In a stirring moment that has electrified fans, players, and alumni across the nation, the Pittsburgh Steelers have officially announced a historic tribute to one of the franchise’s most iconic figures. During a press event held today at Acrisure Stadium, Steelers owner Art Rooney II, flanked by members of the Rooney family, declared that legendary coach and Hall of Fame defensive lineman **Ernie Stautner** will be honored posthumously as the **Steelers’ Official Legacy Consultant and Honorary Team Icon** — a new title created to enshrine his eternal place within the team’s culture and history.
“This is the best news we could hope for,” said longtime Steelers fan and season ticket holder, Maria Stevens. “Coach Stautner *is* Pittsburgh football. He taught toughness, humility, and excellence — all the things we love about the Steelers.”
A Tribute Long Overdue
Though Ernie Stautner passed away in 2006, his legacy never left the Steel City. A nine-time Pro Bowler, Stautner played his entire NFL career (1950–1963) with the Steelers and remains the only player in franchise history to have his number (**#70**) officially retired. He later went on to a distinguished coaching career, including a successful tenure as defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys and a head coaching role in NFL Europe.
Now, nearly two decades after his passing, the Rooney family has cemented his legacy with a permanent presence in the organization’s future.
“Coach Stautner shaped not only the game on the field but the culture in our locker room,” Art Rooney II said during the ceremony. “As we look to the future, it’s only right that we bring the spirit of Ernie back into our family in a meaningful way. His standard is the standard.”
The Role: What It Means
The newly created position of **Honorary Team Icon and Legacy Consultant** involves incorporating Stautner’s philosophy, teachings, and leadership model into the team’s ongoing development. His playbook strategies, legendary toughness, and motivational style will be archived, digitized, and featured prominently in team meetings, the locker room, and the training of young players.
The Rooney family also announced the creation of the **Ernie Stautner Leadership Award**, an annual honor given to the player who best exemplifies Stautner’s core values: grit, selflessness, and commitment to excellence.
### Fan and Player Reaction
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin praised the move, calling it “a powerful bridge between generations.”
“Too often we forget who paved the road we walk,” Tomlin said. “Ernie’s wisdom will now continue to shape our players — not just in spirit, but in daily practice.”
Current Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt added, “The idea that we can draw on someone like Coach Stautner as we chase greatness is inspiring. He’s a legend. We wear that history on our backs.”
### Looking Forward
A special tribute game will be held this season, tentatively titled **”The Iron Legacy Game,”** where players will don throwback uniforms inspired by the Stautner era. The team will also unveil a newly commissioned bronze statue of Stautner at the stadium, adjacent to other Steelers greats like Franco Harris and Joe Greene.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers community, this announcement is not just a nod to the past — it’s a message to the future: greatness is built on legacy. And few embody that more than Ernie Stautner.
