One former Pittsburgh Steeler, Kevin Greene, will be inducted into the 2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame. But another will be on that stage.
Former Steelers’ safety Donnie Shell has been chosen by Tony Dungy to introduce him for Dungy’s Hall of Fame induction, according to Ira Kaufman.
Shell and Dungy played together in the secondary with the Steelers from 1977 to 1978 before Dungy was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. Dungy has fought for Shell to get into the Hall of Fame, speaking about it as recently as May of last year. Here is part of what he said.
“Donnie played in the box and was like another linebacker as a run defender. He was probably the most physical player on a physical defense and also had 51 interceptions. He covered Hall-of-Fame tight ends like Ozzie Newsome man-to-man and covered wide receivers in the nickel package. He patrolled the deep zones. He could do it all.”
You can bet Dungy will make reference to that in his speech which will take place on August 6th in Canton. It’s great to see those two maintain such a close relationship, especially considering all the relationships he has made over his coaching career.
Dungy is getting the nod from his work as a head coach, winning one Super Bowl and posting a 139-69 record. He was, however, probably the most surprising candidate of the eight to get elected.
Shell was a three-time All-Pro who picked off 51 passes in his 14 year career, spent entirely with the Steelers. He was a Hall of Fame finalist in 2002 but was not elected.
