You’re watching the game, and suddenly a guy with 42 on his chest flies into the frame. For a split second, you might think you’re seeing a throwback or maybe a special teams specialist you forgot about. Honestly, in the world of the Pittsburgh Steelers, jersey numbers carry a weirdly high amount of weight. We aren't just talking about the retired legends or the sacred 43 of Troy Polamalu. No, the number 42 has its own gritty, blue-collar story that is still being written right now in 2026.
If you’ve been following the roster lately, you know that James Pierre is the man carrying the torch for 42 on the Steelers. It’s been a wild ride for him. He’s one of those guys who has bounced between the active roster and the practice squad, even taking a brief "vacation" to the Washington Commanders before realizing the grass isn't always greener outside of the 412.
But what actually makes this number significant? Is it just a placeholder, or is there a reason fans get a little sentimental when they see it?
The Current Face of 42 on the Steelers: James Pierre
James Pierre is a survivor. That’s the best way to put it. Coming out of Florida Atlantic as an undrafted free agent in 2020, he had no guarantee of ever seeing an NFL field, let alone wearing the black and gold for half a decade. Most UDFA corners are cut before the first preseason game ends. Pierre didn’t just survive; he carved out a niche.
He’s currently 29, standing 6'2", and weighing in at 185 pounds. He has that long, lanky frame that Mike Tomlin absolutely loves in a defensive back. Recently, in the 2025 season, Pierre proved why the team keeps bringing him back. When injuries hit the secondary—specifically the calf issues that plagued him late in the year and the gaps left by veteran departures—Pierre stepped up.
💡 You might also like: Current Score of the Steelers Game: Why the 30-6 Texans Blowout Changed Everything
The 2025 Impact
Last season was a bit of a rollercoaster for Pierre. He appeared in 14 games and managed to rack up some seriously impressive metrics before a calf injury sidelined him in December.
- Big Play Ability: In Week 11 against the Bengals, he scooped up a fumble and took it 34 yards for a touchdown. That "scoop and score" was one of the loudest moments at Acrisure Stadium all year.
- Coverage Stats: According to PFF and Advanced Scouting data, Pierre’s completion percentage allowed dropped to a career-low of roughly 31.4% during his starts in late 2025.
- Special Teams Ace: Even when he isn’t starting at corner, he’s a demon on the punt coverage unit. You’ll see 42 being the first guy downfield nearly every time.
It’s easy to look at a guy like Pierre and see a "backup," but in the Steelers' system, depth is everything. He’s reliable. He knows the playbook. He's basically the ultimate "break glass in case of emergency" player.
Why 42 on the Steelers Isn't Just for Anyone
Historically, the number 42 hasn't been retired, but it’s been worn by some characters who define what it means to be a "Steeler." If you’re a real historian of the franchise, you can’t talk about this jersey without mentioning Dick Hoak.
Hoak wore 42 from 1961 to 1970. He wasn't just a running back; he was a Pro Bowler who retired as the second all-time leading rusher for the team at that time. But the reason his legacy with 42 is so massive is what happened after he hung up the cleats. Hoak spent 35 seasons as a coaching assistant. He was the bridge between the Chuck Noll era and the Bill Cowher era. When people see 42, the old-timers still think of Hoak’s grit and his 45 total years of service to the Rooney family.
📖 Related: Last Match Man City: Why Newcastle Couldn't Stop the Semenyo Surge
A List of Notable 42s
- Dick Hoak (1961–1970): The gold standard for the number.
- Warren Williams (1988–1992): A solid contributor during the transition years.
- Morgan Burnett (2018): A veteran presence, though his stint was short-lived.
- James Pierre (2020–Present): The modern-day workhorse.
There’s a certain level of "underrated" that comes with this number. It’s not flashy. It’s the number of the guy who does the dirty work.
What Really Happened With the 2025 Roster Shuffle?
There was some confusion during the 2025 offseason about who would actually wear 42. When the draft class came in, a few rookies were looking at the number. Specifically, there was talk about Carson Bruner wanting it because he wore it in college.
The Steelers' equipment managers had to make a call. Since Pierre was re-signed on a one-year deal in March 2025, he kept his seniority. Bruner ended up with 44. It sounds like a small detail, but in a locker room, keeping your number is a sign of status. It says, "I've been here, and I'm not going anywhere."
The Stats: By the Numbers
Looking at James Pierre’s career as the primary 42 on the Steelers, the numbers tell a story of consistency. Since 2020, he’s played in nearly 100 games. He’s notched 4 interceptions and 5 forced fumbles.
👉 See also: Cowboys Score: Why Dallas Just Can't Finish the Job When it Matters
Is he a Hall of Famer? No. Is he the guy you want on the field when the divisional title is on the line and your star corner has a blown tire? Absolutely. His performance in the Week 18 win against the Ravens—where he came back from injury to log 2 solo tackles and a pass breakup—basically sealed the Steelers' playoff trajectory for early 2026.
How to Follow 42 Moving Forward
If you're looking to grab a jersey or just keep an eye on his progress, here’s the reality for James Pierre and the number 42. He is currently on a year-to-year basis. In the NFL, "Not For Long" is the mantra, especially for undrafted guys.
However, his chemistry with Joey Porter Jr. and the way he’s embraced the "next man up" philosophy has made him a favorite of Mike Tomlin. You can bet that as long as he’s healthy, 42 will be a fixture on special teams and a vital backup in the secondary.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the Gunners: Next time the Steelers punt, don't watch the ball. Watch 42. His ability to defeat double-teams on the perimeter is some of the best technical work on the team.
- Check the Injury Report: Pierre is the primary "insurance policy." If any of the starting corners are listed as "Limited" on a Wednesday, expect 42 to see 40+ snaps on Sunday.
- Appreciate the History: Remember Dick Hoak. The number 42 represents longevity. Whether it's 10 years on the field or 35 years on the sideline, it’s a number for people who stay.
The Steelers are a team built on tradition and specific "types" of players. James Pierre fits the mold perfectly. He’s tough, he’s resilient, and he doesn’t care about the spotlight. He just cares about the win.
Keep an eye on the transactions page as we head deeper into 2026. While Pierre’s current contract is short-term, the Steelers have a habit of keeping guys they trust. And they clearly trust the man in 42.
Next Steps: Review the current Steelers' depth chart to see how Pierre's recent performance has shifted him ahead of younger draft picks for the 2026 season rotations.