Steelers RB Jerome Bettis is not a part of the 2012 Hall of Fame class.
Of the 17 nominees (15 modern era candidates and two senior candidates, Steelers CB Jack Butler and OG Dick Stanfel), the 10 finalists are Steelers C Dermontti Dawson, WR Cris Carter, DE Chris Doleman, LB Charles Haley, DT Cortez Kennedy, RB Curtis Martin, coach Bill Parcells, WR Andre Reed, OT Willie Roaf and CB Aeneas Williams.
Bettis, along with OG Will Shields, owner Eddie DeBartoto Jr., LB Kevin Greene and WR Tim Brown, did not make the final cut to 10.
Bettis rushed for 13,662 yards, fourth-most in league history. He is the Steelers' all-time leading rusher, and played in six Pro Bowls - five with Pittsburgh, and one with the Rams. The addition of Bettis in 1996 was another addition to the Steelers' legacy of power running. Bettis had great size for a running back, but was dominant because of his quick feet. He was able to lower the shoulder on defenders just as well as he could elude their pursuit with a quick move to either side.
Dawson, who replaced Hall of Fame C Mike Webster, started in 170 consecutive games at one point in his career, and was named All-Pro in six consecutive seasons, from 1993-98. He was named to seven total Pro Bowls, and is largely considered one of the best interior linemen of his day.