During the 2010s, the Pittsburgh Steelers were one of the top-performing franchises in the NFL. From 2010-2019 the Steelers made the playoffs six times, played in one Super Bowl and never had a record below .500. Much of this success falls on the play of some of the truly elite players to suit up for the Steelers during the decade. Six of those players made the Pro Football Focus Top 101 of the decade.
13-WR Antonio Brown
For all his problems that led to where Brown is now, you cannot deny the impact he had on the field during his tenure with the Steelers. Brown’s six-season stretch from 2013-2018 was the best any wide receiver has ever had in NFL history.
37-QB Ben Roethlisberger
Despite being a future first-ballot Hall of Famer, Roethlisberger rarely gets the national attention he deserves. Roethlisberger topped 4,000 passing yards five times during the decade and led the league in passing yards twice. But his lack of gaudy touchdown numbers always keeps him out of the conversation as a top quarterback in the league.
63-S Troy Polamalu
This might seem low for a first-ballot Hall of Fame safety but keep in mind, Polamalu only played five seasons in the decade and they were his final five in the league. Nevertheless, coming in at 63 seems really low for a guy who was an All-Pro twice in the decade and Defensive Player of the Year.
92-RB Le’Veon Bell
Bell played seven seasons int he decade and when he wasn’t injured or suspended was tremendous. In fact, a case could be made that in three of those seasons, Bell was the best running back in the NFL. But injuries, suspensions and a holdout will forever hurt Bell’s legacy for the decade.
95-EDGE James Harrison
It took a while to get here but the Steelers franchise sack leader makes the list at No. 95. Harrison might have been ranked higher but this team started just on the back end of Harrison’s best five-year streak as a player. Harrison was named an All-Pro in 2010 and it was the last time in his career he had double-digit sacks.
97-DT Cameron Heyward
When you want to talk about underrated, Heyward is the first Steeler to come to mind. Heyward has had at least five sacks in six seasons, was named an All-Pro once and over the last three seasons has amassed 29 total sacks. Heyward is the leader of the Steelers defense and his contributions run well beyond the boxscore.
