Nomination Period Opening
The Pittsburgh Steelers will accept nominations for their Hall of Honor starting February 17, 2020. Last year’s class included Bill Cowher who was the Steelers head coach from 1992-2006. Cowher was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year. My nominee Elbie Nickel made it primarily for his receiver play from 1947-1957. Another excellent receiver, Hines Ward was a logical choice although the NFL Hall of Fame electors continue to shun him. Larry Brown played from 1971-1984 at tight end but moved to right tackle for his final eight seasons. He earned four Super Bowl rings. Currently, there are 36 Steelers Hall of Honor members.
Eligibility Requirements
FORMER PLAYERS:
- Retired for at least three seasons
- Must have played for the Steelers for a minimum of three seasons
- Should possess noteworthy career highlights, records, and achievements
FORMER COACHES AND CONTRIBUTORS:
- Significant contributions to the team and community
The Steelers plan to induct 3-4 persons every year. Steelers fans can submit their own nominations by becoming a member of Steelers Nation Unite and submitting the nomination form. Here is the nomination form: Hall of Honor Nominations for the 2020 Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor.
Eligible Players
Troy Polamalu should be an automatic entrant due to his election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Here is a list of ten former Steelers eligible for the Hall of Honor. Which three would you vote into the Pittsburgh Steelers 2020 class?
– Heath Miller – TE 2005-2015
– Greg Lloyd – LB 1988-97
– Casey Hampton – NT 2001-2012
– Carnell Lake – DB 1989-1998
– James Farrior – LB 2002-2011
– Levon Kirkland – LB 1992-2000
– Jason Gildon – LB 1994-2003
– Joey Porter – LB 1999-2006
– Aaron Smith – DE 1999-2011
– Tunch Ilkin – OT 1980-1992
Old Timers to Consider
It pleased me that the Hall of Honor selection committee recognized a pre- Super Bowl era player. Elbie Nickel was a three-time Pro Bowler who had 329 receptions for 5,131 yards and 37 touchdowns in his 11 years as a Steeler. Here is some other old time Steelers I’d like the committee to consider:
Bill McPeak was a three-time Pro Bowl defensive end for the Steelers from 1949-1957. McPeak tied Ernie Stautner for a team record three safeties. In his last two seasons he was also an assistant coach. He was named to the Pittsburgh Steelers Legends team in 2007 that represented the Steelers best players from the pre-1970 era.
John Reger was a three-time Pro Bowl linebacker for the Steelers from 1955-63. He had nine interceptions and 17 fumble recoveries tying Jack Lambert for fourth all-time for the Steelers.
Ray Mathews was a two-time Pro Bowl runner and receiver for the Steelers from 1951-1959. Mathews gained 4976 yards from the line of scrimmage while scoring 39 touchdowns. He added three touchdowns returning punts averaging 12.8 yards a return. Mathews also threw two TD passes and found time to intercept a pair on defense and record a safety. Ray Mathews was named to the Pittsburgh Legends team over Buddy Dial.
Dale Dodrill was a four-time Pro Bowl middle guard and linebacker from 1951-59. He was also a consensus first team all pro in 1954 and selected to various all pro teams or second team in five other seasons. Dodrill had ten interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries playing close to the line of scrimmage in the middle. Dale Dodrill was named to the Pittsburgh Legends team in 2007.
If I inducted one old timer this year; I would give the edge to Dale Dodrill over Ray Mathews.
Your Music Selection
I also like to include a music selection. Here is Mama Drop the Hammer by the Cadillac Kings.
