The Pittsburgh Steelers have a decorated history. The franchise has won six Super Bowls and have consistently been a top team in the league since the 1970's. With championship-caliber teams, comes great players who always performed at a high level. The NFL announced on Tuesday the preliminary list of 129 former players who are nominees for the 2023 Hall of Fame Class. Pittsburgh had six former legends put on the list and the group will wait to see if any of them are named as semifinalists in November. James Harrison received a nomination for the first time. Here are the six:
Steelers retired linebacker, James Harrison runs back his legendary pick-6 in Super Bowl XLIII. Credit: MARK HUMPHREY/ASSOCIATED PRESS
1.) James Harrison, LB
As stated, Harrison receives his first nomination. He is very unlikely to make the cut this year and many question his Hall of Fame candidacy in general, but he should be inducted one day based on his career pedigree. Harrison made five Pro Bowls, was an All-Pro twice, a two-time Super Bowl champion and the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. He also has one of, if not, the most memorable and game-changing plays in Super Bowl history. Harrison has the best shot of anyone on this list.
2.) Gary Anderson, K
Anderson is the third-highest scoring player in the history of the NFL. He played 23 total seasons and 13 of them came in Pittsburgh. He was responsible for 1,343 points in a Steelers uniform and 2,434 altogether.
3.) James Farrior, LB
Farrior was a staple in the middle of the field for the Steelers and one of the best free agent signings in franchise history. He had 1,440 tackles, 98 tackles for loss, 69 passes defended, 47 QB hits, 35.5 sacks, 18 forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries and 11 interceptions in his career. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion who played 15 total seasons throughout his NFL career.
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: James Farrior #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts during the fourth quarter against the New York Jets during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
4.) Chad Brown, LB
Brown wouldn't be inducted as a Steeler as he only played in Pittsburgh for five total seasons. The linebacker spent the majority of his career with the Seattle Seahawks. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and given All-Pro honors twice in his career. He had 1,091 total tackles, 79 sacks, 58 tackles for loss, 20 passes defended, 17 forced fumbles, 15 fumble recoveries and six interceptions.
5.) Hines Ward, WR
Steelers fans everywhere believe Ward is deserving of a gold jacket. The biggest problem is the competition around him had just as great or even better careers than he did. Ward is 1st all-time in Steelers history with 1,000 receptions, 12,083 yards and 85 touchdowns. He was the Super Bowl XL MVP and was elected to the Pro Bowl four times during his 14-year career. This is certainly a guy who could have to wait a lot longer and he may not even get the recognition he deserves.
(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
6.) Casey Hampton, NT
Hampton's chances are very slim, but he still had a great and respectable career. He was a key piece for the Steelers' dominating defenses in the early 2000's and an absolute wall against the run. He played all 12 of his seasons in Pittsburgh and had 398 tackles, 39 tackles for loss, 12 QB hits, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He will always be loved in Pittsburgh, but is unlikely to be honored in Canton as a Hall of Famer.
Who do you think has the best chances of being inducted into the Hall of Fame one day? Let us know in the comments below!
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