The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we’re at 66 days until Pittsburgh faces off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. In the spirit of the countdown, we’re taking a look at the history of No. 66 and the players who wore it best.
Current Steelers No. 66 wearer: OG Mason McCormick
McCormick was drafted with the 119th pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft — and was arguably the biggest surprise of the rookie class. In Week 4 of the 2024 season, then-starting RG James Daniels suffered a torn Achilles, forcing McCormick into a starting role — but he didn’t flinch at the opportunity. McCormick would allow just two sacks all season — both of which occurred in the same contest against the Ravens in Week 16. The healthy Steelers offensive line is projected to take a major step forward in 2025 — and a lot of it has to do with McCormick, who’s looking to improve upon an already impressive rookie season last year.
Last five Steelers to wear No. 66:
- Mason McCormick, 2024–present
- David DeCastro, 2012–2020
- Tony Hills, 2010
- Alan Faneca, 2000–2007 (wore No. 65 from 1998–1999)
- Jim Sweeney, 1996–1999
Best No. 66 in Steelers history: OG Alan Faneca
The best Steeler to ever wear No. 66 is without a doubt Alan Faneca. Drafted by Pittsburgh with the 26th overall pick in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft, Faneca anchored the Steelers’ offensive line for a decade — starting 153 games for the Black and Gold from 1998 to 2007. Faneca was dominant in both the pass and run game — and helped pave the way for the Steelers’ Super Bowl XL championship. One of the most prolific guards of his era, Faneca was named six-time First-team All-Pro, two-time Second-team All-Pro, and earned nine consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2001 to 2009. He was also named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team, the Steelers Hall of Honor, and the Pittsburgh Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was selected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021 and remains one of the greatest offensive linemen in team history. There’s no debating Faneca was the greatest Steeler to ever wear No. 66.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 66: history behind the jersey