The Killer B's, in the context of the Pittsburgh Steelers, refer to the era from the 2013 Pittsburgh Steelers season to the 2017 Pittsburgh Steelers season when three offensive players were in their prime:[1] Antonio Brown, Le'Veon Bell, and Ben Roethlisberger, all of whom have initials beginning with the letter 'B'.[2] [3] The group is considered to be one of the most talented offensive trios in the history of the Steelers and "one of the most dynamic, unstoppable assemblages of offensive talent the league has ever seen".[4] However, they never saw serious success, reaching only three playoff games in their six years together.[5]
Pittsburgh's Killer B's era ended after Bell refused to sign the franchise tag of which was placed on him during the 2017 season, and while still technically on the roster, did not play and sat out the entire season. After Bell left in free agency during the 2018 offseason, Brown would be traded to the Oakland Raiders, but would be cut before the 2019 season started.[6] Brown would then sign with the Patriots, though his tenure there only lasted one game before he was cut. After leaving the Patriots, Brown would rejoin Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, where they both won Super Bowl LV. Roethlisberger would remain a Steeler until his retirement following the 2021 season.