The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the inductees for their 2022 Hall of Honor Saturday afternoon. The four selections were Ray Mathews, Sam Davis, Heath Miller, and Myron Cope, four extremely worthy individuals.
PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 7: Tight end Heath Miller #83 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scores a touchdown on a six-yard pass reception despite the efforts of safety Ken Hamlin #26 of the Dallas Cowboys during a game at Heinz Field on December 7, 2008 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Cowboys 20-13. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
Stan Savran got to sit down with Miller after the announcement and talked to him about his induction and what it meant to him. He was introduced to applause and his classic “HEAAAATHH” chant, which people still did for essentially any tight end that caught a pass until Pat Freiermuth came along last year and “MUUUTTHHH” chant, a play off the original. Savran followed that up by asking Miller what that chant meant to him, especially since it continued after his retirement. Miller responded:
"It’s pretty flattering, you know? I think there’s no better fans in the NFL than Steeler Nation. You know my goal as a player was to give my very all for our team and the city of Pittsburgh. To have that reciprocated back by the fans is a pretty special thing. Thank you guys very much."
Savran followed up his initial question by asking when Miller found out about his induction and what it meant to him. Miller had this to say:
"Well I found out a couple days ago. I think Tuesday, Mr. Rooney called me. At the time, it was hard to express how much this really means to me. The culture of the Steelers, Coach [Mike] Tomlin calls it the standard all the time, but if you think about all the great players, and the Rooney family, and the city of Pittsburgh that make this place so special and built this awesome legacy. My goal as a player was just to do my best to try to make everyone that came before me proud. To be mentioned now in the same area code as some of those guys, it’s a great honor for sure."
Savran responded by saying that Miller embodied what a Steeler is supposed to be, he asked Miller if his personality and the Steelers were the perfect fit or vice versa. Miller had this to say:
"I think it was just the perfect match. I couldn’t have picked a better city or a better team to come to. As I heard Mr. Rooney say, near the draft I didn’t work out at all. That was a little nerve wracking from a player’s perspective..I landed in the perfect spot. I’m so grateful to Mr. Rooney, the organization, and the city of Pittsburgh to have been able to play here for 11 years."
Savran thanked and congratulated Miller one last time before wrapping it up.
Heath Miller’s Legacy
As most Steelers fans know, Miller is the most accomplished tight end in the history of the organization. He is the most dominant receiving tight end the team has had. Miller racked up 592 catches for 6,569 yards and 45 touchdowns. That’s good for third, fourth, and fifth all-time respectively, not just for tight ends, but in franchise history. He was crucial in both the 2005 and 2008 Super Bowl runs, and was always Ben Roethlisberger’s safety blanket.
Former Steelers Tight End Heath Miller #83- Pittsburgh Steelers
Miller as always was a class act. He continued to demonstrate that in his interview. Miller continued to reiterate what it seems all the ones who become Steelers greats do; make the guys before you proud. Troy Polamalu said that as well in his Hall of Fame induction speech last summer, and as we know, he’s also one of the best to wear the black and gold. The ones who make that their prime mission seem to be the ones with the most success.
The guys in Latrobe right now are certainly looking to do the same as the season gets underway. We congratulate Miller on his well earned induction, and look forward to seeing him inducted in person at the newly named Acrisure Stadium Sunday, November 13 when the Steelers host the New Orleans Saints.
Miller's interview and the induction ceremony can be seen here: https://youtu.be/Nbkvebk5Ego
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