Four-time Super Bowl champion RB leads 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 20

Fans only need to wait 20 more days until the Steel City brand of football returns when the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons on September 13. In the spirit of the countdown to kickoff, we'll take a look at the most recent and best players to ever wear No. 20.

Johnson, who was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, is the current No. 20 on the team's roster.

• Kaleb Johnson, 2025-present
• Patrick Peterson, 2023
• Cameron Sutton, 2018-2022, 2024
• Robert Golden, 2017
• Al-Hajj Shabazz, 2016

The countdown to kickoff has brought us to one of the most inspirational players in Steelers history: running back Rocky Bleier.

Bleier, who was selected by the Steelers with the 417th overall pick in the 1968 NFL Draft, was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War following his rookie season and then volunteered for combat duty.

Bleier was unfortunately wounded in battle after being shot in the left thigh and hit with grenade shrapnel in his right leg. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Despite being told he'd never play football again, he never gave up on his dream and ended up defying the odds.

In 1971, Bleier returned to the Steelers and played primarily on special teams, competing for additional playing time before finally receiving a starting opportunity in 1974. Forming a one-two punch with the late, great Franco Harris, both running backs accomplished a rare feat in 1976: each rushing for 1,000 yards in a season.

During his 11 years with the Steelers, Bleier accumulated 5,159 yards from scrimmage and 25 total touchdowns and won four Super Bowls.

For his accomplishments and heartwarming comeback story, Bleier was recognized as part of the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team and the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor, proving that he's undoubtedly the best Steeler to wear No. 20.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Four-time Super Bowl champion RB leads 2026 countdown to kickoff: Day No. 20