (50) during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
(Barry Reeger, Barry Reeger-Imagn Images)
Jan 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) celebrates with fans after defeating the Miami Dolphins 30-12 in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
(Geoff Burke, Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)
Jan 15, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) reacts to an interception during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
(Jay Biggerstaff, Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports)
Jan 15, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) spins the ball during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
(Denny Medley, Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)
Sep 17, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) takes the field against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 26-9. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire, Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)
Sep 17, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) warms up prior to a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark Konezny, Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports)
Sep 24, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) takes the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
(Mike Dinovo, Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports)
Oct 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) comes up with a fumble recovery in the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
(Philip G. Pavely, Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports)
Nov 26, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) takes the field before playing the Green Bay Packers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
(Philip G. Pavely, Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports)
Nov 26, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) takes the field before playing the Green Bay Packers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
(Philip G. Pavely, Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports)
Nov 15, 1998; Nashville, TN, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Earl Holmes (50) on the field against the Tennessee Oilers at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK
(Tony Tomsic, Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY Sports)
October 28, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Larry Foote (50) on the sidelines against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 27-12. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
October 21, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Larry Foote (50) fires his team up on the sidelines before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
(Greg Bartram-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
November 12, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Larry Foote (50) reacts after a defensive stop on third down against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 16-13 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
November 12, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Larry Foote (50) on the field before playing the Kansas City Chiefs at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 16-13 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
November 18, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) carries the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Larry Foote (50) defends during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Baltimore Ravens won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
December 30, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) and inside linebacker Larry Foote (50) smile on the sidelines against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports, Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)
May 21, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Larry Foote (50) participates in organized team activities at the UPMC Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport, USA TODAY Sports)
Jun 11, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Larry Foote (50) participates in pass catching drills during minicamp at the UPMC Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport, USA TODAY Sports)
May 21, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers Jarvis Jones (95) and Larry Foote (50) participate in organized team activities at the UPMC Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport, USA TODAY Sports)
Aug 24, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) carries the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Larry Foote (50) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire, Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)
1
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
Nov 10, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) celebrates while leaving the field after defeating the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
(Amber Searls, Amber Searls-Imagn Images)
1
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
Nov 10, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) celebrates while leaving the field after defeating the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
(Amber Searls, Amber Searls-Imagn Images)
2
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) rushes the ball past Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Malik Harrison (50) during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
(Barry Reeger, Barry Reeger-Imagn Images)
3
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
Jan 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) celebrates with fans after defeating the Miami Dolphins 30-12 in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
(Geoff Burke, Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)
4
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
Jan 15, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) reacts to an interception during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
(Jay Biggerstaff, Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports)
5
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
Jan 15, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) spins the ball during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
(Denny Medley, Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)
6
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
Sep 17, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) takes the field against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 26-9. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire, Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)
7
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
Sep 17, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) warms up prior to a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark Konezny, Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports)
8
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
Sep 24, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) takes the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
(Mike Dinovo, Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports)
9
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
Oct 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) comes up with a fumble recovery in the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
(Philip G. Pavely, Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports)
10
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
Nov 26, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) takes the field before playing the Green Bay Packers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
(Philip G. Pavely, Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports)
11
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
Nov 26, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) takes the field before playing the Green Bay Packers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
(Philip G. Pavely, Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports)
12
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
Nov 15, 1998; Nashville, TN, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Earl Holmes (50) on the field against the Tennessee Oilers at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK
(Tony Tomsic, Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY Sports)
13
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
October 28, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Larry Foote (50) on the sidelines against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 27-12. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
14
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
October 21, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Larry Foote (50) fires his team up on the sidelines before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
(Greg Bartram-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
15
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
November 12, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Larry Foote (50) reacts after a defensive stop on third down against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 16-13 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
16
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
November 12, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Larry Foote (50) on the field before playing the Kansas City Chiefs at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 16-13 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
17
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
November 18, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) carries the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Larry Foote (50) defends during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Baltimore Ravens won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
18
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
December 30, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) and inside linebacker Larry Foote (50) smile on the sidelines against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports, Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)
19
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
May 21, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Larry Foote (50) participates in organized team activities at the UPMC Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport, USA TODAY Sports)
20
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
Jun 11, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Larry Foote (50) participates in pass catching drills during minicamp at the UPMC Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport, USA TODAY Sports)
21
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
May 21, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers Jarvis Jones (95) and Larry Foote (50) participate in organized team activities at the UPMC Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport, USA TODAY Sports)
22
/22
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 50
Aug 24, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) carries the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Larry Foote (50) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire, Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)
Best No. 50 in Steelers history: LB Ryan Shazier
The countdown to kickoff brings us to one of the most inspirational Steelers of all-time at No. 50: linebacker Ryan Shazier.
Drafted by Pittsburgh with the 15th overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Shazier wasted little time emerging as one of the league's most dynamic inside linebackers. From 2014 to 2017, Shazier recorded 299 combined tackles, 24 tackles for loss, seven sacks, seven forced fumbles, and seven interceptions. He was ultimately named to two Pro Bowls for his elite level of play.
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As many Steelers fans are aware, Shazier tragically suffered a career-ending spinal cord injury in 2017, but he never gave up on his long road to recovery, inspiring those facing seemingly impossible challenges in their lives. Though his time on the field was brief, what Shazier brought to the Steel City of Pittsburgh is irreplaceable, making him the best Steeler to ever wear No. 50.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Inspirational LB leads Steelers' 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 50
