The Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons on September 13, 2026, giving fans just 69 days until the regular season begins. This milestone has inspired a look at jersey number 69 across Pittsburgh history. The article picks apart who has worn the number best, both past and present.
Current Steelers Wearing No. 69
Right now Pittsburgh fields two players with the 69 moniker. Defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph‑Day joined the roster this offseason on a two‑year deal after compiling over 100 games with his previous team. Offensive lineman Lorenzo Thompson, an undrafted free‑agent signing from the Cleveland Browns in 2024, landed a reserve/futures contract in January 2026 but has yet to appear in an NFL contest.
Historical No. 69 Legends
When it comes to greatness, former guard Kevin Dotson tops the list for Steelers fans. The 2020 fourth‑round pick from Louisiana quickly became a starter, logging 39 games with 30 starts through 2022. After being traded to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a 2024 fourth‑round pick and a 2025 fifth‑round pick, Dotson enjoyed two back‑to‑back productive seasons and earned Pro Bowl consideration.
Beyond Dotson, the number has also been worn by notable figures such as center Ariel Solomon, who was on the field during the 1994 AFC Wild‑Card loss to Kansas City, and former offensive lineman Jerry Hillebrand. Each of these players contributed in their own way, with Solomon’s presence in a key playoff game and Hillebrand’s solid play providing solid runner‑up performances.
The article wraps up with a reminder for readers to follow Steelers coverage on X at @TheSteelersWire and to like the Facebook page for the latest updates. Stay tuned as the Steelers count down to the first snap of the season.
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 69
Ariel Solomon #69, Center for the Pittsburgh Steelers looking on during the American Football Conference Wild Card game against the Kansas City Chiefs on 8th January 1994 at the Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, United States. The Chiefs won the game 27 – 24. (Photo by Earl Richardson/Allsport/Getty Images)
(Earl Richardson, Getty Images)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 69
Ariel Solomon #69, Center for the Pittsburgh Steelers looking on during the American Football Conference Wild Card game against the Kansas City Chiefs on 8th January 1994 at the Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, United States. The Chiefs won the game 27 – 24. (Photo by Earl Richardson/Allsport/Getty Images)
(Earl Richardson, Getty Images)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 69
Oct 31, 1971; Bronx, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO;
Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-US PRESSWIRE
(Manny Rubio-US PRESSWIRE)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 69
Oct 17, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Darrell Taylor (52) is carted off the field as Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) and offensive lineman Kevin Dotson (69) watch during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
(Philip G. Pavely, Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 69
Sep 11, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Kevin Dotson (69) reacts after place kicker Chris Boswell (not pictured) misses the field goal in overtime against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
(Katie Stratman, Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 69
Oct 16, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Kevin Dotson (69) gestures as he takes the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire, Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)
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Former Steelers guard leads 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 69
Oct 30, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Kevin Dotson (69) prepares to block against Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu (95) at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
(Eric Hartline, Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 69
Dec 18, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Kevin Dotson (69) during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
(Jim Dedmon, Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 69
Oct 30, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Kevin Dotson (69) prepares to block against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
(Eric Hartline, Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 69
Jan 1, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Kevin Dotson (69) reacts after the team scores a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports
The slideshow captures a decade of Steelers players who have worn the 69 jersey, from the memorable 1994 Wild‑Card moment to Dotson’s recent exploits. Fans can swipe through the images to see how the number has evolved with the team’s identity.
For up‑to‑date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X at @TheSteelersWire and give the Facebook page a like. The countdown continues, and the anticipation for September 13 builds with every day that passes.
Content Credit: This article was originally published on sports.yahoo.com.
Image Credit: Featured image and media assets sourced directly from the original publisher. View Original Image.
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