Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – A monumental and symbolic moment unfolded in Pittsburgh this week as the Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed one of their newest defensive players while honoring a true legend in franchise history.

When the Steelers selected defensive tackle Derrick Harmon in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the move was seen as an important addition to bolster the defensive line. Harmon, who has already made a name for himself as a disruptive force in the NFL, now embarks on a new chapter of his career with Pittsburgh.
However, the story didn’t stop there. Upon his arrival in the Steel City, Harmon made a request to wear one of the most iconic jersey numbers in Steelers history – No. 75, a number forever associated with Joe Greene, a player who helped define the franchise’s legendary defense.
Greene, who played for the Steelers from 1969 to 1981 and became one of the most dominant and respected defensive players in NFL history, is honored by having his No. 75 jersey retired by the team.
Greene’s legacy in Pittsburgh is inseparable from the franchise’s four Super Bowl championships in the 1970s and his relentless, intimidating style that left a lasting impact on the game as the heart of the Steel Curtain.
Knowing the weight of the number, Harmon reached out to Greene directly before requesting permission to wear No. 75. The gesture highlighted the respect and admiration the young defensive star had for one of the most iconic players in Steelers history.

In a response that was both generous and fitting of a true legend, Greene gave his full blessing for Harmon to wear the number.
“No. 75 carries a lot of memories for me in Pittsburgh,” Greene said. “If Derrick wants to wear it, I’m more than happy to give my approval. I hope he and the rest of the defense can help bring the Steelers back to the golden era we once built.”
The gesture of allowing Harmon to wear No. 75 was not only a moment of respect but also a passing of the torch, signifying the continuity of the Steelers’ storied defensive legacy.
Greene’s number is now part of the fabric of the Steelers’ defense, and Harmon, with his immense potential, could help bring a new chapter of dominance to the team.
For the Steelers, the draft selection and the respect shown by Greene is a symbolic reflection of the franchise’s commitment to honoring its past while continuing to build a future around elite defensive players.
Harmon, now wearing No. 75, will join the ranks of the Steelers’ formidable defensive front, which already includes stars like T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward.
For Harmon, wearing Greene’s iconic number is both an honor and a challenge. He arrives in Pittsburgh ready to prove himself as a crucial piece in the team’s defensive line rotation and a key factor in the Steelers’ push for another Super Bowl title.
The number that once symbolized the dominance of the Steelers’ defense now enters a new chapter with Harmon, carrying forward the legacy of Joe Greene and the legendary Steel Curtain defensive units of past eras.
With Greene’s blessing, Derrick Harmon will wear No. 75 with pride, hoping to help the Steelers return to the golden era that Greene helped create.





