What Were The Steelers Originally Called? Discovering Their Original Name

Madisyn Pagac I 28 Jul 2025

Have you ever wondered about the beginnings of your favorite sports teams? It is a fascinating question, so many teams have a long story. For fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team with a rich history and a very loyal following, the question of their original name often comes up. You know, it is a bit like tracing family roots, trying to find out where everything started.

This team, known for its tough play and iconic black and gold colors, actually did not begin as the Steelers. Their journey through the early days of professional football involved a different name, a different feel, and, in a way, a different vision. Learning about this early period really helps one grasp the full scope of their story.

We will explore the very first name this team carried, and how it came to be. We will also look at the people who were involved in those first steps, and what led to the change that made them the Pittsburgh Steelers we know today. It is quite a story, honestly, a lot of teams have interesting origins.

The Birth of a Franchise: The Pittsburgh Pirates
The Early Days and the Rooney Family
A Name Change, Is That What Happened?
The Meaning Behind the Steelers Name
The Impact of the Name Change
The Steelers Today: A Legacy Built on Steel
Frequently Asked Questions

The Birth of a Franchise: The Pittsburgh Pirates

The team we now know as the Pittsburgh Steelers actually began its life with a completely different identity. On July 8, 1933, Art Rooney Sr., a very well-known figure in Pittsburgh, paid a franchise fee of $2,500 to join the National Football League. This was a significant step, you know, for professional football in the city. The team was originally named the Pittsburgh Pirates, sharing its name with the city's established baseball team. This was a pretty common practice back then, as a matter of fact, many early NFL teams borrowed names from their city's baseball clubs. It made sense, in a way, to link the new sport to something already familiar to the public.

The choice of the name "Pirates" was not just a simple borrowing, it also reflected the spirit of the city's baseball team which had been around since 1887. The Pirates baseball team had won the World Series in 1909 and had a strong following. So, using that name for the football team was, in a way, a strategic move to gain instant recognition and, perhaps, some immediate fan support. This new football team played its first game on September 20, 1933, losing to the New York Giants by a score of 23-2. That was their start, anyway, a humble one.

The Pittsburgh Pirates football team played its home games at Forbes Field, which was also the home of the baseball Pirates. This shared venue further cemented the connection between the two sports franchises in the minds of the public. The team's first season was, quite frankly, a bit tough, finishing with a record of 3 wins, 6 losses, and 2 ties. Art Rooney, the founder, was very much involved in every aspect of the team's operations during these early years. He was a hands-on owner, you know, deeply committed to making professional football work in Pittsburgh. He really believed in the game, and that was clear.

The Early Days and the Rooney Family

Art Rooney Sr.'s commitment to professional football was, honestly, quite remarkable. He founded the Pittsburgh Pirates football team in the midst of the Great Depression, a time when starting any new business, let alone a professional sports team, was incredibly challenging. He had a deep love for sports and a vision for what professional football could become. His passion was, basically, the driving force behind the team's very existence during those tough initial years. He poured his own money into the team, sometimes even using winnings from horse racing to keep the franchise afloat. This was, in fact, a common story for many early NFL owners.

The team struggled for many years, pretty much from its inception. They did not have a winning season until 1942, nearly a decade after their founding. This period was marked by financial difficulties and, naturally, a lack of consistent success on the field. Despite these challenges, Art Rooney never gave up on his team or his dream. He was, in a way, a pillar of perseverance. He kept the team going through thick and thin, which is why the Rooney family's ownership is, arguably, the longest and most stable in NFL history. This continuity, you know, has been a defining characteristic of the franchise.

During these early years, the team also saw some interesting roster changes and player movements. The NFL was still finding its footing, and player contracts were very different from what they are today. Players often held other jobs outside of football, and the game was not yet a full-time profession for most. The Pirates, like other teams, faced the challenge of building a competitive roster with limited resources. Art Rooney, as a matter of fact, often personally scouted players and handled many of the team's operational tasks himself. His personal touch was, quite frankly, evident in everything the team did.

A Name Change, Is That What Happened?

Yes, the Pittsburgh Pirates football team did undergo a name change, and it happened relatively early in their history. In 1940, the team officially changed its name from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Pittsburgh Steelers. This change was a very deliberate decision, and it was rooted in a desire to connect the team more directly with the city's primary industry. Pittsburgh was, and still is, very much known as a major center for steel production. The steel industry was, essentially, the backbone of the city's economy and its identity. So, the name "Steelers" was a very natural fit, in a way, for a team representing Pittsburgh.

The idea for the name change actually came from a fan contest. In 1940, the team held a contest to find a new name that would better reflect the city's industrial heritage. The winning suggestion was "Steelers." This name immediately resonated with the local population, who worked in the steel mills and lived in communities shaped by the industry. It was a name that, you know, felt right for the city. It symbolized strength, toughness, and the hardworking spirit of Pittsburgh. This new identity was, frankly, a much stronger connection than just sharing a name with the baseball team.

The transition to the "Steelers" name was, pretty much, immediate and widely accepted. It marked a new chapter for the franchise, even though immediate success on the field did not follow right away. The new name, however, gave the team a distinct identity, separating it from the baseball Pirates and forging a unique bond with the industrial heart of Pittsburgh. This decision was, arguably, one of the most important in the team's history, setting the stage for the iconic brand it would eventually become. The name truly captured the essence of the city, and that was important.

The Meaning Behind the Steelers Name

The name "Steelers" is, in fact, more than just a label for a football team. It is a powerful symbol of Pittsburgh's industrial heritage and the character of its people. Pittsburgh earned the nickname "Steel City" because of its immense contribution to the steel industry, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The city's rivers and access to coal and iron ore made it a very ideal location for steel production. So, the name "Steelers" directly honors the thousands of men and women who worked in the steel mills, shaping the city's economic and cultural landscape. It is, basically, a tribute to them.

The qualities associated with steel—strength, durability, resilience, and toughness—became synonymous with the football team. These are, you know, qualities that fans expect to see on the field. The team's playing style, especially in later decades, often mirrored these characteristics, emphasizing a hard-nosed defense and a powerful running game. This connection between the team's name and its on-field performance created a very strong identity that resonated deeply with the community. It was, in a way, a perfect match.

Moreover, the steel industry was a source of great pride for Pittsburgh residents. The mills provided jobs and built communities. By adopting the name "Steelers," the football team tapped into this collective pride and forged an unbreakable bond with its fan base. The name represents not just a sports franchise, but a fundamental part of the city's identity. This deep connection is, honestly, a significant reason why Steelers fans are known for their fierce loyalty and passion. It's a connection that, very truly, goes beyond just football.

The Impact of the Name Change

The name change to "Steelers" had a profound impact on the franchise, even if it did not immediately translate into winning seasons. For one thing, it gave the team a unique identity. Before 1940, being the "Pittsburgh Pirates" football team meant they were always in the shadow of the more established baseball team. The new name allowed the football team to stand on its own, to create its own legacy separate from baseball. This was, in a way, a very important step for the team's growth and recognition within the NFL. It gave them their own space, you know.

Beyond identity, the name change also deepened the team's connection to its local community. The "Steelers" name was a direct nod to the hardworking people of Pittsburgh, many of whom were employed in the steel industry. This created a sense of ownership and pride among the fans. It was "their" team, representing "their" industry and "their" city. This bond became a cornerstone of the franchise's fan base, which is, basically, one of the most passionate in all of sports. The loyalty of Steelers fans is, pretty much, legendary, and the name plays a role in that.

Over the decades, as the Steelers eventually rose to prominence in the 1970s, the name became globally recognized. The team's success, particularly their multiple Super Bowl victories, solidified the "Steelers" brand as one of the most iconic in professional sports. The name, which once represented a struggling franchise in an industrial city, now symbolizes consistent excellence, toughness, and a winning tradition. It is, in fact, a testament to how a well-chosen name, deeply rooted in its community, can become a powerful symbol. The name, you know, really stuck.

The Steelers Today: A Legacy Built on Steel

Today, the Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most successful and recognizable franchises in the National Football League. Their legacy is built on a foundation of grit, determination, and a deep connection to their city's industrial past. The "Steelers" name continues to represent the values of hard work and resilience that are so central to Pittsburgh's identity. They are, essentially, a reflection of the city itself. The team's six Super Bowl championships, a record shared with the New England Patriots, stand as a testament to their enduring success and the strength of their organization. That is, truly, a lot of wins.

The Rooney family, who founded the team as the Pittsburgh Pirates, still owns and operates the franchise. This continuity in ownership is, quite frankly, very rare in professional sports and has contributed significantly to the team's stable culture and consistent vision. Art Rooney Sr.'s initial investment and his unwavering dedication laid the groundwork for everything that followed. His son, Dan Rooney, and now his grandson, Art Rooney II, have continued to uphold the values and traditions established in those very early days. It is, in a way, a family business that grew into something huge.

The Steelers' distinct black and gold colors, which were adopted in 1933, also reflect Pittsburgh's heritage. These colors are derived from the city's official flag and seal, further strengthening the visual connection between the team and its home. The iconic "Steelmark" logo, featuring three hypocycloids, represents the three major components used in steelmaking: yellow for coal, orange for iron ore, and blue for scrap steel. This logo is, basically, a visual representation of the team's name and its roots. It is, you know, very clever design. Learn more about on our site, and link to this page .

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Pittsburgh Steelers change their name?

The Pittsburgh Steelers changed their name from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1940. This happened, in fact, seven years after the team was founded. The change was the result of a fan contest aimed at finding a name that better reflected Pittsburgh's main industry, which was steel production. It was a very significant moment for the team's identity, really, establishing a strong connection to the city's heritage.

Who founded the Pittsburgh Steelers?

The Pittsburgh Steelers were founded by Art Rooney Sr. He established the franchise on July 8, 1933, originally naming it the Pittsburgh Pirates. Art Rooney Sr. was, basically, a passionate sports enthusiast and businessman who brought professional football to Pittsburgh. His family has maintained ownership of the team ever since, which is, honestly, quite a remarkable feat in professional sports. He was, truly, a visionary.

Why did the Pittsburgh Pirates football team change its name?

The Pittsburgh Pirates football team changed its name to the Steelers to create a stronger and more direct connection with the city's primary industry. Pittsburgh was, and still is, very much known for its steel production. The name "Steelers" was chosen through a fan contest in 1940, and it symbolized the strength, resilience, and hardworking spirit of the city's steelworkers. This change helped the team establish its own unique identity, separate from the baseball team, and, in a way, fostered a deeper bond with the local community. It was, pretty much, a perfect fit for the city.

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