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Steelers Hall of Fame RB leads 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 36

The Pittsburgh Steelers are 36 days away from their 2026 NFL season opener, and here’s a look at which players wore No. 36 best.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially begun their countdown to kickoff, with only 36 days remaining until they face the Atlanta Falcons on September 13. Current Steelers No. 36 is currently vacant in honor of the team's greatest player to ever wear the jersey. Jerome Bettis, the all-time leader in rushing yards and touchdowns for the Steelers, holds the distinction of being the best No. 36 in franchise history.

Bettis, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1993, played three seasons with the team before being traded to Pittsburgh in 1996. He would go on to set Steelers records with 10,571 rushing yards and 78 rushing touchdowns during his 10 seasons with the Steelers. Bettis was a six-time Pro Bowler, two-time First-Team All-Pro, and won a Super Bowl with the Steelers in 2006.

In recognition of his accomplishments, Bettis was named to the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team, Hall of Honor, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.

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