Steelers vs. Browns rivalry, explained: The NFL’s longest grudge match between two proud cities

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns have been trading punches — and wins — for decades. Even when the rivalry has leaned heavily one way, the power has shifted by era, creating a feud that’s never just about the standings.

This AFC North rivalry is built on pride, defense, and bragging rights — with a history that includes dynasties, postseason meetings, dramatic comebacks, and a few moments that crossed the line.

Here’s a breakdown of the Steelers-Browns rivalry, from how it began to the players keeping it heated today.

How the Steelers–Browns rivalry began

After dominating the All-America Football Conference, the Browns joined the NFL in 1950. The Steelers had already been in the league since 1933 — but early on, Cleveland quickly established control.

In the first matchup, the Browns forced six turnovers in a 30–17 win, and it took Pittsburgh nearly eight meetings to finally break through for its first victory.

Cleveland owned the early decades, going 31–9 against Pittsburgh in the 1950s and 1960s. Then the tide flipped in the 1970s, when the Steelers became a dynasty and won four Super Bowls — and Pittsburgh went 15–5 against Cleveland in that decade.

From there, the Steelers largely controlled the rivalry. Between the Browns’ franchise upheaval and Pittsburgh’s long stretches of stability — including the Ben Roethlisberger/Mike Tomlin era — the Steelers have held a major edge over the past several decades, including a 59–28–1 record against Cleveland from the 1980s to today.

Steelers vs. Browns: Key moments and historic games

Even when the series hasn’t been close overall, Steelers-Browns games have rarely been calm. A few defining moments:

• 1978: The first overtime game in the rivalry ended with the Steelers winning a defensive battle capped by the Flea Flicker.
• 1994 playoffs: The teams met in the postseason for the first time, and Pittsburgh won 29–9 after scoring 21 points in the second quarter.
• 2003 Wild Card: Pittsburgh stormed back from a 24–7 deficit to win 36–33, led by QB Tommy Maddox.
• 2019 “helmet game”: Browns DE Myles Garrett ripped off Steelers QB Mason Rudolph’s helmet and struck him with it, sparking a brawl and leading to a significant suspension for Garrett.

The rivalry’s turning points: Cleveland’s move, return and the modern era

The rivalry briefly paused when the Browns relocated to Baltimore and Cleveland’s franchise was deactivated.

One detail that still resonates in Pittsburgh: Steelers chairman Dan Rooney voted “no” on the move, opposing the removal of the Browns from Cleveland.

When Cleveland returned in 1999, the rivalry picked up immediately — including a Steelers shutout in the first matchup after the Browns’ return.

Through the 2000s, Pittsburgh continued to set the tone, but the intensity spiked again in the late 2010s and into the 2020s. Between the Garrett incident, Roethlisberger’s retirement, and both teams leaning into defense, the rivalry has felt less predictable than it did in prior eras.

Steelers–Browns today: New faces, same hatred

The names have changed from the Chuck Noll/Bill Cowher era and the Roethlisberger years — but the emotions haven’t.

Pittsburgh’s identity has stayed consistent with long-term ownership and coaching stability, even as the Steelers cycle through quarterbacks. Cleveland, meanwhile, has continued searching for long-term consistency at QB since returning in 1999.

The matchup that defines the current era is on defense:

• Myles Garrett remains a centerpiece in Cleveland (under contract through 2030) and a constant problem for Pittsburgh.
• T.J. Watt has become the Steelers’ modern defensive face — with strong career production against Cleveland, including 17.5 sacks and an interception — and has turned Steelers-Browns into a weekly chess match built around pressure, turnovers, and toughness.

Bottom line: as long as the Browns and Steelers are built on defense — and as long as Garrett and Watt are trading blows — this rivalry will stay loud, nasty, and must-watch.