
08/06/2025
Coming off the team's Super Bowl IX championship, the Pittsburgh Steelers reported to training camp at St. Vincent's in July of 1975, savoring their win but focused on adding another. While the media reported on a number of rookies who stood out at camp, one player rose above the others.
John Banaszak was an unlikely rookie sensation: a 25-year-old free agent who served in the Marine Corps before playing football at Eastern Michigan University. Described as "stronger than cheap gin" in the Pittsburgh Press, Banaszak impressed Coach Noll with his quickness and strength. In practice on July 28, Banaszak put several of the veterans, including Jon Kolb, on their backs in a nose-to-nose drill.
While calling him "extremely impressive" Noll reserved judgement until after he watched Banaszak perform in game situations. Clearly John delivered, earning three Super Bowl rings in his seven-year (1975-81) career with the team.
πΈ John Banaszak, wearing No. 76, on the field vs. the Colts, c. Dec. 19, 1976. Courtesy of Pittsburgh Steelers.