Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Hall Of Honor Class Headlined By All-Pro James Harrison

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a tradition that's second to none. After years of frustration, the team began their assent to the top of the NFL in 1969 when they drafted Hall Of Famer Joe Greene. It took a few more years for legendary scout Bill Nunn and the Steelers to assemble their dynasty, but once they did, there was no looking back. 6 Super Bowl titles, 22 Division titles, and 8 AFC Championships. On top of that, the Steelers have 32 players enshrined in Canton, Ohio at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

Jerome Bettis, Rocky Bleier, Mel Blount, Terry Bradshaw, Larry Brown, Jack Butler, Myron Cope, Bill Cowher, Sam Davis, Dermontti Dawson, Buddy Dial, Bill Dudley, Alan Faneca, James Farrior, Joe Greene, Kevin Greene, L.C. Greenwood, Jack Ham, Franco Harris, Dick Hoak, Tunch Ilkin, John Henry Johnson, Walt Kiesling, Jon Kolb, Carnell Lake, Jack Lambert, Bobby Layne, Louis Lipps, Greg Lloyd, Ray Mathews, John McNally, Heath Miller, Elbie Nickel, Chuck Noll, Bill Nunn, Troy Polamalu, Art Rooney Jr., Arthur J. Rooney, Sr., Daniel M. Rooney, Andy Russell, Donnie Shell, John Stallworth, Ernie Stautner, Lynn Swann, Mike Wagner, Hines Ward, Mike Webster, Dwight White, and Rod Woodson currently make up the Hall of Honor which includes a museum at Acrisure Stadium. All of the players names are also shown across the front row of the stands inside of Acrisure. 

2023 Steelers Hall Of Honor Class

Aaron Smith - Smith played college football at Northern Colorado before being selected by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a vital member of the team's defensive line and became known for his consistent performance, strength, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses.

During his illustrious career with the Steelers, which spanned from 1999 to 2011,  Smith was a crucial part of the team's success. He played a key role in helping the Steelers win two Super Bowls (Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII) and made a remarkable impact on the defense with his exceptional pass-rushing skills and ability to stop the run. Smith's tenacity, leadership, and professionalism made him a respected figure both on and off the field, earning him the admiration of teammates and fans alike.

James Harrison - When Harrison was inserted as a starter to replace the departing Joey Porter, an already great defense became unquestionably the best in the NFL. Over the ensuing 6 years, the Steelers defense would finish #1 overall 4 times (2007, 2008, 2011, 2012) and #2 overall in 2010, not to mention 2 times reaching the Super Bowl.

Harrison was more than just a great player on a great defense. He was named to 5 consecutive Pro Bowls and earned All-Pro honors 4x, including twice being named 1st team All-Pro.  But if you need any further evidence, just look at the game that propelled Harrison to national recognition and earned him the nickname “Mr. Monday Night.” In a 38-7 destruction of the Ravens, he had 9 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 interception and 1 fumble recovery.

Harrison was a master in the art of the strip sack, as over his 6-year run as starting ROLB, he accumulated 60 sacks and forced 29 fumbles – consider that Ray Lewis forced only 19 fumbles during his whole career. He was a throwback to another time and era, as he was the most intimidating and physical LB in the NFL.

Gerry Mullins - The Steelers selected Gerry “Moon” Mullins in the fourth round of the 1971 NFL Draft with the 86th overall pick. Mullins would go on to start 87 games for the Steelers during the 1970’s dynasty mostly at guard, but he did play two seasons at tackle for the black and gold. He would go on to win 4 Super Bowls with the Steelers playing until after the 1979 season. 

Ray Mansfield - Mansfield would start his career in 1963 with the Philadelphia Eagles before coming to Pittsburgh in 1964. He started his career on the Defensive line before eventually switching in 1966 to center. From there he would go on to be one of the 3 greatest centers in Steelers history. Mansfield would go on to only miss 1 game between 1966 and 1972 at center for the Steelers. He would win two Super Bowls in 1974 and 1975 with the team before eventually giving way to the next great Steelers center, Mike Webster. Webster would take over for Mansfield in 1976 as that would be his final season in the NFL. 

Who else should be in the Steelers Hall of Honor? Let us know in the comments!

#SteelerNation