When quarterback Aaron Rodgers first signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, there was intrigue over what jersey number he would wear. For 18 years in Green Bay, Rodgers wore No. 12.

But that number has a rich history in Pittsburgh with the Steelers. While not being officially retired by the organization, no one has worn No. 12 since Hall of Fame and four-time Super Bowl champion Terry Bradshaw. Would Rodgers interfere with the legacy of that number?

Rodgers eventually took No. 8, the digit he wore for two years in New York. But while the stories of that number in Steelers history are far less legendary, they are still fascinating. Somehow, despite only eight players having worn that number in franchise history, their collective stories span from World War II to the present.

These are the stories of the eight players who wore No. 8 before Aaron Rodgers. In today’s edition, Melvin Ingram.

Melvin Ingram made a name for himself for years on the west coast. A first round pick by the San Diego Chargers in 2012, Ingram was a bit of a late bloomer, but really hit his stride in 2015. Ingram put up a career-high 10.5 sacks and 65 total tackles.

During his nine years in San Diego (and later Los Angeles after the team moved), Ingram recorded 49 sacks, 360 combined tackles, 14 forced fumbles, and 108 quarterback hits over his time with the Chargers.

After an injury riddled 2020 season that saw him start just seven games and record a blank spot in sacks, the Chargers let Ingram walk in free agency.