Alex Highsmith: Steelers No. 56 as 2026 Season Approaches
Steeler Countdown to 2026 Kickoff
The Pittsburgh Steelers have just 56 days until their first game of the 2026 NFL regular season, when they will welcome the Atlanta Falcons to Acrisure Stadium on September 13. The offseason build‑up has fans focused not only on roster moves but also on the players who will wear the iconic number 56 this year. As the calendar flips, the spotlight naturally falls on the current occupant of that jersey.
Current No. 56: Alex Highsmith
Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith is the Steelers’ reigning No. 56 and one of the league’s more understated edge rushers. He joins a powerful trio that also features Nick Herbig and the marquee T.J. Watt, creating a daunting presence on the defensive line. Highsmith’s play has helped define Pittsburgh’s defensive identity as the team prepares for the upcoming season. His ability to generate pressure and disrupt passing lanes makes him a key figure in the Steelers’ plans for 2026.
Historical Look: From LaMarr Woodley to Robin Cole
While many have worn number 56 for Pittsburgh, outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley is widely regarded as the greatest in franchise history. Woodley was selected 46th overall in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft and spent seven seasons (2007‑2013) with the Steelers. During his tenure he helped the team capture Super Bowl XLIII and earned Second‑Team All‑Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2009. Woodley’s 57 career sacks rank ninth on the Steelers’ all‑time list, cementing his legacy.
Other notable No. 56 wearers include Robin Cole, a two‑time Super Bowl champion who earned honorable mention for his impact. Early players such as Ray Mansfield (1969), LaMarr Woodley (2012‑2013), and the legendary Robin Cole (1980‑1987) each contributed to the jersey’s storied past. The number has been associated with defenders who defined Pittsburgh’s identity on the field, from Super Bowl eras to modern‑day contests.
Why No. 56 Matters for the Future
The number 56 has become a symbolic link between the Steelers’ storied past and their aspirations for the future. As Alex Highsmith continues his development, fans watch whether he can match the durability and production that made LaMarr Woodley a franchise icon. The upcoming September 13 showdown against Atlanta will be a showcase for Highsmith and the defensive unit, offering a preview of what the Steelers hope to achieve in 2026 and beyond. The jersey’s history adds narrative depth to each game, reinforcing the pride associated with wearing a cherished number.
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 56
Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) celebrates with fans following a game against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
(Barry Reeger, Barry Reeger-Imagn Images)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 56
Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) celebrates with fans following a game against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
(Barry Reeger, Barry Reeger-Imagn Images)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 56
Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) reacts as he takes the field against the Kansas City Chiefs at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
(Charles LeClaire, Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 56
Oct 26, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) celebrates a stop on third down against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
(Barry Reeger, Barry Reeger-Imagn Images)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 56
Nov 2, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) reacts as he takes the field against the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
(Charles LeClaire, Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 56
Nov 30, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) takes the field against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
(Charles LeClaire, Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 56
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) drops back to pass in the fourth quarter as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and defensive tackle Montravius Adams (57) close in on the play at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Oct. 23, 2022.
(JIM RASSOL/THE PALM BEACH POST , JIM RASSOL/THE PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 56
Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) applies pressure to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
(Barry Reeger, Barry Reeger-Imagn Images)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 56
Oct 12, 1969; Bronx, NY, USA;FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Ray Mansfield (56) and New York Giants Joe Szczecko (76) in action at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
(Manny Rubio-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 56
Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley (56) during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
(Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports, Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports)
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Former Steelers Super Bowl champion leads 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 56
Jun 11, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley (56) gestures between drills during minicamp at the UPMC Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport, USA TODAY Sports)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 56
Sep 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) carries the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley (56) defends during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Tennessee Titans won 16-9. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Charles LeClaire, Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 56
Nov 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley (56) warms up prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark Konezny, Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 56
Dec 2, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers former linebacker LaMarr Woodley (56) during a recognition of the Super Bow XLIII team during halftime of the Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers game at Heinz Field. 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. 56
The Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) runs with the ball in the first half as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley reaches for him in Super Bowl XLV, in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, February 6, 2011.
(Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 56
Jan 20, 1980; Pasadena, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Rams running back Wendell Tyler (26) carries the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Robin Cole (56) and defensive end L.C. Greenwood (68) during Super Bowl XIV at the Rose Bowl. The Steelers defeated the Rams 31-19. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
(Manny Rubio)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 56
Jan 1, 1984; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett (16) gets hit after a pass by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Robin Cole (56) in the 1983 AFC Divisional Playoff game at The Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Steelers 38-10. 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. 56
Jan 20, 1980; Pasadena, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker (56) Robin Cole and (58) Jack Lambert stop the Los Angeles Rams running back (32)Cullen Bryant during Super Bowl XIV at the Rose Bowl. The Steelers defeated the Rams 31-19. Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK
(Tony Tomsic, Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY Sports)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 56
Jan 6, 1984; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Miami Dolphins running back Woody Bennett (34) blocks Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Robin Cole (56) during the AFC Championship at the Orange Bowl. The Dolphins won 45-28. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
(Manny Rubio-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
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Steelers countdown to kickoff photos: Greatest and most recent players to wear No. 56
Dec 26, 1987; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Robin Cole (56) in action against the Cleveland Browns at Three Rivers Stadium. The Browns defeated the Steelers 19-13. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
(US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)
In the end, Highsmith stands as the current face of the 56 jersey, carrying forward a legacy that stretches back through Hall‑of‑Fame caliber players like LaMarr Woodley and defensive stalwart Robin Cole. As the Steelers prepare for September’s showdown with Atlanta, fans will watch to see if the young edge rusher can match the intensity and impact that made the number iconic. The countdown continues, and every practice, game, and highlight brings a fresh reminder of why No. 56 remains a badge of honor for those who wear it. Follow the season’s progress and see how Highsmith measures up against the great Steelers who have donned the same number.
