In 1933, Pittsburgh joined the NFL while college football gripped the city. Forrest “Jap” Douds became the first head coach of the Pittsburgh Pirates, a team that later became the Steelers. A Rochester, Pennsylvania, native and First Team All-Pro lineman, he stepped up when Art Rooney, a local sports entrepreneur, chose him to lead. His early work laid the foundation for a legacy that eventually brought six Super Bowl victories and counting. For Steelers fans who cherish the Steel Curtain era, Douds’ 1933 season stands as a humble start to a remarkable team history.
Early Life to College Football
Forrest Douds was born in Rochester, Pennsylvania on April 21, 1905.