2023 Pre-Season Rank 2022 Pre-Season Rank #38, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #75, 2020 Pre-Season Rank #87.  Peak Period: 2017-21

In the first six seasons of Cameron Heyward's career, there was no mention of him ever sniffing the Hall of Fame. The next six years would change everything, as he begins 2023 on a six-year Pro Bowl streak, with three of those yielding a First-Team All-Pro Selection. Heyward defied the odds just to be ranked this high with that start, and last season’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award was added to his resume.

A healthy Heyward, even at 35, could generate his seventh Pro Bowl.

2023 Pre-Season Rank #63, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #99, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #108, 2020 Pre-Season Rank #140.  Peak Period 2019-23.

Minkah Fitzpatrick arguably had a down year in 2023, but he enters 2024 as one of the top Safeties in football.

The Steelers secondary is led by Fitzpatrick, who has arguably been the best Safety in football over the last five seasons. If he can replicate this over the next half-decade, Fitzpatrick will skyrocket his chances of being in the Hall of Fame.

2023 Pre-Season Rank #15, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #24, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #68, 2020 Pre-Season Rank #102.

T.J. Watt has rocketed through this rank, winning the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 while placing second in 2020 and 2023.  Watt is a three-time Sack-leader, a two-time Tackles for Loss leader and is in the conversation for the best pass-rusher of the last five years.

Turning 30 this year, Watt is already a four-time First Team All-Pro and shows no signs of decline.  Now, Watt is on pace to join his brother J.J. in Canton.  Sadly, their busts won’t be beside each other in the Hall!

Dan Quinn was traded from the Calgary Flames for Mike Bullard early in the 1986-87 season, and the Center would go on to have some of his best individual success in pro hockey.  He would score 71 of his 80 Points that year as a Penguin, and followed that with a career-best 40 Goal campaign, where he was eighth in the league in Power Play Goals.  That was good, but he would top that with a 94 Point year in 1988-89.  The Penguins had a lot of scorers by this point, and he was dealt to the Vancouver Canucks halfway through the 1989-90 campaign.

A 2^nd Round Pick from Clemson, Levon Kirkland became a starter in his second season in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1993).  Kirkland worked as an Inside Linebacker and would have seven seasons (six with Pittsburgh and one with Seattle), where he had over 100 Combined Tackles.  He would later go to the Pro Bowl in both 1996 and 1997 with a First Team All-Pro netted in the latter year as well as being named the NFL Alumni Linebacker of the Year.  He would also be named to the 1990s All-Decade Second Team.

Gary Anderson made a lot of history as a Place Kicker, the first of which was becoming the first South African to play a game in the NFL.  Anderson would not just play a game or two, as he would play 353, which as of this writing, places him second all-time.

Andy Russell debuted for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1963, and he had to sit out his next two seasons due to ROTC commitments.  He would return to the Steelers in 1967, and in 1968 he would be chosen for his first Pro Bowl in 1970.  He would become a perennial Pro Bowl Selection from that year until 1975, and the Linebacker was an early member of the Steel Curtain Defense, where he would help them win their first two Super Bowls.

A member of the All-Time Pittsburgh Steelers team, Carnell Lake, would be named to four of his five Pro Bowls there, those four being consecutive (1994 to 1997).  Used predominantly at Strong Safety, Lake would be A First Team All-Pro in 1997 and is one of the few Defensive Backs how had at least 15 Sacks and 15 Interceptions.  Lake would finish his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens, and while his overall INT numbers (16), his versatility and ability to rush the QB, made him one of the most dangerous players in Steelers history.

2023 Pre-Season Rank #10, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #10, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #17, 2020 Pre-Season Rank #19. (Peak Period: 2016-20)

The Russell Wilson era in Seattle ended after a Super Bowl win and nine Pro Bowls, but what if Marshawn Lynch ran on that play (you all know which one!) and departed Emerald City as a two-time Super Bowl Champion?  That likely would make him a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, but his two years in Denver were disastrous and gave post-Philadelphia Donovan McNabb vibes.  This has dropped his rank, and though he has a change of scenery in Pittsburgh, there is a very competent quarterback in Justin Fields who will quickly takeover if the Steelers struggle.  The narrative on Wilson has not changed for the better over the last 24 months.

James Harrison's journey to becoming an NFL star was not an easy one. Despite his impressive performances at Kent State, he was not selected in the 2002 draft. His height and weight, 6'0" and 240 lbs respectively, were the main reasons why NFL scouts overlooked him. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers decided to give him a chance, but it was not an easy road for Harrison. He spent two years moving on and off the practice squad, playing for the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad and Rhine Fire in NFL Europe. Although he showed promise athletically, he struggled with confusion and giving up on plays during practice sessions, which led some to label him as a "head case."

Despite the challenges he faced, Harrison's luck turned around in 2004 when he finally made the Steelers' roster for good. He started playing as a special teamer and coming off the bench before eventually becoming the starting right outside linebacker in 2007. That year, he made the Pro Bowl, a testament to his hard work and dedication. However, that was only the beginning of Harrison's success story.

In 2008, Harrison had an incredible year, making a name for himself as one of the NFL's best linebackers. He was named First Team All-Pro, had a career-high 16 quarterback sacks, led the NFL in forced fumbles and approximate value, and won the prestigious Defensive Player of the Year Award. He also helped lead the Steelers' defensive team to victory at Super Bowl XLIII, returning an interception for a touchdown that day. Harrison's success continued for the next three years, as he made the Pro Bowl multiple times and was named First Team All-Pro again.

Harrison's career took a turn when he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2013 and retired shortly after. However, he later returned to Pittsburgh and played until he was released late in the 2017 season. He finished his career playing with the New England Patriots, helping them reach the Super Bowl.

Harrison retired with 84.5 quarterback sacks, an impressive feat for any player. Although he was an elite player for only five years and was average or mediocre for the rest of his career, his achievements, including winning the Defensive Player of the Year Award, make him a contender for the Hall of Fame.

It feels like we have written about this before.

For the second time, Linebacker James Harrison has announced his retirement via an Instagram post from professional football though we think this time it is going to stick.

Undrafted out of Kent State in 2002, James Harrison would sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Harrison would struggle in his early professional years, as he was deemed too short to be an effective NFL Linebacker and was deemed by some of his teammates as a bit of a head case. The former Golden Flash would bounce off and on the practice roster and would see brief action on the main roster in Special Teams but he would be cut by the end of the year. He would sign with Baltimore in 2003 was cut again after a brief stint with Rhein in NFL Europe but was cut again. Harrison signed again with the Steelers in 2004 but this time he would stick.

From 2004 to 2006 Harrison (or “Deebo” as he was more commonly known) would play on Special Teams and Outside Linebacker showing much improvement from what they saw in his rookie year. In what had to be considered a surprise by many Harrison took over the starting Right Outside Linebacker position from Joey Porter who had been released due to salary cap issues. Harrison would prove Pittsburgh’s new Head Coach Mike Tomlin right as he emerged as one of the most feared defensive players in the National Football League.

In 2007 James Harrison would be chosen for the Pro Bowl, which would be the first of five consecutive. He was also named the Steelers MVP for the year. The next year would be the best season of Harrison’s career as he would record a career high 16 Sacks while earning First Team All Pro Honors. The Linebacker would also lead the league in Approximate Value and would be named the Defensive Player of the Year. Capping the season Harrrison would be the defensive force in the Steelers Super Bowl Win over Arizona. During the game he returned an Interception 100 Yards for a Touchdown, which is still the longest pick in Super Bowl History. This would be Harrison’s second Super Bowl as he played a minor role in their win three years previous.

In 2010 Harrison would be named a First Team All-Pro for the second time and he would compete (albeit in a losing effort) in his third Super Bowl. He would however like Porter find himself the victim of the salary cap and he would be released by Pittsburgh. “Deebo” would sign with division rival Cincinnati where he would play in 2013. The Bengals would cut him after the season and he would retire as a Steeler…but that retirement was short lived as injuries decimated the Pittsburgh D and Harrison would be called back into duty. Harrison was still an effective player in 2015 and 2016 but in 2017 he saw limited action and would be cut by the team in December only to be picked up by the New England Patriots who would go to (again) to the Super Bowl.

James Harrison retires from the NFL with 193 Games Played with 84.5 career Sacks. He has to be considered an outside candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame but the new Pittsburgh Steeler Hall of Honor has his name written all over it despite the fact that his final year in Pittsburgh was not exactly the most teammate and fan friendly.

Harrison will be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to thank James Harrison for the on-field memories and we wish him the best in his post-playing career.

As our eventual intention is to look at how each team honors their former players and executives we are thrilled that for the first time ever the Pittsburgh Steelers have finally unveiled their Hall of Honor, a 27 man class.

This has been a long time coming, so much so that this group comprises 23 Pro Football Hall of Famers.

Let’s get right to this very esteemed group:

Art Rooney: The founding owner of the Steelers and President of the team from 1933 to 1974. He also served as the Chairman until 1988.

Dan Rooney: The son of Art Rooney, Dan Rooney was the Steelers President from 1975 to 2002. He spearheaded the push for minority hires as coaches or GM creating the “Rooney Rule”, whereby all NFL teams must interview a minority candidate for a coaching or GM job.

Chuck Noll: The Head Coach for Pittsburgh from 1969 to 1991, Noll is a four time Super Bowl winner with a regular season record of 193-148-1. He would win two more Super Bowls with the Steelers as an Executive.

Jack Butler: a four time First Team All-Pro Cornerback from 1956 to 1959. He led the NFL in Interceptions in 1957.

Dick Hoak: A Pro Bowl Running Back in 1968 and the Running Coach from 1972 to 2007. He has five Super Bowl Rings as a Coach.

Joe Greene: “Mean” Joe was a four time Super Bowl Champion and a Defensive Tackle who went to ten Pro Bowls while earning six First Team All-Pro Selections. He was the Defensive Player of the Year in both 1972 and 1974.

Terry Bradshaw: The Quarterback of the 1970’s Steelers dynasty, Terry Bradshaw was a three time Pro Bowler and two time Super Bowl MVP.

Franco Harris: The Fullback was the engine of the Steelers juggernaut and he too is a four time Super Bowl Champion. He was also a nine time Pro Bowl Selection and the MVP of Super Bowl IX.

Mike Webster: The Center for the 70’s juggernaut, he also won four Super Bowls. He would be named to nine Pro Bowls and seven First Team All-Pro squads.

Lynn Swann: The very popular Wide Receiver was also a four time Super Bowl winner. Twice he would be a Pro Bowler and he was the MVP of Super Bowl X.

L.C. Greenwood: Greenwood also won four Super Bowls and the Defensive End went to six Pro Bowls.

Mel Blount: The Cornerback also won four Super Bowls and was himself a five time Pro Bowl and four time First Team All Pro. He led the NFL in Interceptions in 1975 and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Jack Ham: Playing Outside Linebacker, Ham also won four Super Bowls and was a eight time Pro Bowl and six time First Team All Pro Selection.

Jack Lambert: Yet another four time Super Bowl winner Jack Lambert went to nine Pro Bowls and seven First Team All Pros. The Middle Linebacker was a two time Defensive Player of the Year in both 1976 and 1983.

Andy Russell: A two time Super Bowl winner with eight Pro Bowl Selections. Russell played Linebacker.

Rod Woodson: The Cornerback played ten years of his career with Pittsburgh and was a seven time and five time First Team All Pro Selection with Pittsburgh. As a Steeler he won a Super Bowl and was named the Defensive Player of the Year in 1993.

Kevin Greene: Only a Steeler for three seasons, Greene won the Super Bowl with the team and was named to a First Team All Pro squad.

Jerome Bettis: “The Bus” won a Super Bowl with Pittsburgh as well as earning four Pro Bowls.

Donnie Shell: Another four time Super Bowl Champion, the Safety was a five time Pro Bowl and three time First Team All-Pro Selection.

John Stallworth: Stallworth also won four Super Bowls and he was named to three Pro Bowls. The Wide Receiver also made a First Team All Pro squad once.

Bobby Layne: The Hall of Fame Quarterback played his final five seasons with Pittsburgh and he was a two time Pro Bowl Selection as a Steeler.

Ernie Stautner: A star Defensive Tackle of the 1950’s, Statutner would be a nine time Pro Bowl.

John Henry Johnson: A Fullback who went to three Pro Bowls as a Steeler in early 1960’s.

Bill Dudley: “Bullet Bill” was an imposing halfback who was with Pittsburgh for three seasons; one before World War II, and two after his service. He would be named the MVP in 1946.

Walt Kiesling: Kiesling only played one season with Pittsburgh but served as their coach for two stints.

John “Blood” McNally: McNally played three seasons for Pittsburgh as well as coached them for three.

Dermontti Dawson: The Center was a seven time Pro Bowl and six time First Team All Pro Selection.

The Hall of Honor will be located at the river end of the FedEx Great Hall at Heinz Field with the eventual plan to grow it to a museum.

To qualify for the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor a player must have been with the team for at least three years and be retired for at least three years.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com are beyond delighted that the Steelers have finally begun to honor their past legends with an institution like this.

Here we are in the National Football League playoffs but for us that it means it is time to discuss the potential class of the 2017 Pro Football Hall of Fame.  The Finalists have been announced, and along with regular contributor, Spheniscus, we will go back and forth with each candidate and openly debate as to which player would be a worthy Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee.

Committee Chairman: Spheniscus, in my mind, Alan Faneca should have been inducted last year. 

Another major retirement took place in the NFL as Pittsburgh Steelers Tight End called it a career yesterday.

Coming out of the University of Virginia, the Steelers drafted Miller with their first pick (30th Overall) in the 2005 Draft.  Miller paid immediate dividends catching 39 passes and was named the Steelers Rookie of the Year.  That year, Miller earned the ultimate prize, as Pittsburgh would go on to win Super Bowl XL.

Miller would continue with Pittsburgh for the duration of his career and three years later would win another Super Bowl ring, though in that game he would have more of an active role with 5 catches in the big dance.  The Tight End would make two Pro Bowls over his career (2009 & 2012) and would named the team MVP in 2012. 

With this retirement, Miller concludes his career with 592 Receptions for 6,569 Yards and 45 Touchdowns and is Hall of Fame eligible in 2021, though he probably will struggle to make the Semi-Finals.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to thank Heath Miller for the memories and we wish him the best in his post-playing career.

The Pittsburgh Steelers of the 1970s won four Super Bowls and have ten members in the Football Hall of Fame, which would suggest that they are well-represented in Canton. However, many in Western Pennsylvania feel that there is a huge omission left in the black and yellow with L.C. Greenwood.

From the HBCU school of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Greenwood proved to be a steal as the 238^th Pick in 1969.  A Steeler his entire career, Greenwood was a member of the famous Steel Curtain and played a crucial role in the Steelers' success, helping them win four Super Bowls in a five-year period. With six Pro Bowl selections, he was a formidable opponent for quarterbacks and had a significant impact on the game. Although sacks were not yet an official statistic, Greenwood recorded five of them in his four Super Bowl appearances. He was a tall, speedy defender who seemed to be everywhere on the field, and engulfed everything he touched

Despite being a Hall of Fame finalist six times, Greenwood has not yet been inducted. If another player from the 1970s Steelers team is inducted, it has to be L.C. Greenwood.  As for Pittsburgh, they have acknowledged Greenwood in their Hall of Honor and All-Time Team.

Linebackers are built to strike fear in Quarterbacks.  Greg Lloyd seemed destined to strike fear in virtually everyone around him.

A former Big XII Defensive Player of the Year at the University of Texas, Casey Hampton was drafted 19^th Overall in 2001 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, which would be the only team that he would ever play for professionally. 

James Farrior was drafted 8^th Overall by the New York Jets in 1997, and he did well for New York in the five years he played there, though it can be argued that he did not achieve what the Jets hoped for when they drafted him so high.  He did, however, show some of that promise in his last year in New York, where he had 143 Tackles.

The all-time leader in Receiving, Receiving Yards, and Receiving Touchdowns in the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise, Hines Ward brings the accumulative statistical resume that you would expect from a Wide Receiver in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  Ward amassed over 12,000 Yards Receiving, an even 1,000 Receptions, and most importantly was a large part of the Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl wins in 2006 and 2009, the first of which he was named the MVP of.

A member of the NFL 2000’s All-Decade Team, Joey Porter had a very productive run in the National Football League, especially with the Pittsburgh Steelers where he won a Super Bowl Ring.  The four-time Pro Bowl Linebacker fell two Sacks shy of the 100 mark and would be regarded as one of the dirtiest defensive players of his time, but definitely someone you wanted on your side.