{"id":290020,"date":"2025-08-15T12:01:13","date_gmt":"2025-08-15T12:01:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/290020\/"},"modified":"2025-08-15T12:01:13","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T12:01:13","slug":"steelers-countdown-to-kickoff-no-23-a-history-of-the-number-and-who-wore-it-best","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/290020\/","title":{"rendered":"Steelers countdown to kickoff \u2014 No. 23: a history of the number and who wore it best"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here \u2014 and we\u2019re at 23 days until Pittsburgh faces off against the New York Jets<\/a> at MetLife Stadium. In the spirit of the countdown, we\u2019re taking a look at the history of No. 23 and the players who wore it best.<\/p>\n

Current Steelers No. 23 wearer: CB Darius Slay<\/p>\n

One of the most exciting offseason additions a few months ago, veteran CB Darius Slay is the current No. 23 wearer on the Steelers roster. A 12-year NFL veteran, Slay brings six Pro Bowls, a First-Team All-Pro selection, and a Super Bowl\u2013winning work ethic to the Steel City brand of football. Alongside Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr., Slay is one-third of one of the NFL’s best cornerback trios \u2014 a catalyst for what’s shaping up to be a championship-level defense this season.<\/p>\n

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Last five Steelers to wear No. 23:<\/p>\n

Darius Slay, 2025\u2013present<\/p>\n

Damontae Kazee, 2022\u20132024<\/p>\n

Mike Mitchell, 2014\u20132017<\/p>\n

Best No. 23 in Steelers history: S Mike Wagner\"Jan<\/p>\n

Jan 18, 1976; Miami, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach (12) is pressured by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Mike Wagner (23) during Super Bowl X at the Orange Bowl. Pittsburgh defeated the Cowboys 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n

There is no denying this selection \u2014 the best wearer of No. 23 in Steelers history is S Mike Wagner. Selected with the 268th overall pick of the 11th round in the 1971 NFL Draft, Wagner played a pivotal role on the legendary Steel Curtain defense opposite S Donnie Shell \u2014 winning four Super Bowls in the process.<\/p>\n

In his ten-year Steel City tenure, Wagner was responsible for 36 interceptions \u2014 the sixth-most by a Steeler all-time. He was named to two Pro Bowls, earned First-Team All-Pro honors once, and Second-Team All-Pro honors once. He was also celebrated as part of the Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a> 50th Anniversary Team and the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor \u2014 recognitions deserving of the greatest Steeler ever to wear No. 23.<\/p>\n

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers countdown to kickoff \u2014 No. 23: history behind the jersey<\/a><\/p>\n