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The Pittsburgh Steelers ' countdown to kickoff is full steam ahead of the 2026 NFL regular season , with fans needing to wait only 85 more days until the Steel City brand of football hosts the Atlanta Falcons on September 13.
In the spirit of the countdown, we at Steelers Wire will take a look at the history of the No.
85 jersey and analyze which players wore it best.
Steelers current No.
85 wearer: WR Cole Burgess Signing a reserve/future contract with the Steelers in January 2026, Burgess is the current No.
85 wearer on the roster.
Beginning his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024, Burgess brings both receiver and return specialist experience to Pittsburgh's roster.
Last five Steelers to wear No.
85 Cole Burgess, 2026-present KeShawn Williams, 2025 Eric Ebron, 2020-2021 Xavier Grimble, 2016-2019 Darrius Heyward-Bey, 2014 Best No.
85 in Steelers history: WR Gary Ballman While No.
85 doesn't have the same impact as other historic numbers previously covered on the list, the greatest wearer in Steelers history is wide receiver Gary Ballman.
Ballman played five seasons with the Steelers from 1962 to 1966, six seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles from 1967 to 1972, and with the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings during the 1973 season.
Through 131 games, including 104 starts, Ballman recorded 323 catches for 5,366 yards and 37 touchdowns.
Additionally, he rushed the football on 41 attempts for 202 yards and four touchdowns.
A two-time Pro Bowler who began his career in the Steel City, Ballman is the best No.
85 in Steelers history.
Honorable mention: Nate Washington, a two-time Super Bowl champion wide receiver with the Steelers, played for Pittsburgh from 2005 to 2008.
He appeared in 49 games and made seven starts, recording 1,705 yards and 12 touchdowns.
He also found tremendous success with the Tennessee Titans.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers 2026 countdown to kickoff: Best and current wearer of No.
85.