Former Mr. Irrelevant leads Steelers 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 61

The Pittsburgh Steelers' countdown to kickoff is full steam ahead for the 2026 NFL regular season, with fans needing to wait only 61 more days until the Steel City brand of football returns when the Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons on September 13.

In the spirit of the countdown, we at Steelers Wire will take a look at the history of the No. 61 jersey and analyze which player wore it best.

Steelers current No. 61: C Greg Crippen

Undrafted rookie center Greg Crippen is the current No. 61 wearer on the Steelers roster.

Steelers to wear No. 61

• Greg Crippen, 2026-present
• Logan Lee, 2024
• Mason Cole, 2022-2023
• Daniel Archibong, 2021
• Stefen Wisniewski, 2020

Best No. 61 in Steelers history: G Tyrone McGriff

No. 61 may not have a storied history like the other countdown to kickoff entries, but arguably the best Steeler to ever wear the number is guard Tyrone McGriff.

McGriff was selected by the Steelers with the 333rd overall pick in the 12th round of the 1980 NFL Draft, bestowing him the honor of Mr. Irrelevant, the title given to the final selections of drafts. of He played three seasons with the team from 1980 to 1982, appearing in 36 games and making 10 starts. His solid play as a rookie earned him a spot on the 1980 PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team.

McGriff’s legacy serves as a reminder that it is not where a player is drafted, but what he does with the opportunity. And it was this ability to overcome the odds makes him the best Steeler to wear No. 61.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Former Mr. Irrelevant leads Steelers 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 61