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Steelers Hall of Fame safety leads 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 43
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- Steelers Hall of Fame safety leads 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 43
We've officially entered the training camp edition of the Pittsburgh Steelers ' countdown to kickoff. With fans needing to wait only 43 more days until the Steel City brand of football returns when the Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons on September 13, we'll take a look at the most recent and best players to ever wear No. 43.
Steelers current No. 43: N/A
The Steelers do not have a No. 43 on the current roster out of respect for arguably the greatest to ever wear the number.
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Last 5 Steelers to wear No. 43
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Troy Polamalu , 2003-2014
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George Jones, 1997
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Steve Avery, 1993-1995
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Shawn Vincent, 1991
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Ray Wallace, 1989
Oct 1, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Frank Lewis (43) catches the winning touchdown pass against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Steelers defeated the Cardinals 25-19. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports
(Herb Weitman-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Dec 13, 1986; E. Rutherford, NJ, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Earnest Jackson (43) carries the ball against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
(Manny Rubio-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
October 17, 2010; Pittsburgh,PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Troy Polamalu (43) in pursuit of a Cleveland Browns ball carrier during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE
(Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
November 21, 2010; Pittsburgh,PA, USA: Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) runs with the ball after an interception against the Oakland Raiders during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 35-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE
(Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Dec 19, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) is pressured by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
(Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Jan 1, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) drops back in coverage during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Steelers won 13-9. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
(David Richard-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 29, 2013; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) and Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) after the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Steelers 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) reacts to a play during the third quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the game 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark Konezny, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) calls out a pass coverage scheme during the third quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark Konezny, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Dec 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) drops into pass coverage against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Dec 29, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) breaks off the line of scrimmage against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 20-7. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 21, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) runs a drill during warm ups prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeremy Brevard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) reacts during player introductions before playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Heinz Field. The Buccaneers won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) rushes the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) chases during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) drops into pass coverage against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Buccaneers won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) reacts in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at Heinz Field. The Steelers defeated the Texans 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) rushes at the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. The Ravens won 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) during an AFC wild card playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens game at Heinz Field. The Ravens defeated the Steelers 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
(Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers former safety and 2020 Professional Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Troy Polamalu becomes emotional and wipes his face with a Terrible Towel as he speaks at a news conference before the Pittsburgh Steelers play the Seattle Seahawks at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports)
1
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 43
Oct 1, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Frank Lewis (43) catches the winning touchdown pass against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Steelers defeated the Cardinals 25-19. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports
(Herb Weitman-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 43
Oct 1, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Frank Lewis (43) catches the winning touchdown pass against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Steelers defeated the Cardinals 25-19. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports
(Herb Weitman-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 43
Dec 13, 1986; E. Rutherford, NJ, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Earnest Jackson (43) carries the ball against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
(Manny Rubio-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3
/19
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 43
October 17, 2010; Pittsburgh,PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Troy Polamalu (43) in pursuit of a Cleveland Browns ball carrier during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE
(Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 43
November 21, 2010; Pittsburgh,PA, USA: Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) runs with the ball after an interception against the Oakland Raiders during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 35-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE
(Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 43
Dec 19, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) is pressured by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
(Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 43
Jan 1, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) drops back in coverage during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Steelers won 13-9. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
(David Richard-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7
/19
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 43
Sep 29, 2013; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) and Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) after the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Steelers 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 43
Nov 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) reacts to a play during the third quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the game 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark Konezny, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9
/19
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 43
Nov 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) calls out a pass coverage scheme during the third quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark Konezny, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10
/19
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 43
Dec 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) drops into pass coverage against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11
/19
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 43
Dec 29, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) breaks off the line of scrimmage against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 20-7. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 43
Sep 21, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) runs a drill during warm ups prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeremy Brevard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13
/19
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 43
Sep 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) reacts during player introductions before playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Heinz Field. The Buccaneers won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14
/19
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 43
Oct 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) rushes the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) chases during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15
/19
Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 43
Sep 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) drops into pass coverage against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Buccaneers won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 43
Oct 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) reacts in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at Heinz Field. The Steelers defeated the Texans 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 43
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) rushes at the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. The Ravens won 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 43
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) during an AFC wild card playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens game at Heinz Field. The Ravens defeated the Steelers 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
(Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
19
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 43
Oct 17, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers former safety and 2020 Professional Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Troy Polamalu becomes emotional and wipes his face with a Terrible Towel as he speaks at a news conference before the Pittsburgh Steelers play the Seattle Seahawks at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports)
Best No. 43 in Steelers history: S Troy Polamalu
When it comes to No. 43, one of the most historic numbers in Steelers history, the distinction of greatest wearer belongs to the best safety in NFL history: Troy Polamalu.
Drafted by the Steelers in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft, Polamalu went on to terrorize opposing offenses for 12 years with Pittsburgh. Playing with the Steelers from 2003 to 2014, Polamalu recorded 12 sacks, 783 combined tackles, 32 interceptions, and 107 passes defended.
Polamalu, one of the hardest-hitting defenders of all time, earned eight Pro Bowl honors, four First-Team All-Pro selections, and two Second-Team All-Pro selections. He also won two Super Bowls with the Steelers during his 12-year career.
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The 2010 Defensive Player of the Year, Polamalu was recognized as a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, the Steelers All-Time Team, and the Steelers Hall of Honor. Polamalu was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020, truly befitting his recognition as the greatest No. 43 in Steelers history.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers Hall of Fame safety leads 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 43
