Pittsburgh Steelers · Franchise era 4 of 6
The Cowher teams: the Pittsburgh Steelers story
Franchise era
1992—2006
The Cowher teams
Pittsburgh Steelers
The story in one sentence
Bill Cowher restored annual contention, and a second-year Ben Roethlisberger helped Bettis finish his career with the Super Bowl XL championship.
Blitzburgh reaches two Super Bowls
Jerome Bettis, Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for tomlin, ben and another title.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1992
What came before
Pittsburgh remained competitive as its Hall of Famers retired and Woodson became the versatile star of a new defensive generation.
1996-01-14
Conference Championship: Indianapolis Colts vs Pittsburgh Steelers
1996-01-28
Super Bowl: Dallas Cowboys vs Pittsburgh Steelers
April 20, 1996
The trade that made Jerome Bettis a Pittsburgh icon
The Rams had shifted away from Bettis after only three seasons. Pittsburgh saw the power runner capable of restoring the identity lost when Franco Harris departed.
16Career reclamationApril 20, 1996PIT⇄STLJerome Bettis to PittsburghPittsburgh acquired Jerome Bettis and a third-round pick from St. Louis for second- and fourth-round selections.4 assets · 1 outcomes＋
The original receipt
Pittsburgh Steelers received
- • Jerome Bettis
- • 1996 third-round pick
St. Louis Rams received
- • 1996 second-round pick
- • 1997 fourth-round pick
Bettis rushed for more than 10,000 yards as a Steeler, became the face of the franchise and retired immediately after winning Super Bowl XL in his hometown.
Open full trade tree →2006-02-05
Super Bowl: Seattle Seahawks vs Pittsburgh Steelers
After 2006
What came next
Mike Tomlin won Super Bowl XLIII in his second season and kept Pittsburgh in contention through elite defenses and increasingly explosive passing teams.
The core