In an emotional and historic announcement that has ignited celebration throughout the city and the entire NFL community, Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II and the Rooney family have officially declared that legendary coach and Hall of Famer Ernie Stautner will be posthumously honored in a groundbreaking way — as the newly appointed Honorary Legacy Coach and Permanent Member of the Steelers’ Coaching Ring of Honor.
This unprecedented move not only pays tribute to Stautner’s monumental contributions to the franchise both as a dominant defensive tackle and as a brilliant defensive coach, but also re-establishes the cultural and competitive spirit that made Pittsburgh the powerhouse it is today.
“Ernie Stautner embodied everything it meant to be a Steeler — toughness, excellence, loyalty, and class,” Art Rooney II said during the press conference at Acrisure Stadium. “Today, we proudly recognize him not just as a legend of our past, but as an eternal symbol of who we are and who we strive to be.”
Fans erupted with joy across social media and live events as the announcement was made, with current and former Steelers players paying homage to the late coach. A special ceremony and statue unveiling are slated for Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season, when the Steelers open at home.
Stautner, who played for the Steelers from 1950 to 1963 and later served as a coach in the NFL for decades, including winning two Super Bowls as a coach with the Dallas Cowboys, remains one of the most revered figures in franchise history. His No. 70 remains one of only two officially retired numbers in team history.
With this announcement, the Steelers not only honor a hero of the past but reinforce their commitment to tradition, pride, and the enduring values that define Pittsburgh football
