Throwback Thursday: Were the 1979 Steelers the NFL’s Last True “Homegrown” Team?
In the modern NFL era of free agency, mega trades, and massive roster turnover, the idea of a “homegrown” team — one built almost entirely through the draft and player development — feels like a relic of the past. But in 1979, the Pittsburgh Steelers embodied exactly that.
That year, the Steelers captured their fourth Super Bowl title in six seasons, cementing one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history. What made them especially unique was how their roster was constructed: 37 of the 45 players were drafted by the team, and the remaining few were largely undrafted free agents or signed early in their careers. Not a single key player had been acquired in a trade or signed away from another team in a modern free agency move — which didn’t fully exist until 1993.
From legends like Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, and Lynn Swann, to defensive stalwarts such as Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, and Mel Blount, the Steelers developed their core talent in-house. They were masterfully built through the draft by head coach Chuck Noll and the front office, particularly highlighted by the historic 1974 draft class that produced four future Hall of Famers.
While other teams of the era relied on trades or short-term acquisitions, Pittsburgh’s sustained excellence came from patience, scouting, and player development. In today’s NFL, such a strategy would be nearly impossible to replicate due to salary cap constraints and the constant churn of free agency.
So, were the 1979 Steelers the last true “homegrown” champions? In many ways, yes. Their success stands as a testament to team-building through loyalty, vision, and long-term planning — a blueprint that, in today’s league, remains as impressive as it
is rare.
