Ernie Stautner

The Relentless Warrior of the Steel Curtain’s Foundation

Few players in NFL history embody toughness, durability, and sheer dominance in the trenches like Ernie Stautner. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, nine-time Pro Bowler, and the first player ever to have his number retired by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Stautner was a force of nature on the defensive line, paving the way for the Steel Curtain defenses that would follow.

Despite being undersized for a defensive tackle at 6’1” and 230 pounds, Stautner played with unmatched intensity, technique, and strength, earning a reputation as one of the hardest hitters of his era. His ability to shed blockers, disrupt offenses, and command respect on every snap made him one of the greatest linemen in NFL history.

Toughness wasn’t just part of his playing style—it defined his career. Stautner played through broken bones, torn ligaments, and countless injuries, yet he missed only six games in 14 seasons, proving that he was as durable as he was dominant.

This collection honors Ernie Stautner, the defensive lineman who set the foundation for Steelers football, built a legacy of relentless effort and leadership, and remains one of the most respected figures in the history of the game.

Ernie Stautner’s Legendary Career by the Numbers

While defensive statistics weren’t as well-documented in his era, Stautner’s dominance was recognized through accolades, championships, and respect from his peers.

Career Statistics & Achievements (1950–1963)

• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1969, first-ballot)
• Nine-time Pro Bowler (1952–1953, 1955–1962)
• Four-time First-Team All-Pro (1957–1960)
• Two-time Second-Team All-Pro (1956, 1961)
• NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
• Pittsburgh Steelers’ First-Ever Number Retired (#70)
• Two-time NFL Lineman of the Year
• Led the Steelers in sacks multiple seasons (Unofficial stat)
• 23 career fumble recoveries
• Played in 173 career games, missing only six
• Considered one of the toughest defensive linemen of all time

While official sack totals weren’t kept, it is estimated that Stautner recorded over 80 sacks during his career, an incredible number for a player of his era.

The College Years – The Making of a Tough, Relentless Competitor

Before becoming a Steelers icon, Stautner’s journey started in the hard-nosed world of college football.

• Born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, in 1925, Stautner’s family immigrated to the United States, settling in Albany, New York.
• He played college football at Boston College, where he was a standout two-way lineman, playing both offense and defense.
• Known for his aggressive playing style and raw toughness, he helped lead Boston College to a 9-2 record in 1949.
• He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round (22nd overall) of the 1950 NFL Draft, joining a team that had never won an NFL championship.

Stautner’s journey to the NFL was defined by hard work, grit, and an unbreakable spirit, traits that would soon make him a Steelers legend.

The Steelers Years – The Defensive Anchor of Pittsburgh’s Toughest Era

When Stautner arrived in Pittsburgh in 1950, the Steelers were still a struggling franchise, but his dominance on the defensive line changed the team’s identity.

• In just his second season (1951), he was already the best defensive player on the team, earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
• By 1952, he had solidified himself as one of the top defensive linemen in the NFL, starting a streak of nine Pro Bowl appearances in 11 seasons.
• Stautner revolutionized defensive line play by combining speed, leverage, and technique, proving that a "smaller" defensive tackle could still dominate in the trenches.
• His relentless motor and aggression set the standard for future Steelers defenses, laying the groundwork for the legendary Steel Curtain defense of the 1970s.

Despite playing for a Steelers team that rarely contended for championships, Stautner’s individual greatness was undeniable, and he was respected as one of the best linemen of his era.

The Ultimate Warrior – Playing Through Pain

Stautner wasn’t just tough—he was one of the toughest players to ever play the game.

• He broke fingers, played through cracked ribs, and even suffered multiple concussions, yet rarely missed a game.
• Teammates and opponents alike feared his relentless style, as he never took a play off, even when the Steelers were out of contention.
• He was named NFL Lineman of the Year twice, despite playing on a team that never won a title, proving that his impact went beyond just wins and losses.

Even in one of the roughest eras in football history, Stautner was known as the toughest player on the field every Sunday.

The First Steeler Immortalized – Number 70 Retired Forever

After 14 dominant seasons, Stautner retired after the 1963 season, leaving behind a legacy of defensive excellence.

• His leadership, toughness, and dominance were so legendary that in 1964, the Steelers retired his No. 70 jersey, making him the first player in franchise history to receive that honor.
• Even today, Stautner remains the only player in Steelers history to have his number retired, a testament to his impact on the team’s history.
• In 1969, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, becoming the first Steelers defensive player to receive the honor.

Though the Steelers weren’t a dynasty during his playing years, Stautner’s influence on the team’s hard-nosed, defensive identity carried forward into the dominant 1970s era of Steelers football.

The Coaching Years – Continuing His Football Legacy

After retiring, Stautner’s football mind and leadership abilities made him a natural fit as a coach.

• He became the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive line coach in 1966, playing a key role in developing one of the greatest defenses in NFL history.
• Under his guidance, the Cowboys won two Super Bowls (VI, XII), cementing his legacy as one of football’s greatest defensive minds.
• He continued coaching into the 1980s, influencing generations of defensive linemen.

Even off the field, Stautner’s impact on the game remained strong, as he helped shape the next wave of defensive stars.

Defining Moments of Stautner’s Career

• 1950 – Drafted by the Steelers (3rd Round, 22nd Overall): Begins his legendary career in Pittsburgh.
• 1952 – Earns His First Pro Bowl Selection: Becomes the defensive anchor of the Steelers.
• 1957–1960 – Four-Time First-Team All-Pro: Establishes himself as one of the greatest defensive linemen of the decade.
• 1963 – Retires After 14 Seasons: Leaves as the Steelers’ all-time leader in toughness and defensive impact.
• 1964 – Becomes the First Steeler to Have His Number Retired: No. 70 is forever removed from Steelers history.
• 1969 – Inducted into the Hall of Fame: Recognized as one of the greatest linemen in NFL history.
• 1970s – Becomes a Super Bowl-winning Defensive Coach: Helps lead the Cowboys to multiple titles.

A Legacy of Toughness, Leadership, and Defensive Excellence

Ernie Stautner wasn’t just a great player—he was the foundation of Steelers football.

• He set the tone for the defensive mentality that later fueled the Steel Curtain dynasty.
• He was one of the most feared defensive linemen ever, proving that size didn’t matter when you had skill, strength, and determination.
• His legacy as a Hall of Famer, a Pittsburgh icon, and a defensive pioneer remains unmatched.

A Warrior, A Legend, and One of the Toughest Players to Ever Play the Game.