The Steelers are only 63 days away from welcoming the Atlanta Falcons to Pittsburgh on September 13, 2026. This countdown has sparked a look back at one of the franchise’s most iconic numbers. As fans count down to kickoff, the story of jersey #63 reveals a lineage of standout players. The number is now unofficially retired, honoring the best wearer in team history.
Jersey Number 63 Through the Years
Two players defined Steelers football on the 63‑shirt: a dominant defensive tackle from the mid‑1970s and a future Hall of Fame center who anchored the offensive line for more than a decade.
Ernie Holmes – Defensive tackle, 1975‑1976. Holmes debuted in November 1975 and helped the Steelers capture Super Bowl X the following January. His tenure on the number ended after the 1976 campaign.
Dermontti Dawson – Center, 1988‑2000. Drafted 44th overall in the second round of the 1988 NFL Draft, Dawson started 181 of 184 regular‑season games. He earned seven Pro Bowl selections and six First‑Team All‑Pro honors during his 13‑year career.
Dawson’s Hall of Fame Credentials
Dawson anchored the Steelers offensive line at a position that demands both strength and finesse. He was a six‑time First‑Team All‑Pro and seven‑time Pro Bowler, proving his elite status among the league’s centers. Dawson’s impact earned him spots on the NFL 1990s All‑Decade Team, the Steelers Hall of Honor, and the franchise’s All‑Time Team. In 2012, he was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as the greatest No. 63 in Steelers history.
Why Number 63 Is Retired
The Steelers have left No. 63 unoccupied since Dawson’s retirement, marking it as an unofficial retired number. This tribute reflects both Holmes’s early contributions and Dawson’s enduring influence on the franchise. Fans and analysts alike recognize the number as a symbol of defensive power and offensive resilience. The 2026 countdown provides another chance for supporters to honor this proud piece of Steelers lore.
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 63
Nov 1975; Unknown Location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle #63 Ernie Holmes on the sidelines during the 1975 season. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports (c) Copyright Malcolm Emmons
(Malcolm Emmons-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 63
Nov 1975; Unknown Location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle #63 Ernie Holmes on the sidelines during the 1975 season. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
(Malcolm Emmons-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 63
Jan 18, 1976; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Ernie Holmes (63) and Dwight White (78) bring down Dallas Cowboys running back Robert Newhouse (44) during Super Bowl X at the Orange Bowl. The Steelers defeated the Cowboys 21-17 to earn their 2nd consecutive Super Bowl title. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY Sports
(Malcolm Emmons-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 63
Dec 1976; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Ernie Holmes (63) on the bench during the 1976 season at Three Rivers Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
(Malcolm Emmons-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 63
Nov 15, 1992; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers center Dermontti Dawson (63) against the Detroit Lions at Three Rivers Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
(US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 63
Oct 17, 1993; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers center Dermontti Dawson (63) against the New Orleans Saints at Three Rivers Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
(US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 63
Oct 17, 1993; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers center Dermontti Dawson (63) on the bench against the New Orleans Saints at Three Rivers Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
(US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 63
Jan 8, 1994; Kansas City, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers center Dermontti Dawson (63) on the bench against the Kansas City Chiefs during the 1993 AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs defeated the Steelers 27-24. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
(US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 63
Nov 27, 1994; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers center Dermontti Dawson (63) in action against the Los Angeles Raiders at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
(US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 63
Dec 10, 1995; Oakland, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers center Dermontti Dawson (63) in action against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
(US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 63
Sep 29, 1996; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers center Dermontti Dawson (63) against the Houston Oliers at Three Rivers Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
(US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 63
Jan 11, 1998; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers center Dermontti Dawson (63) in action against the Denver Broncos during the 1997 AFC Championship game at Three Rivers Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 24-21. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
(US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 63
Jan 11, 1998; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers center Dermontti Dawson (63) in action against the Denver Broncos during the 1997 AFC Championship game at Three Rivers Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 24-21. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
(US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 63
August 4, 2012; Canton, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers former center Dermontti Dawson poses with his bust during the 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremonies at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
Looking Ahead to September 13
When the gates open on September 13, 2026, fans will witness the Steelers attempt to continue a proud tradition that includes Hall of Fame play on the 63‑jersey. The 63‑day countdown highlights more than just the upcoming game; it celebrates a legacy woven into the fabric of the franchise. As the Steelers prepare, the retired number reminds followers of the high standards set by Dawson and Holmes.
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