The Unbreakable Legacy Of 55 For The Steelers: Cole Holcomb’s 2025 Comeback And The Four-Time Super Bowl Champion Legend
The number 55 for the Pittsburgh Steelers is not just a jersey; it is a symbol of resilience, a bridge between the franchise’s dynastic past and its hopeful future. As of December 21, 2025, the most compelling story tied to this number is the triumphant return of linebacker Cole Holcomb, who has battled back from a devastating knee injury that sidelined him for over a year. His inspiring comeback, which saw him return to the field during the 2025 preseason, has reignited the defense and immediately become one of the most anticipated storylines of the new campaign, embodying the 'toughness' the number 55 has always represented in Pittsburgh.
The current narrative surrounding "55 for the Steelers" is a powerful tale of perseverance, but it is also steeped in history. The number was previously worn by one of the most crucial, yet often overlooked, figures of the legendary 1970s Super Bowl dynasty: offensive tackle Jon Kolb. The dual legacy of Holcomb's fierce determination and Kolb's foundational strength defines the enduring spirit of the Steelers organization and makes jersey number 55 one of the most meaningful on the roster.
Cole Holcomb: The Man Behind Number 55 and His Inspiring Comeback
Linebacker Cole Holcomb is the current wearer of the iconic number 55, inheriting a legacy of grit and determination. His journey to the 2025 season is one of the NFL's most compelling comeback stories, marking a return from an injury that was initially feared to be career-threatening.
Cole Holcomb Biography & Profile
- Full Name: Cole Holcomb
- Jersey Number: 55
- Position: Linebacker (LB)
- Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
- Weight: 240 lb (109 kg)
- Born: August 16, 1996 (Age 29, as of the 2025 season)
- College: North Carolina
- NFL Draft: 5th Round, 173rd overall in 2019 by the Washington Redskins (now Commanders)
- NFL Experience: 7 years (as of 2025)
- Current Team: Pittsburgh Steelers (Signed in 2023)
- Key Career Moment: Inspiring return from a severe knee injury in Week 1 of the 2025 preseason.
The Road to Recovery: From Injury Reserve to 2025 Starter
Holcomb's Steelers career was off to a phenomenal start in 2023, quickly establishing himself as a key defensive leader and a significant free-agent acquisition. However, in a Week 9 game against the Tennessee Titans, he suffered a severe knee injury that tragically ended his season. The injury was significant enough to keep him sidelined for the entirety of the 2024 regular season, where he was placed on the Reserve/Injured list.
The severity of the injury required extensive rehabilitation, and Holcomb spent the better part of two years working to regain his form. His dedication to the process was evident throughout the offseason training program. The long wait finally ended in the 2025 preseason, specifically in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he took his first game snaps in well over a year.
His successful return to the field, where he has shown he is healthy and ready, has provided a massive boost to the Steelers' defense. Holcomb’s presence as an every-down linebacker is crucial for the team’s Super Bowl aspirations in 2025, providing the necessary depth and tackling ability alongside teammates like T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Fans and analysts alike are optimistic that the "new" number 55 will be a dominant force in the middle of the field, symbolizing a powerful new chapter for the franchise.
The Legendary Foundation: Jon Kolb and the 70s Dynasty
Before Cole Holcomb, the number 55 was synonymous with one of the most integral, yet unsung, heroes of the Pittsburgh Steelers' golden era. Jon Kolb, an offensive tackle, wore the number 55 for 13 seasons from 1969 to 1981, anchoring the line that protected Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw and paved the way for Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris.
Jon Kolb: The Unsung Four-Time Champion
Kolb's career is the historical cornerstone of the number 55’s legacy. He was drafted in the third round of the 1969 NFL Draft and quickly became a fixture on the offensive line. His tenure coincided perfectly with the rise of the Steelers dynasty under legendary coach Chuck Noll.
His most significant achievement is his role as the starting offensive tackle for all four of the Steelers' Super Bowl victories in the 1970s: Super Bowl IX, X, XIII, and XIV. This incredible run established the franchise as one of the greatest in NFL history. Kolb's consistent, powerful play as a left tackle was essential to the team's ability to dominate the line of scrimmage, both in pass protection and the running game.
Though offensive linemen rarely receive the spotlight, Kolb’s impact was recognized by the franchise when he was inducted into the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor, cementing number 55's place in the team's pantheon of greats. His legacy is one of quiet strength, incredible durability, and championship pedigree—a standard of excellence that every player wearing the number strives to uphold.
Other Notable Players Who Wore Number 55 for the Steelers
While Holcomb and Kolb are the most prominent figures in the number's history, several other players have donned the 55 jersey, further contributing to its rich heritage and topical authority within the Steelers organization. The number has traditionally been reserved for linebackers and offensive linemen, positions that epitomize the hard-nosed, physical style of football synonymous with Pittsburgh.
- Joey Porter (Briefly): Before he became an All-Pro linebacker wearing his iconic number 95, Joey Porter briefly wore number 55 during his initial time with the team in the preseason of 1999. This short-lived connection links one of the franchise's most ferocious defensive players to the number.
- Jerry Olsavsky: A solid linebacker who played for the Steelers from 1989 to 1997, Olsavsky was a dependable presence in the middle of the defense, embodying the blue-collar work ethic of the city.
- Mike Merriweather: An outstanding linebacker in the 1980s, Merriweather wore number 55 and was a three-time Pro Bowler, showcasing the number's long tradition of being worn by elite defensive talent.
The current focus remains firmly on Cole Holcomb, who is attempting to write the next great chapter for the number 55. His return from injury is not just a personal victory; it is a vital component of the Steelers' 2025 defensive strategy. The comparison between Holcomb's current role as a defensive anchor and Kolb's historical role as an offensive anchor underscores the number’s consistent significance: it represents a player critical to the team’s success, a foundational piece of a championship-contending roster. The legacy of "55 for the Steelers" is a compelling blend of past glory and present-day inspiration, ensuring that the jersey will remain a focal point for fans throughout the 2025 season and beyond.
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