Inspirational LB leads Steelers' 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 50

The Pittsburgh Steelers' countdown to kickoff is full steam ahead for the 2026 NFL regular season, with fans needing to wait only 50 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. 50 jersey and analyze which player wore it best.

Steelers current No. 50: LB Malik Harrison

Harrison, who signed with the Steelers on a two-year deal in March 2025 after a five-year stint with the Baltimore Ravens, is the current No. 50 wearer on Pittsburgh's roster.

Last 5 Steelers to wear No. 50

• Malik Harrison, 2025-2026
• Elandon Roberts, 2023-2024
• Malik Reed, 2022
• Delontae Scott, 2021-2022
• Ryan Shazier, 2014-2017

Best No. 50 in Steelers history: LB Ryan Shazier

The countdown to kickoff brings us to one of the most inspirational Steelers of all-time at No. 50: linebacker Ryan Shazier.

Drafted by Pittsburgh with the 15th overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Shazier wasted little time emerging as one of the league’s most dynamic inside linebackers. From 2014 to 2017, Shazier recorded 299 combined tackles, 24 tackles for loss, seven sacks, seven forced fumbles, and seven interceptions. He was ultimately named to two Pro Bowls for his elite level of play.

As many Steelers fans are aware, Shazier tragically suffered a career-ending spinal cord injury in 2017, but he never gave up on his long road to recovery, inspiring those facing seemingly impossible challenges in their lives. Though his time on the field was brief, what Shazier brought to the Steel City of Pittsburgh is irreplaceable, making him the best Steeler to ever wear No. 50.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Inspirational LB leads Steelers' 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 50