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Steelers to wear throwback jerseys vs. Jets

The Steelers will wear their throwback jerseys this week when they host the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium, a game where the team will honor the 50th Anniversary of Super Bowl IX.

"As we approach the 50th Anniversary of Super Bowl IX we think it is a good time to celebrate the team that ushered in an era of great success," said Steelers President Art Rooney II. "We're excited about being able to celebrate that pivotal time in Steelers history and honor the team that started it all."

The jerseys feature block numbers and letters on the traditional black jersey, a nod to the same jersey the team wore in the 1970s, including the 1974 season when the Steelers won Super Bowl IX, their first of four championships in the decade. The players will also have a unique twist this year and wear gray facemasks on their helmets as well, the same color they wore in 1974.

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) wears the throwback uniform during a photoshoot, Monday, Oct. 14, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

"Something that is so important being a Steeler is the legacy that comes with being a Steeler," said special teams captain Miles Killebrew. "We are always talking about the history of this team and the past. And Coach (Mike) Tomlin does a great job of bringing guys back, legacy players who have been here. We see guys who have been on some of those teams, and we respect them. Their pictures are up. The trophies are up.

"We are always reminded of the history that is the Pittsburgh Steelers, that culture of winning. To be able to put on those jerseys is another physical reminder of the shoulders of the giants that we stand on."

In addition, the jersey will have a commemorative patch honoring the 50th Anniversary of Super Bowl IX, with the team's Super Bowl IX ring part of the design.

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) wears the throwback uniform during a photoshoot, Monday, Oct. 14, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

The Steelers will honor the Super Bowl IX team at halftime of the game, and the team's annual Alumni Dinner will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Acrisure Stadium.

This will be the fifth time the team has worn this particular throwback jersey, previously doing so in 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023.

"It'll be cool to just be wearing history and to honor them," said receiver Calvin Austin III. "It's something that we strive for and is our ultimate goal. So, to be able to put on the uniform that they wore, and they look pretty cool as well. That'll be fun to play in them and hopefully get a big win."

In 2018, the Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns, 33-18, while wearing the jersey. They defeated the Los Angeles Rams, 17-12, while wearing the jersey in 2019.

In 2022, the Steelers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders, 13-10, on Christmas Eve while wearing the jerseys and celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Immaculate Reception and honoring late Hall of Famer Franco Harris.

The win streak continued for the Steelers in 2023 when the team defeated the Green Bay Packers, 23-19.

The Steelers pulled out the last second win when safety Damontae Kazee intercepted Packers quarterback Jordan Love at the two-yard line on the final play of the game. The Steelers offense controlled the game on the ground with 205 yards rushing, as Jaylen Warren put up his first 100-yard game with 101 yards, and Najee Harris added 82 yards rushing.

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) wears the throwback uniform during a photoshoot, Monday, Oct. 14, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

This will be the first time linebacker Patrick Queen will don the jersey, and he can't wait.

"Especially with it honoring those guys from the first Super Bowl. They started it here," said Queen. "When you go back and watch football, you watch old throwback football. You don't watch the new stuff. And just the way those guys played the game, it was incredible. Just being able to wear a jersey from that time is incredible."

Queen loves being a part of the Steelers linebacker legacy, and when he hears the names Jack Lambert, Jack Ham and Andy Russell, his eyes light up.

"Physicality. That's the biggest thing I can say," said Queen. "The way they played the game was ferocious. You try to play the game that way, you try to go out there and be physical, set a tone. Just relentless how they worked.

"Just being on the same team those guys were on is just incredible."

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