The Cleveland Browns vs the Pittsburgh Steelers: 75 Year History of Bad Blood 

One of the best things about an emotional long-standing rivalry is that both teams have something to prove, even if the season has been a nightmare.

The Week 17 matchup between the 3-12 Cleveland Browns and the 9-6 Pittsburgh Steelers is a prime example of this. The Steelers have the AFC North in the bag. The Browns are struggling mightily with injuries, quarterback drama, and a host of other problems.

On paper, this game carries very little weight. But factor in the famous Turnpike Rivalry, and all bets are off. Every meeting is significant in terms of pride and is fueled by the competitive spirit of the teams, no matter what their standings.

Proof Browns vs Steelers used to be the BEST rivalry in the NFL

HISTORY OF THE BROWNS/STEELERS RIVALRY 

Looking at the timeline of this rivalry reveals that this matchup is older than full facemasks, color television, and many of the fans arguing about it on social media.

• 1950s

The All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and National Football League (NFL) merger sparked the rivalry in 1950. The cities’ proximity, blue-collar similarities, and the fiercely loyal fans enhanced the ongoing feud.

In the early days, the Browns dominated the meetings between the two teams. The Browns won their first matchup on October 7,1950. Their winning ways continued for the next 8 meetings, until the Steelers finally won a game in 1954. At the same time, Cleveland racked up three championships.

• 1960s

During the Jim Brown era in Cleveland, which began in 1957, the powerful running back helped to seal the team’s dominance over Pittsburgh, and secure a championship in 1964.By the end of the 1960s, the Browns led the series 31–9, but a change was in the air.

• 1970s

When the NFL merged with the American Football League (AFL) in 1970, the Browns and Steelers became part of the Central Division of the newly formed American Football Conference. The rivalry continued and intensified as former Browns linebacker Chuck Noll took the reins as head coach in Pittsburgh. Under Noll, the Steelers took the upper hand in the ongoing feud. Eventually, they became the team of the decade, racking up wins over Cleveland as well as Super Bowl wins.

• 1980s

A much-improved Browns team emerged in the 80s, giving the Steelers some challenges. In addition to a playoff run for the AFC Championship in 1980, the Browns’ 16-game losing streak in Pittsburgh ended in 1986. Despite several strong seasons, neither team would return to its former glory in the 1980s.

• 1990s

Pittsburgh held an advantage over Cleveland in the early ’90s. However, the two teams met for the first time in a playoff game in 1994, with Pittsburgh prevailing. The rivalry paused when the Browns moved to Baltimore in 1996 and resumed in 1999, when the NFL expansion brought football back to Cleveland.

• 2000s

A new millennium did nothing to improve the Browns’ fortunes. Between 2003 and 2009, Pittsburgh won 12 straight meetings against the Browns. The teams met for a Wildcard playoff game in 2002, which the Steelers narrowly won. Later in the decade, the Browns would become entrenched in a cycle of coaching changes and quarterback drama. The team was in a downward spiral as Pittsburgh was heating up.

• 2010s

While the Steelers had a 12-1-1 record against the Browns over the decade, the games were becoming more competitive. The Browns were still in their downward spiral, culminating in 2017 with the 0-16 season.

• 2020s

In 2020, Cleveland was on the road to redemption, earning a Wild Card playoff spot. The game would be against the Steelers in Pittsburgh. The Browns went on to shock the world and win that game. The Steelers lead the series through the first half of the decade with a record of 6-5.

The Browns appear to be on another downward slide, and the Steelers are solid and the game could have some surprising elements. Make no mistake, when it comes to the Cleveland Browns vs the Pittsburgh Steelers, it’s never just a game. It’s 75 years of enmity that will not go quietly, nor should it. These two behemoths are the embodiment of smash-mouth football and carry the history of forces that have been colliding for decades.