Nomination Period Opening
The Pittsburgh Steelers will accept nominations for their Hall of Honor starting March 14, 2022, through April 8, 2022. Last year’s class included two offensive linemen, a receiver, and a defensive back. Sadly, Tunch Ilkin passed away last year. The Pittsburgh Steelers community dearly misses Tunch, a well-deserving recipient as a player and long-time announcer for the team. Four-time Super Bowl champion Jon Kolb, receiving phenom Lou Lipps, and five-time Pro Bowl defensive back Carnell Lake complete last year’s group.
Currently, there are 45 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
Here is a list of 12 former Steelers eligible for the Hall of Honor. Which three would you vote into the Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 class?
LB James Harrison – OLB 2002-2017
Heath Miller – TE 2005-2015
Casey Hampton – NT 2001-2012
Levon Kirkland – LB 1992-2000
Jason Gildon – LB 1994-2003
Joey Porter – LB 1999-2006
David Little – LB 1981-1992
Aaron Smith – DE 1999-2011
Gary Anderson – K 1982-1994
Bryan Hinkle – LB 1982-1993
Ray Mansfield – C 1964-1976
Ike Taylor – DB 2003-2013
The first three are my picks as an average Steelers fan.
Old Timers to Consider
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. He’s 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. He gained 4,976 yards from the line of scrimmage while scoring 39 touchdowns. He added three touchdowns returning punts, averaging 12.8 yards a return. He also threw two TD passes and found time to intercept a pair on defense and record a safety. He 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 while being selected to various All-Pro teams or second teams in five other seasons. He had 10 interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries playing close to the line of scrimmage in the middle. The Steelers placed him on 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 like to include a music selection. Here is Wolves by Honor Me.
