Steelers Hall of Fame RB leads 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 35

[ASFN Admin]

We've officially entered the training camp edition of the Pittsburgh Steelers' countdown to kickoff. With fans needing to wait only 35 more days until the Steel City brand of football returns when the Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons on September 13, we'll take a look at the most recent and best players to ever wear No. 35.

Steelers current No. 35: CB Jamel Dean​

Dean, who signed with the Steelers this offseason, as well as Nichols, are the current No. 35 jersey wearers in Pittsburgh,

Last 5 Steelers to wear No. 35​

• Jamel Dean, 2026-present.
• Lew Nichols, 2025-present
• Jonanthan Ward, 2024
• Arthur Maulet, 2021-2022
• Ross Ventrone, 2014-2015

Best No. 35 in Steelers history: RB John Henry Johnson​

While No. 35 hasn't had the biggest impact in Steelers' history, the greatest all-time wearer is John Henry Johnson.

Johnson, who was selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 1953 NFL Draft, chose to play for the Calgary Stampeders in the Western Interprovincial Football Union over Pittsburgh, a move Art Rooney joked was to avoid the cold. While His NFL journey took him to several teams, Johnson’s time in Pittsburgh helped cement his legacy as one of the greatest running backs in Steelers history, recording 6,803 rushing yards and 48 rushing touchdowns during his 13-year career.

From 1954 to 1966, Johnson was named to four Pro Bowls and earned one Second-Team All-Pro selection. His production, toughness, and place in football history eventually earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, deserving of being recognized as the greatest Steeler to ever wear No 35.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers Hall of Fame RB leads 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 35

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