The Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants are two of the most iconic franchises in the National Football League (NFL). With a combined 11 Super Bowl victories and a rich history dating back to the 1920s, these teams have left an indelible mark on the sport of football. When the Steelers and Giants meet on the gridiron, it’s always a battle of two storied franchises with passionate fan bases and a commitment to excellence.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Giants Tickets
The Early Years
The Steelers and Giants first met in 1933, with the Giants coming out on top 7-6. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the two teams faced each other sporadically, with the Giants holding the upper hand in the series. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that the rivalry began to heat up.
In the 1950s, the Giants were a dominant force in the NFL, winning three championships and featuring legendary players like Frank Gifford and Sam Huff. The Steelers, meanwhile, struggled to find success during this era, but still managed to pull off some memorable victories over the Giants.
One such game came in 1952, when the Steelers defeated the Giants 63-7 at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. The game remains the most lopsided victory in the history of the rivalry and is a testament to the Steelers’ ability to rise to the occasion against their New York rivals.
The 1970s and Beyond
As the NFL entered the modern era in the 1970s, the Steelers and Giants continued to face each other in some memorable matchups. The Steelers, led by head coach Chuck Noll and a roster filled with future Hall of Famers like Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, and Jack Lambert, emerged as one of the dominant teams of the decade, winning four Super Bowls in six years.
The Giants, meanwhile, struggled to find consistent success in the 1970s but still managed to pull off some impressive victories over the Steelers. One such game came in 1973, when the Giants defeated the Steelers 23-14 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh.
In the decades since, the Steelers and Giants have continued to face each other in some thrilling matchups. The two teams have met in the postseason three times, with the Steelers winning all three games, including a 21-10 victory in the 1975 Divisional Playoffs.
Head-to-Head Matchups
As of the 2023 season, the Steelers and Giants have met 78 times, with the Giants holding a 44-33-3 advantage in the all-time series. The Steelers, however, have had more success in recent years, winning seven of the last ten meetings between the two teams.
Some notable stats and records from the rivalry include:
- The Giants have scored 30 or more points against the Steelers 11 times, while the Steelers have done so just six times.
- The highest-scoring game in the series was a 44-24 Giants victory in 1966.
- The Steelers’ longest winning streak in the series is five games, which they accomplished from 1957-1960.
- The Giants’ longest winning streak in the series is seven games, which they accomplished from 1938-1944.
Memorable Players and Performances
Throughout the years, several players have had memorable performances in Steelers-Giants matchups. Here are a few notable examples:
- In 1958, Steelers quarterback Bobby Layne threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-10 victory over the Giants.
- In 1966, Giants quarterback Earl Morrall threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns in a 44-24 victory over the Steelers.
- In 1973, Steelers running back Franco Harris rushed for 153 yards and a touchdown in a 23-14 loss to the Giants.
- In 2008, Giants quarterback Eli Manning threw for 199 yards and a touchdown in a 21-14 victory over the Steelers.
The Fans and Cities
The Steelers and Giants have two of the most passionate and dedicated fan bases in the NFL. Steelers fans, known as “Steeler Nation,” are known for their unwavering support of their team, even during difficult seasons. They pack Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field) for every home game and travel well to support their team on the road.
Giants fans, meanwhile, are known for their loyalty and their love of the team’s rich history. They fill MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, for every home game and have a reputation for being some of the most knowledgeable and passionate fans in the league.
The two cities, Pittsburgh and New York, also have a lot in common. Both are known for their blue-collar roots, their love of sports, and their unique cultural traditions. Pittsburgh is famous for its steel industry and its rich history, while New York is known for its diverse population, its iconic landmarks, and its status as a global hub of business and culture.
Rivalry Off the Field
The rivalry between the Steelers and Giants extends beyond the football field. The two cities have a long-standing rivalry in other sports as well, particularly in baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees.
In addition, there have been several notable players and coaches who have been a part of both organizations. Some examples include:
- Bill Cowher: Cowher played for the Browns and Eagles before becoming the Steelers’ head coach from 1992-2006. He also served as a coaching assistant for the Giants in 1985.
- Plaxico Burress: Burress played for the Steelers from 2000-2004 before signing with the Giants in 2005. He caught the game-winning touchdown pass in the Giants’ upset victory over the undefeated Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
- Mike Tomlin: Tomlin served as the defensive backs coach for the Buccaneers under Tony Dungy before becoming the Steelers’ head coach in 2007. Dungy had previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Giants.
In Short
The rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants is one of the oldest and most storied in the NFL. With a history that spans nearly a century and a legacy of memorable moments and legendary players, this matchup is always one to watch.
As the two teams prepare to face off in the 2024 season, fans can expect another hard-fought battle between two proud franchises. Whether you’re a die-hard Steelers fan, a loyal Giants supporter, or simply a lover of great football, this is a rivalry that always delivers.
So mark your calendars and get ready for another chapter in the long and fascinating history of the Steelers and Giants. It’s sure to be a game you won’t want to miss.
