The 1947 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 15th season in the National Football League (NFL). The team improved on its 1946 record by winning eight games and losing four. This record tied for the lead in the Eastern Division and qualified the Steelers for the franchise's first playoff berth. It was the Steelers' only postseason appearance before 1972. It was Jock Sutherland's second and final year as head coach; he died the following April after being found wandering around in a field in Kentucky. Once flown back to Pittsburgh, he was diagnosed as having two brain tumors. He only lived a few more days.

Pre-Season Changes

In 1946, the Steeler offense and defense featured the NFL MVP in the person of Bill Dudley. The Virginia grad and Army veteran led the NFL in rushing, interceptions, punt returns and all-purpose yards. Despite being wildly popular with fans and fellow players, Dudley and Coach Sutherland could not get along. Ultimately, Dudley asked Art Rooney, Sr. to trade him and the owner reluctantly agreed. Dudley was traded to the Detroit Lions for Bob Cifers and Paul White. Additionally, the Steelers received the Lions' 1948 first round draft pick. Both White and Cifers had a demonstrable positive effect on the team. Cifers played brilliantly and was one of the top punters in the NFL that year.

Draft

Regular season

Schedule

Playoffs

The 1947 team was the most successful team in club history to date. It was the Steelers' first playoff appearance, the first time winning more than four games consecutively, and the club posted a franchise-best 8–4 record. Though the Steelers lost the playoff, fans and players were excited for their future. However, fate would interrupt again when head coach Jock Sutherland took a trip to visit family in Kentucky. He ran off the road and was found wondering in a muddy field. Flown back to Pittsburgh, Sutherland died four days later on April 11, 1948, due to complications from a brain tumor. It was a sudden and disheartening end to a successful period in team history. The Steelers did not play in the postseason again until 1972.

Game summaries

Week 1

Sunday, September 21: Detroit Lions at Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Scoring Drives:

Week 2

Monday, September 29: Los Angeles Rams at Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Scoring Drives:

Week 3

Sunday, October 5): Washington Redskins at Griffith Stadium, Washington, DC Scoring Drives:

Week 4

Sunday, October 12: Boston Yanks at Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts Scoring Drives:

Week 5

Sunday, October 19: Philadelphia Eagles at Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Scoring Drives:

Week 6

Sunday, October 26: New York Giants at Polo Grounds, New York, New York Scoring Drives:

Week 7

Sunday, November 2: Green Bay Packers at Wisconsin State Fair Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Scoring Drives:

Week 8

Sunday, November 9: Washington Redskins at Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Scoring Drives:

Week 9

Sunday, November 16: New York Giants at Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Scoring Drives:

Week 10

Sunday, November 23: Chicago Bears at Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois Scoring Drives: Scoring Drives:

Week 11

Sunday, November 30: Philadelphia Eagles at Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Scoring Drives:

Week 12

Sunday, December 7: Boston Yanks at Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Scoring Drives:

Post season

Game summary

Week 14

Sunday, December 21: Philadelphia Eagles at Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Scoring Drives: Source:

All-Pro Honors

Standings