In 1970, the American Football League merged into the National
Football League to form a single 26-team entity. Since that merger
40 years ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been the most successful
franchise in the NFL.
The Steelers have won six Super Bowls, more than any other team.
They have compiled winning seasons in 30 of those 40 years, again,
more than anyone else. Their overall .609 winning percentage
(394-253-2) is also king-of-the-hill. The Steelers have boasted 64
players on the NFL's All Pro Teams, more than any other franchise. In
addition to unparalleled success, the Steelers have shown remarkable
consistency throughout the past 40 years. Never have they won
fewer than five games, a claim that no other team can make, and only
twice did they win just five games.
However, pro football did not begin in 1970, though some in Steeler
Nation might like to think so. The NFL began in 1920, with the Steelers
coming on board in 1933. In the 37 years that Pittsburgh played pro
football before the merger, life was not so good. The Steelers were
riddled with calamity, tragedy and, for the most part, failure.
Regardless, we fans who were around before the merger were still in
love with the team unconditionally. While part of me envies younger
Steelers' fans who know of nothing but success, a bigger part is
grateful that I experienced the growing pains. From Black to Gold is
an account of both the growing pains and the glory.