Pittsburgh Steelers release new jersey numbers for several players

The newest members of the Pittsburgh Steelers officially have their new jersey numbers. The team announced the number assignments for newcomers Desmond King (CB), Markus Golden (LB) and Kwon Alexander (LB).

King will wear the No. 25 while Golden sports the No. 44 jersey. Alexander has been give No. 54 for the upcoming season. All three players enter their first season with the Steelers in 2023.

New digits 🚨 pic.twitter.com/TTrHHlaqHS

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 4, 2023

King is a former fifth-round pick out of Iowa. The cornerback enters his seventh season in the NFL, starting his career with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017. He spent over three years with the team before finishing the 2020 campaign with the Tennessee Titans.

King spent the previous two seasons with the Houston Texans before landing in Pittsburgh. For his career, he’s responsible for 426 tackles, nine interceptions and 8.5 sacks. In the return game, he’s racked up 2,201 yards and accounted for five total touchdowns in six seasons.

Golden brings eight years of NFL experience to the Steelers defense. He was a second-round selection from Missouri by the Arizona Cardinals, where he played from 2015-18 and 2020-22. He also spent time with the New York Giants.

Over his eight years, Golden has tallied 47 sacks and forced 11 fumbles. He’s been responsible for 323 total stops.

Like Golden, Alexander was a member of the 2015 NFL Draft class, going in the fourth round to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He suited up for Tampa from 2015-18, then had stops with the San Francisco 49ers (2019-20), New Orleans Saints (2020-21) and New York Jets.

Alexander was a Pro Bowl selection with the Bucs in 2017 after tallying 97 tackles and three interceptions in 12 games. For his career, he’s totaled 590 tackles, eight interceptions, 33 passes defended, 12.5 sacks and 11 forced fumbles.

Steelers name team captains for 2023 season

With game week finally upon us, the Steelers have revealed their team captains for the upcoming season. Four players will serve in the role.

Second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett will captain the offense, while veteran defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, edge rusher T.J. Watt and safety Miles Killebrew will represent the defense.

News of Pittsburgh’s team captains comes days before the team takes the field against the San Francisco 49ers in the season opener on Sunday, Sept. 10.

The Steelers are looking to return to the playoffs after missing out last season with a 9-8 record.