The 1988 season of the Pittsburgh Steelers was the 56th season in the National Football League. The Steelers wore AJR patches on their left shoulder in honor of the late “The Chief.”
Mark Malone was the starting quarterback for the Steelers during this season, but he lost the starting job to Bubby Brister. After being traded to the San Diego Chargers, Malone was widely unpopular. He acted as if he was the heir to Terry Bradshaw. He even got involved in a locker-room brawl that was stopped by veteran offensive tackle Tunch Ikin.
Bubby Brister was the Steelers’ quarterback. Merril Hoge was their running back, and Louis Lipps and Preston Gothard were their wide receivers. Offensive lineman Tunch Ilkin also started for the Steelers in 1988. These players contributed to the Steelers’ five-win season. They failed to make it to the playoffs. In 1988, the Steelers finished with a 5-11 record. They finished with a record of 4-4 at home and 1-7 away. Their record was disappointing with a difference of -85 points.