{
  "id": 35199,
  "title": "Former Steelers RB turned coach leads 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 42",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/former-steelers-rb-turned-coach-leads-2026-countdown-to-kickoff-day",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-02T08:30:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/former-steelers-rb-turned-coach-083033106.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The countdown to kick off the 2026 NFL season sees the Pittsburgh Steelers officially in the training camp phase, with just 42 days remaining until their first game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 13. Among the current roster, DB Tamon Lynum, an undrafted free agent from the University of Pittsburgh, is wearing the number 42 jersey. Looking back at the last five players to wear No. 42, the roster includes Lynum, James Pierre, Morgan Burnett, Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith, and John Kuhn.\n\nWhen it comes to the greatest Steelers player to ever wear the number 42, the list is narrowed down to one name: Dick Hoak. Hoak, who played for the Steelers from 1961 to 1970, was a standout running back and one-time Pro Bowler. During his career, Hoak amassed an impressive 3,965 rushing yards, 1,452 receiving yards, and 33 total touchdowns in 135 games. After his playing days, Hoak transitioned into coaching, becoming the Steelers' running backs coach in 1972 and helping lead the team to five Super Bowl victories. Hoak's accomplishments on and off the field have led to him being inducted into the Pittsburgh Steelers Legends Team and Hall of Honor.\n\nAs the Steelers prepare for another season, fans can stay updated on the latest training camp news and developments by following TheSteelersWire on X and liking their Facebook page.",
  "summary": "The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially entered the training camp edition of their countdown to kickoff, with just 42 days remaining until their first game of the season against the Atlanta Falcons on September 13. Current No. 42 on the roster is cornerback Tamon Lynum, a former undrafted free agent from the University of Pittsburgh. The article also highlights the five previous Steelers players who have worn the number 42, including James Pierre, Morgan Burnett, Da Mon Cromartie-Smith, John Kuhn, and the all-time best No. 42 in Steelers history, former running back Dick Hoak. Hoak, who played for the Steelers from 1961 to 1970, is remembered as one of the team's greatest running backs, recording 3,965 rushing yards, 1,452 receiving yards, and 33 total touchdowns in his career. He also served as the Steelers' running backs coach from 1972 to 1980 and went on to win five Super Bowls as part of the team's coaching staff.",
  "key_points": [
    "Pittsburgh Steelers in training camp phase with 42 days left to first game.",
    "DB Tamon Lynum wears number 42 jersey, part of five players in Steelers history.",
    "Dick Hoak, greatest Steelers player to wear No. 42, coached team to 5 Super Bowls."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/35199.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}