The Pittsburgh Steelers sent 5 players into the Hall of Fame this past August, and they hope to continue sending more in next summer. The Hall of Fame selection committee announced today 122 modern era players that would be up for consideration for the Class of 2022.
Hines Ward, who has been knocking on the door of getting in for a few seasons is back on the list, with Casey Hampton, Heath Miller, Gary Anderson, and Hardy Nickerson Sr.
Nickerson is mostly remembered for his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he spent 10 seasons, winning the Super Bowl in 2002. But his career started in Pittsburgh in 1987 when he was drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round. He started 61 games for the Steelers racking up 9.5 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles.
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Getting into the Hall of Fame as a kicker has been difficult for most, but Anderson certainly has the credentials to be enshrined. Anderson left the Steelers before the 1995 season after 13 years with the team, and continued to play for 10 more years. He was the Steelers all time leading scorer at the time of his departure.
Hampton was an unsung hero of the Steelers defenses of the 2000s. Coming as a first round pick from Texas, Hampton lived up to his draft status anchoring the line for 11 seasons. He finished his career with 9 sacks from the nose tackle position, and 398 tackles. His big bodied frame was the perfect fit for the Steelers 3-4 scheme. His ability to occupy lineman allowed his linebackers to feast on opposing quarterbacks.
When Ben Roethisberger needed a big first down, you best believe he looked for Miller. Miller destroyed all of the Steelers tight end reception records and was a critical piece in two Super Bowl victories. He was the often forgotten all-around tight end in an era of speedy down the field receiving tight ends. He was a punishing blocker, but with the softest hands. If the ball was near him, he was going to catch it. You wouldn't confuse his speed with some of the more modern tight ends, but he once had an 87-yard touchdown reception.
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Ward has advanced to the semi-finalist bracket for the last four years, but a log jam of Steelers and other receivers has kept him on the outside looking in. Ward shattered all of the Steelers records put in place by Hall of Famer John Stallworth. He was the definition of what it was to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. If he wasn't catching passes he was breaking opponents wills by blocking them into the ground.
All of these players are very well deserving.
Hopefully it will be another black and gold party in Canton, Ohio in August of 2022.
