HALL OF FAME ALL-DECADE TEAM BALLOTING
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is sending ballots to the 48-member selection panel. The selectors will be voting for the most dominant NFL players in their positions that played from 2010 to 2019.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame first selected an All-Decades teams in 1969 plus it named teams retroactively to cover the first four decades of the league’s existence.
Most recently, the NFL’s All-Decade team included three Steelers for 2000-2009: Alan Faneca, Joey Porter, and Troy Polamalu. The Hall of Fame recognized Mike Webster, Jack Lambert, and kicker Gary Anderson twice which is quite a feat. The only decades that a Steeler has not been named to an All-Decade team is the 1920s before the Steelers existed and the 1960’s when the Steelers experienced some truly abysmal seasons.
Ira Kaufman, a Hall of Fame selector from Tampa, advises that the Hall of Fame will announce the All-Decade team for 2010-2019 in April. His article points out that some players can be overlooked if their careers are split between two decades. Ed Bouchette is the Pittsburgh journalist on the committee.
LIMITED SLOTS: WILL ANY STEELERS BE INCLUDED?
The last team had only 54 total players. Two quarterbacks, ten offensive linemen, four running backs, one fullback, two tight ends, and four wide receivers. On defense there were eight linemen, six linebackers, four cornerbacks, and four safeties. One punter, kicker, punt returner, and kick returner rounded out the team.
Which Steelers, if any, do you believe will be on the All-Decade team when the Hall of Fame announces it?
Here are a few Steelers to consider but remember the selectors will stack them up against players in their positions like Tom Brady or Luke Kuechly.
QB Ben Roethlisberger
RB Le’Veon Bell
WR Antonio Brown
TE Heath Miller
C Maurkice Pouncey
G Dave DeCastro
DE Cameron Heyward
DE Brett Keisel
LB James Harrison
LB Lawrence Timmons
S Troy Polamalu
CONCLUSION
My guess is that Antonio Brown and Maurkice Pouncey make the list. Le’Veon Bell has a chance as does Dave DeCastro. Troy Polamalu merits the honor a second time. James Harrison excelling in split decades hurts his chances but would love to see him on it. Here we go.
Your Music Selection
I always like to include some music. This time the link will take you a playlist of the Best Songs of the Decade 2010-2019.
