{"id":775,"date":"2025-02-07T13:00:35","date_gmt":"2025-02-07T17:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/?p=775"},"modified":"2026-02-03T13:37:29","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T17:37:29","slug":"pittsburgh-steelers-top-5-running-backs-of-all-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/2025\/02\/pittsburgh-steelers-top-5-running-backs-of-all-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Pittsburgh Steelers Top 5 Running Backs of All Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

(last updated on February 3, 2026)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This edition of our series through each current franchise in the National Football League takes us to the Steel City of Pittsburgh. The Steelers franchise started in 1933, and the team and its fans have always had an affection for productive running backs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article will explore the careers of the top five running backs in Pittsburgh Steelers history. These players have not only demonstrated outstanding athleticism but have also become iconic figures among fans. From the franchise’s early years to today, these running backs have left an unforgettable mark on the team’s legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’ll examine each player’s key accomplishments, impact on the team, and lasting influence on the Steelers’ identity. Their performances on the field helped shape the franchise and solidified their places among the greatest running backs in team history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To determine this elite group, we’ll evaluate several key regular-season metrics, including rushing yards, total touchdowns, receptions, and individual awards earned while with the Steelers. Additionally, we’ll consider their playoff performance with the team and, if relevant, their achievements outside of Pittsburgh\u2014whether in other parts of their NFL careers or noteworthy events that further define their legacies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us as we break down the careers of these standout players who helped shape the rich history of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the running back position itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Top Five Steelers Running Backs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are so many good ones to choose from … where do we start? Let’s call out the most productive backs who wore the Pittsburgh colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\tLe’Veon Bell<\/a><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\n\n\n\n \n

\n \n Le’Veon Andrew Bell\n \n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tPosition<\/strong>: RB\n\t\t\tThrows:<\/strong>\n\t\tRight\n\t\n<\/p>\n\n

6-1<\/span>, 225lb<\/span> (185cm, 102kg) <\/p>\n\n\n

\n Born:<\/strong> \n \n\t\tFebruary 18<\/a>, 1992\n \n \n in Reynoldsburg, OH<\/a><\/span>\n \n<\/span> (Age: 32-265d)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

College<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tMichigan St.<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t (College Stats<\/a>)\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/p>

Weighted Career AV (100-95-…)<\/a>:<\/strong> 61 (1021st overall since 1960)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High School<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tGroveport Madison<\/a> (OH<\/a>)\n\t\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Draft<\/strong>: Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a> in the 2nd round (48th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n

Pronunciation<\/strong>: \\lay-vee-on<\/a>\\<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n\n

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Instagram:<\/strong>\n leveonbell<\/a><\/p>\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\n