Potential Steelers in the Hall of Fame
by maryrose on Jun 30, 2008 9:38 AM EDT
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PrintThe Pittsburgh Steelers have 19 members of the family in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Only the Chicago Bears (26) and Green Bay Packers (21) have more. I've compiled a listing according to five different categories. For sake of operational definition, only those players who played a majority or plurality of their careers with the Steelers are listed. They would be "Primary" HOF members. Kevin Greene played only three years with the Steelers so basically if he gets inducted it will be as a Ram. Conversely, Jerome Bettis played only three years with the Rams so he will go in proudly as a Steeler. I'd like to hear your opinions, both in agreement and disagreement and also moving individuals into different categories. If you are new to the site or haven't commented much, we'd really like to know your thoughts as well. Join in one and all.
Category One: Slam Dunk, No Debate, Meet Me in Canton
Jerome Bettis: The Bus played with us for 10 seasons, 1996 through 2005, after three seasons with the St. Louis Rams. He didn't fit into the Rams' offense. He now fits into the yellow blazer of the Hall of Fame. Bettis rushed for 13,662 yards and finished his career fifth on the all-time NFL rushing list. He scored 91 touchdowns rushing and added three more receiving and another three with option passes. The Bus made the Pro Bowl six times and ended his career in his hometown Detroit, hoisting the Lombardi Trophy as a Super Bowl Champion.
Rod Woodson: Woodson also played with the Steelers for exactly one decade, from 1987 through 1996. In one of those seasons he became the first player to ever come back in the same season following major reconstructive knee surgery (the Super Bowl year of 1995). Woodson played for three more teams after leaving Pittsburgh and finished his career in 2003. His 71 interceptions are third all-time in the NFL and incredibly, he returned 12 of those for touchdowns. He compiled a total of 17 touchdowns, including kick, punt and fumble returns - not bad for someone who never played offense. Woodson made the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team and played in 11 Pro Bowls.
Category Two: Very Deserving, Shameful if Left Out
Gary Anderson: Anderson played 13 of his 23 NFL seasons with the Steelers (1982-94). He is the NFL's second leading all-time scorer with 2,434 points (behind Morten Andersen), some 400 points ahead of third place. Anderson not only made the 1980s NFL All-Decade Team, he made the 1990s All-Decade Team as well. He has been selected All Pro five times and four times he was invited to the Pro Bowl. In 1998 Anderson became the first kicker in NFL history to go through a perfect regular season not missing a field goal (35) nor an extra point (59). His 164 points that year is fourth all time in the NFL and the most ever for a player not scoring a touchdown. If Jan Stenerud, some 700 career points in the rears of Anderson, can make it in the Hall, Gary Anderson should be there also. (Stenerud is the only pure placekicker in the Hall. Others like Blanda and Groza kicked well after playing another primary position during their careers.) Pittsburgh fans will never forget Anderson's 50-yard field goal in overtime at Houston in the 1989 Wildcard Game that game that gave the Steelers a stunning road playoff win over the heavily-favored Oilers.
Bill Cowher: Cowher was the head coach of the Steelers for 15 season, from 1992 through 2006. He became the second coach in NFL history to lead his team into the playoffs the first six years of his career. Paul Brown was the other. Cowher was the youngest coach (38) ever to guide his team into a Super Bowl (XXX) and during his 15-year tenure, the Steelers had the best regular-season record in football (149-90-1). Cowher won eight division titles and earned 10 postseason berths. The Steelers played in 15 home playoff games, averaging one per season, during his reign, and played in 21 playoff games in all. Six times the Cowher-led Steelers made it to the AFC championship game.
Dermontti Dawson: Dawson played with the Steelers for all 13 years of his NFL career. He went to seven straight Pro Bowls (1992-98) and was selected as All Pro six times. Dawson started an impressive 171 straight games for the Steelers as one of the all-time great centers. He was named to the NFL's 1990s All-Decade Team. The Steelers do not officially retire numbers (after Ernie Stautner), but you might have noticed that no one has worn #63 since Dawson retired after the 2000 season.
Alan Faneca: Faneca played 10 years with Pittsburgh, from 1998 through 2007, primarily as an outstanding left guard. Seven times Faneca played in the Pro Bowl and five times he was selected All Pro. Faneca was voted by the Pittsburgh fans to be on the Steelers' 75th Anniversary Team. Offensive linemen do not get opportunities to pile up statistics, but opposing defensive linemen will attest to how great Faneca was during his career with the Steelers.
Hines Ward: Like Faneca, Ward came to the team after the 1998 draft and has been a Steeler for an exact decade. Ward has been the team's MVP three times and was also MVP of Super Bowl XL. Ward is now the Steelers' all-time leading receiver in yards (8,737) and touchdowns (65) and has racked up an impressive 761 yards and eight touchdowns in postseason play. Ward was selected to four consecutive Pro Bowls (2001-04) and is a three-time All Pro.
Category Three: Pro-Rated Possibility, Needs Multiplied Pace
Willie Parker: What Fast Willie has done in just three seasons (2004 hardly counts) puts his name into the discussion. He's rushed for more than 4,000 yards in those three seasons and scored 23 touchdowns. In 2005 Parker was the Steelers' team MVP and his 75-yard touchdown gallop in the Super Bowl following that season is an NFL record. Parker's biggest problem at this point may be his age. He is 27. NFL running backs are not known for very long career-spans and he may have trouble triplicating his output thus far, which is close to what it would take for a yellow blazer.
Troy Polamalu: Polamalu has been with the team for five years and has made the Pro Bowl four times. If you multiply his career, those Pro Bowl appearances alone would make a good case. Polamalu tied an NFL record for a safety by recording three sacks in one game and is still the only safety ever drafted by the Steelers in the first round. Polamalu plays a confusing, aggressive style of defense that commands the respect of NFL opponents.
Ben Roethlisberger: Roethlisberger has been with the team for four years. In three of those years his quarterback rating has been at least 98 and in 2007 he was second only to future Hall of Famer Tom Brady with a 104 rating. Roethlisberger was an obvious selection to the Pro Bowl last season. He maintains a career 63% of completions. He has thrown for 11,673 yards and 84 touchdowns. If you multiply those numbers by three, a fair projection, he will have more than 35,000 yards and more than 250 touchdown passes. Roethlisberger is the youngest quarterback to ever lead his team to a Super Bowl victory.
Category Four: Maybe Too Late Now, But Should Be In
L.C. Greenwood: Greenwood played with the Steelers for 13 seasons (1969-81). He was a six-time Pro Bowler and four times achieved All Pro status. Greenwood stockpiled a sterling 73.5 career sacks and recovered 14 fumbles. He also had an uncanny knack of coming up big in big games. Greenwood batted away three Fran Tarkenton passes in Super Bowl IX and the next year sacked Roger "The Dodger" Staubach three times in Super Bowl X. He registered sacks in all four Super Bowls in which he played. Greenwood was selected to the NFL Silver Anniversary Super Bowl Team and was also a member of the league's 1970s All-Decade Team.
Donnie Shell: This one baffles me more than any other. Shell played with Pittsburgh all 14 years of his NFL career (1974-87) after being signed as an undrafted free agent. His 51 career interceptions, as a safety no less, ranks among the elite in NFL history. Shell made the Pro Bowl five consecutive years (1978-82) and was a five-time All Pro. Nicknamed "The Torpedo," Shell's clean slam-to-the-ground tackle of powerful Earl Campbell broke the Houston Oiler's ribs in a critical 1978 contest knocking Campbell out of the game. Shell was the team's MVP in 1980. I believe the only reason Shell is being snubbed, likewise Greenwood, is that nine of their 1970s teammates have been inducted and there is a subliminal feeling that nine is enough for any one group of players.
Category Five: Not Going to Happen, But in My Mind There is a Special Wing
Dick Hoak: I fully understand we are talking here about the NFL Hall of Fame, not a Steelers Hall of Fame. Still, I doubt there are many individuals around who played for a team for 10 years (1961-70) then coached the same team for another 35 years, marking 45 years all told. Up until he retired, Hoak had been a player or coach of the Steelers for 742 of the franchise's 1,057 games, an incredible 70 percent. Moreover, Hoak hails from nearby Jeannette and played at Penn State, taking the definition of lifelong loyalty to a whole new level. He made the Pro Bowl once as a Steeler and finished his career as Pittsburgh's second all-time rusher behind John Henry Johnson. Hoak will not be one of the few who achieve Hall of Fame status, but he is one of fewer who are walking around with five Super Bowl rings.
Art Rooney Jr.: The world already believes there are enough Rooneys in the Hall of Fame, but Art Jr. is the unsung Rooney. Two years younger than brother Dan, who is in the Hall of Fame, Art Jr. has also devoted his entire adulthood to the NFL and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Currently a vice president for the Steelers, Rooney was the team's head of personnel and player acquisition from 1964 to 1986. He was instrumental in the launching of the league's first scouting combine and he orchestrated the greatest six-year string of team drafts in NFL history. Nine Steelers' players during that span ended up in the Hall of Fame. So too should one of the primary architects behind that great dynasty.
Mike Wagner: I realize if Shell can't get in then Wagner, also a safety, has no chance whatsoever. I am still going to tout him since I saw most of his games and he played far beyond what statistics can measure. Wagner and Shell was the smartest safety tandem in NFL history in my opinion. For as many times as Swann and Stallworth beat the opposition for long receptions, I can barely remember the opposition ever getting behind Wagner and Shell. Wagner played with Pittsburgh for a decade, 1971-80, and earned two Pro Bowl appearances (1975 and 1976) along with four All Pro teams. In 1973 Wagner led the NFL in interceptions with eight and ended his career with 36. He also recovered 11 fumbles. Like Shell, Wagner was a great tackler and played run support as well as it can be played.
Special Category: Already In, But Not as a Steeler
Jim Finks: It bothers me that neither the Steelers nor the Hall of Fame acknowledge the fact that Jim Finks played his entire NFL career with Pittsburgh (1949-1955) and was an outstanding quarterback. In the Steelers' Media Guide the team accounts for 19 Hall of Famers and then notes players like Cal Hubbard, Marion Motley and Len Dawson who played very briefly with the team, but really earned HOF credentials with other teams. How can they not mention Jim Finks? In 1952 he had a Pro Bowl season leading the NFL with 20 touchdown passes (the game was different back then, 20 was an outstanding milestone) and was surprisingly fourth in the league with five rushing touchdowns. In 1955 he had yet another great season, leading the league in passes attempted (244), completed (165), passing yards (2,270) and yards-per-game (190). All told, Finks threw 55 touchdown passes, rushed for 12, caught a TD pass and returned an interception for a touchdown. Agreed, his career and statistics are not the primary reasons for Finks being in the Hall of Fame. His administrative contributions to the Bears, Vikings and Saints are what propelled him into the Hall. But his statistical and playing contributions to the Pittsburgh Steelers over his seven-year career surely deserve a secondary affiliation. If the Steelers can mention the miniscule impact that Cal Hubbard, Marion Motley and Lenny Dawson had on the team, Jim Finks should be recognized as one of ours also.
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like your list`
I think you clarified your position about FWP just fine, but I don’t think there’s any conceivable way that Parker gets enough carries and is around long enough to get anywhere near the numbers he’d need. I do agree his annual production when given the chance to play has been outstanding, but his age and the addition of Mendenhall should all but slam the door on his chances. If he were to to get traded to a team where he could be the #1 guy at ages 29-33 and somehow go berserk and surpass the 12,000 yard mark, then who knows. But as of now, he’s ranked 151 on the career rushing list…at age 27.
well said Blitz
We all love FWP and his story but he’d have to go nuts for the next 4-5 years to even be in consideration for the hall. Other things that hurt his long-shot chances are his lack of touchdowns (35th among active players) and his lack of receptions. Neither of those numbers are liking to improve either with Mendenhall stealing goal-line carries and Moore poised to step into the 3rd down role.
In the end, he’ll likely be a “hall of very good” candidate.
nice
Good article Rose. I agree with much of what you said, just a few notes:
Hines- I think he’s got a great chance as long as he puts up solid stats for 3 more years. If the Steelers get back to a superbowl and possibly win he’s a lock. Even without I think he’ll make it because he’s the most celebrated “all-around” receiver in the league. We all know you can’t listen to a steelers game without hearing about how much Hines likes to block. All journalists know that and he gets along well with the press. i think he’s got a great chance.
Another mention of a man that should be in: Dick Lebeau. One for his playing days as he was a ridiculously good corner (or so I’ve read and heard), and secondly for his coaching. The many created the zone-blitz for pete’s sake. And his defenses have been traditionally amazing year after year. He didn’t set a great mark as a head coach but I think you’d be hard pressed to find a better defensive coordinator out there.
by Chicago Steeler on Jun 30, 2008 12:12 PM EDT reply actions
Dick Lebeau
Great, great point on Lebeau. There’s no conceivable reason that he shouldn’t be in the Hall. That was a great story when the Steelers played in the HOF game a year or so ago and the entire defense wore his jersey to recognize him. Wasn’t he ranked like second all-time at the time of his retirement in interceptions?
The Lebeau Point
Is certainly well taken. He was actually one of those Kevin Greene guys. LeBeau played his entire 14-year career with the Lions and has done most of his coaching thus far with the Bengals. If he does get in, he will be a secondary Steeler because he now has nine years with us, a significant amount of time. Another factor to be considered is that assistant coaches do not get in the Hall of Fame (to my knowledge), but maybe they should consider his whole body of work instead of looking at just playing days. Lebeau deserves to get in before Hoak, but I mentioned Hoak since he was a pure Steeler, both player and coach.
I didn't know that assisstant coaches didn't get in
But that would make sense. That would certainly hurt his chances.
rose
Why are assistants not allowed in?
Do you think that’s reasonable?
by Michael Bean on Jun 30, 2008 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions
There is nothing precluding assistants from getting in
I just didn’t spot any under coaches, so I am assuming it is either very difficult or just not practiced. Maybe Hoak can break the barrier?
'Not Allowed' seems too strong a phrase.
Fundamentally, if someone is “Hall-worthy” as an assistant, there’s an obvious question as to why they never got a head coaching job if they are, indeed, so great.
It’s hard enough separating a truly great coach from a good coach who was given an awesome team. What metric would you possibly use for assistant coaches?
Good question
But it does seem that some assistants should be considered for the HOF. Some like Hoak, Lebeau, and Monte Kiffin seem like the kind of coach that would fit that category. If an OC or DC is just not cut out to be a HC, but is one of the best OC’s or DC’s in the league for 20 or 30 years, that seems a very good accomplishment in and of itself. Mainly, I’m just thinking of the fact that different skills are required to be the head man than a coordinator or position coach. Think of John Madden. Was he a great assistant before becoming a HOF HC? Shouldn’t great OCs and DCs get some recognition for their particular skills, even if they are just not cut out to be the head man?
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jul 1, 2008 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe there hasn't been a compelling example of that yet.
Maybe Hoak and/or Lebeau will help break new ground because of their tremendous careers. Maybe some eyes will open.
Makes sense
The longevity requirement would have to be longer for an assistant, so those two guys would fit that (40+ years excelling at their coaching positions). As opposed to a HC who could coach 10 years, win ~100 games and a SB or two.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jul 1, 2008 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Great list 'rose
I definitely agree on Bettis and Woodson. I’d love to re-visit category 2 when they’re all eligible. They could each go both ways in my mind.
I’m still more skeptical on Ward than most but I certainly hope that I’m wrong.
Great list
I really enjoyed reading through that list, maryrose. I want to think that Bettis a slam dunk, but I don’t know. Woodson definitely, no question. I thought Bettis was too, but then started hearing some of the pundits question it.
I would have to agree with every one of them. In my opinion Dermontti Dawson should be on the slam dunk list. I guess no SB wins hurts that, but Bruce Matthews just got in, and look at the total playoff record of his teams. Both dominant at their positions for many years. Ok, Matthews played multiple positions and excelled at them, but I still think Dawson should be in.
Also, it is a real shame that Greenwood and Shell are not in the HOF. What probably hurt them is that so many of their defensive cohorts went in so quickly. Swann was helped by a sort of campaign to get him in, and then he made that great speech about “this is only a half hour” to get Stallworth in the next year. I think it is going to take something similar to remind people how great they were.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jun 30, 2008 4:42 PM EDT reply actions
one other change
‘Rose, I would put Gary Anderson in the slam dunk category. I think him and Morton Anderson would have to be locks. They were clutch for a ridiculous long period of time. I guess there’s not tons of space in the Hall of kickers, but those two are pretty much the gold standard since the 80s all the way through till the 2000s.
GREAT LIST
COMMENTS ABOUT GREG LLOYD I THINK HE WAS 2 YEARS AWAY OF GREAT PERFORMING FROM THE HOF. I THINK NOBODY, AT THEIR PRIME, FOR THE EXCEPTION OF LT (LAURENCE TAYLOR) PLAYED BETTER OLB THAN LLOYD AND NO ONE PLAYED WITH MORE PASSION AND PUT MORE FEAR THAN HIM AGAINST OPOSSING QB’S.
More on Cowher
...who did more wih less,particularily at the QB position:went to SB(‘95) with Neil O’Donnell;went 13-3(‘01)with Kordell Stewart;went 15-1(‘04) with a rookie(Ben).
Finally,I believe that during Cowher’s tenure(1992-2006),Pittsburgh had the most wins in the NFL.
by steelerambassador on Jun 30, 2008 11:12 PM EDT reply actions
Do your research
This entire article is flawed under the premise of players being inducted by one team or another. THEY ARE NOT.
From the Pro Football Hall of fame website:
Is a New Hall of Fame Member Enshrined as a Member of a Team?
Obviously, teams take great pride in the accomplishments of individuals who have been a part of their organization. Often individual teams and even the Hall of Fame will list enshrinees according to the team or teams on which they spent a significant period of time. An enshrinee, however, is not asked to "declare," nor does the Hall of Fame "choose" a team under which a new member is enshrined. When elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, an individual is recognized for his accomplishments as a player, coach, or contributor.
When a player is inducted ALL teams are listed equally. Franco Harris is listed as a member of the Steelers and the Seahawks equally. Mike Webster is listed as a member of the Steelers and Chiefs equally.
When Rod Woodson is inducted, he will be listed as a member of the Steelers, 49ers, Ravens and Raiders.
As for Jim Finks, he is inducted as an Administrator, not a player. Using your logic, the Browns should complain that Chuck Noll should be recognized as a member of the Cleveland Browns since although he was a Steelers coach, he was a player for the Browns.
The Pro Football hall of Fame inducts players, not teams.
by SteelerNation.com on Jul 1, 2008 2:47 AM EDT reply actions
wow
You’re f’n brilliant Encyclopedia Brown. Way to reference the manual and TOTALLY IGNORE CONTEXT. Brialliant. Glad you signed up to leave a snarky ass comment to somebody who’s likely been following the Steelers for longer than you’ve been alive.
Read again brotha. See if you can shut down the cynicism for two seconds to realize that somewhere between the lines, there’s some understood context that, despite the fact that players, not teams get elected (as you so brilliantly said – because honestly, I thought all of us for a minute there thought that the Steelers kept getting enshrined to Canton over and over again every so many years. Oh wait, that’s retarded, nevermind), most players get up on that podium in Canton and identify their careers, their accomplishments, and their memories/experiences in the NFL to their tenure with one particular team in the NFL.
I know you think you’re one-upping somebody by pulling out an unecessary technicality, but ironically, if YOU did your homework, you’d realize that the author of this contribution has been a fan, student, ambassador, and unapologetic 100% supporter of this great game for nearly 5 decades.
Try again dawg. And try to fill that gaping chip on your shoulder too.
oh and one more thing
I find this kinda funny. From your website’s rules and regulations, that you so proudly promote in your handle name here on BehindtheSteelCurtain:
Signature lines and avatars: Sports related sig pics and avatars are always acceptable. However, we are restricting content within signatures and avatars that in any way promotes, mentions or links to any website. The content of all signatures and avatars should meet the Offensive Content paragraph above. Signature pictures should be no more than 400 pixels wide by 120 pixels tall. Animated signature pictures and avatars are not permitted.
You serious? How do you spell PHONY. You thought you’d look smart while calling someone out, all the while ignoring the glaringly obvious context of the post, AND promote your snarky message boards. Survey Says? You failed.
Again though, this is not to try to do anything other than chastise you for calling out a man ‘for not doing his homework’ who has been a fan of this franchise since far before the time you learned how to say one thing and act another.
I wholeheartedly invite you to read this, this, this, this. this, and this.
When you’re done, get back to me about certain people not doing their homework.
And for anyone maybe surprised by such a reaction from me, well, you have a point. It takes a lot to get me riled up. That’s why you don’t see the vitriolic nonsensical tone and nature of so many msg boards here. I don’t stand for that. But for someone who’s never left a comment, and probably never read anything by ‘rose before, for him/her to say ‘do your homework’ is laughably ridiculous. Can’t let that slide.
Take your unecessary encyclopedia, your lack of homework, your inability to grasp context, and your sorry attempts to show up someone who writes for personal enjoyment and to entertain Steelers fans, elsewhere.
Seriously though, re-read the part about Finks, and your comment. While you may have a technical point, those who know how to read between the lines are very well aware that Finks wasn’t inducted as a player, but rather as an administrator. Slow down, fill the chip on your shoulder, absorb something for once, then attack if you deem it necessary. As is, you just look foolish, which from the looks of your laughable rules about self-promoting signatures on your site, combined with your willingness to not respect other’s spaces, is likely a reasonable characterization of you.
I'm not sure where your ire is coming from
But I can assure you that my lack of explanation of the Hall of Fame process was only to save time with an already-lengthy article and not due to lack of homework.
You state three times that players are inducted under all teams “equally” and that is not true. Players who made primary contributions to a team are listed in capital letters and are included in the first number in paranthese next to the team name. Those who made brief/secondary contributions are in lower case and are included in the second number next to the team. Moreover, most teams in their media guides (I haven’t checked them all) will feature primary Hall of Famers while giving brief small-print mention to the secondary guys. The Chiefs prominently highlight Len Dawson with just a respectful mention of Mike Webster while the Steelers do exactly the opposite. There is nothing “equal” about it.
I tried to briefly get that across in my opening statement as to why I wasn’t going to list Kevin Greene. I guessed that the Hall of Fame would print Greene in lower case under the Steelers listing. Regarding Finks, my only point there was that I think his career as a player was good enough to warrant a secondary mention. He was a Pro Bowl quarterback who several times led the league in various categories. Chuck Noll was primarily a messenger guard who had nowhere near the playing career that Finks had.
Unbunch your panties and take a Midol
Never let facts get in the way of a good hissy fit, huh? After all, the author is a long time Steelers fan – there no possible way he or she could be mistaken about anything.
Context? The context is whether or not certain players have had time with multiple teams (specifically Rod Woodson and Jerome Bettis and speculation about Kevin Greene) will be inducted as Steelers players or not.
Facts are facts – both men (or all three of you count Greene) will go in as members of all teams they played for. To state otherwise is nothing more than not doing your homework. If that hurts your feelings, please take it up with the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
As for the rest of your buffoonery, it’s nice to see that the author is more tolerant of feedback than you are.
Here’s your quote:
But for someone who’s never left a comment, and probably never read anything by ‘rose before, for him/her to say ‘do your homework’ is laughably ridiculous. Can’t let that slide.
But here is the comment from maryrose:
If you are new to the site or haven’t commented much, we’d really like to know your thoughts as well. Join in one and all.
Here’s another quote from you:
Glad you signed up to leave a snarky ass comment to somebody who’s likely been following the Steelers for longer than you’ve been alive.
Yet maryrose actually invites disagreements:
I’d like to hear your opinions, both in agreement and disagreement and also moving individuals into different categories.
As for your moronic assumptions about my age as compared to the author, I have 5 decades in myself. 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 00’s.
Other than the obvious mistakes about players being inducted by team (and the Jim Finks comparison), the rest of the article was fine. It’s too bad that the author has a maturity level about his or her work that you haven’t achieved yet.
Have a wonderful day.
by SteelerNation.com on Jul 1, 2008 9:13 AM EDT reply actions
Did you add anything constructive to the conversation?
Not really. The whole point of the post was not the, IMO, nonessential details as to how the HOF designates (or does not designate) the players’ teams. The point was to look at which Steelers are HOF worthy. Your post came off as arrogant and unnecessary. As you so correctly pointed out, maryrose showed great maturity in his response to your post. It’s just unfortunate that your post didn’t show anywhere close to the same maturity that maryrose showed. Besides which, he clarified how the HOF does differentiate between primary and secondary teams, which apparently you were unaware of.
I think most of us realize that the HOF does not induct players based on the team, but based on the player. However, it is also widely recognized that players are associated with the teams they played for (usually the team for which they are most famous). Was it really necessary for you to make the “correction” in such an arrogant way? Again, for all of your claim to having seen so many decades of Steelers football, your post did not display the maturity that you claim to have. Rather, it sounded like either a young know-it-all who has to poke holes in others’ work to feel good about themselves. Had you shown the maturity that ‘rose has in his response to you, you might have actually added something worthwhile to this site.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jul 1, 2008 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
i still dont think u get it
I think he made it clear that even though players will officially be listed under every team they played for, it’s understood that they go in and are indentified with their primary team. Bettis – Steelers. Green – Rams.
by Michael Bean on Jul 1, 2008 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
last thing ill be saying to you
Your cloack of trying to just be a constructive critic and first time participator is funny. Sorry, I don’t buy it. I know why/how you were directed to this story. And even if you were a long time reader and first time commentor, you still weren’t really adding anything with your statements. You simply stated that someone wasn’t doing their homework, which was not true.
You need not be in agreement to participate.
by Michael Bean on Jul 1, 2008 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I say the player should decide
It might put them on the spot a little bit, but wouldn’t it be nice to know how the players feel about which team they represent when they go into the HOF? I’ll bet if you ask Joe Montana (whom I’ve met in Sonoma County, just north of SF) wether he would like to go in as a 49er or a Chief- he would probably say 49er. What about Kevin Greene? That guy was a Steeler, I don’t care who else he played for. Maybe he doesn’t think so, and I could repect that coming from him.
On a side note- I’m living in Georgia these day (for work) and I had the most incredible experience a few weeks ago. I was at a golf course looking for a game, when who shows up on a golf cart with some older guy??? The Bus, Jerome Bettis! You can imagine the shocked look on my face. I introduced myself (as calmly as possible) and asked if he would mind if I played with his group. He was very nice. Very cool guy. I got to play nine holes of golf with him, and he even gave me an autograph after. What a classy guy, and not to shabby with the sticks either!
I have often joked that I would someday get to hang out with the Bus, and I got to do it. Pretty cool, huh?
Nice!
That’s awesome that he was cool with it and just hung with you. Thanks for sharing the story.
by Chicago Steeler on Jul 1, 2008 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Meeting the Bus
That’s awesome! I’m not surprised to hear how nice he was. I’ve never met him myself, but the way he chose to end his career speaks volumes to his character. Not to mention the fact that so many on the team seemed to be wanting to win SB XL for him as much as anything.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jul 1, 2008 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
wow!
Lucky you. Does he talk it up on the course?
by Michael Bean on Jul 1, 2008 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I know, right
Have you guys seen the Superbowl XL Steelers DVD? In the begining they show all the AFC Championship games that we lost (barely) and the Superbowl XXX, and then they show Hines Ward Crying after Ben’s rookie season when they lost to NE. Everytime I watch that I get all choked up.
The SUperbowl XL party at my house in California was OFF THE HOOK, and when JB retired with the trophy in his hand at Ford Field in Detroit I was as proud to be a fan of his and the Steelers as I could be. Hines and The Bus. It doesn’t get much better!
XL video
Is that the highlight video, in the black case? I have that. I haven’t watched it in a while, but yeah, all of those bitter losses were a part of that championship. I always get a little choked up seeing Hines cry after the ‘04 AFCC game, too. Also, Cowher’s getting choked up in that America’s Game gets me every time too.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jul 1, 2008 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Americas Game
I haven’t seen the Americas Game shows with the more recent Steelers. I’ve seen the ones from the 70’s (I was born in 80). I would really like to see them though. I should set my TiVo for that series.
I became a Steelers fan in 1996. I lived in western Montana, and I saw a monday night game with the Steelers in Kansas City. I saw Jerome Bettis run right through Derrik Thomas and… Neil… something. They were two monsters on defense at the time, and they had Jerome wrapped up 3 yards back in the backfield. Jerome did some of those little spinner moves, kept his legs a pumping and landed on a lineman, squirted over him and in for the 2 yarder. I said “Wow! Now that’s how this game is supposed to be played!”
Steeler Football will never die!!!!
Does anyone remember that guys name?
He played for KC, he was a tackle I think. Neil …. _ Neil? something like that? He was awesome in the 90s.
This is going to drive me nuts all day, Please Help!!!
Crap!
Hit enter by accident. I meant to say, I think you’re right. Neil Smith. He was great pass rushing DE that went the Broncos during their SB wins. I was trying to remember his name a week or two ago.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jul 1, 2008 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
getting way off topic now but
Does anyone remember how awesome Neil Smith and Derrick Thomas (one of my fav players as a kid) were for the Chiefs in the early 90’s. There were several years that they almost combined for 30 sacks.
Yeah
I really liked them too. The Chiefs were one of those teams that I liked too back then. They were a good team, with solid players, not too much showboating.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jul 1, 2008 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
HoF
I agree, LC and Donnie deserve to be in the hall. If Harry Carson can make it, LC is a lock. Dermontii should get in eventually. If Bill never coaches again, he should make it, but if he goes somewhere and stinks up the joint, then a debate begins. I’ve always felt that L.C. not being is one of the biggest injustices of the hall. And yeah, LeBeau deserves to be in on his playing stats alone. But what he’s done as a coordinator just cements his status.
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