UPDATE: The Hall of Honor nominations have begun. Follow the link to submit your ballot.
Nomination Period Opening
The Pittsburgh Steelers will accept nominations for their Hall of Honor starting April 17, 2023. Last year’s class included longtime Steelers sportscaster Myron Cope. The conceiver of the Terrible Towel. Three former Steelers players filled out the 2022 class: Ray Mathews an offensive star from 1951 to 1959. Sam Davis played guard from 1967 to 1979 and received four Super Bowl rings. And Heath Miller, tight end extraordinaire from 2005 to 2015.
Currently, there are 49 Steelers Hall of Honor members. 43 out of 1601 players who wore the Black and Gold in a regular-season or playoff game. Plus, three of the Rooney family. Art Rooney Sr., Daniel, and Art Jr. Coaches Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher. And personnel scout Bill Nunn.
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 three to five people every year. Steelers fans can submit their own nominations by visiting the Steelers Hall of Honor Museum and submitting the nomination. Here is a link to the video announcing nominations Hall of Honor 2023 Nominations for the 2023 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 2023 class?
LB James Harrison – OLB 2002-2017
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
Lawrence Timmons – LB 2007-2015
The first three are my picks as an average Steelers fan.
Old Timers to Consider
Here are 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 with Ernie Stautner for a team record of 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 defensive fumble recoveries, tying Jack Lambert for fifth all-time for the Steelers.
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 selected to various all pro 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.
Your Music Selection
I always like to include a music selection. Here is Don’t Fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult.
