Steelers DB Jack Butler Thankful to Play in 'City of Champions'

The Senior Committee elected former Steelers DB Jack Butler, making him one of the few players from the pre-Steel Curtain Era to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

He was the combo selectee Saturday evening. He both played for the Steelers and was from Pittsburgh. Nearly everyone else had some kind of connection to Pittsburgh.

Butler, a Pittsburgh native who never played for another team, referred to the "City of Champions," and thanked the fans whom, in his words, are what the game is all about.

Dermontti Dawson, the Steelers center from 1998 to 2000, drew a standing ovation from the Steelers fans on hand.

Former Vikings and 49ers DE Chris Doleman and former Patriots and Jets RB Curtis Martin, both University of Pittsburgh products, were also inducted, giving Pittsburgh ties to four of the six players inducted.

The other two were Saints and Chiefs OT Willie Roaf and Seahawks DT Cortez Kennedy.

Martin's speech was the most memorable, highlighting, often in shocking detail, the physical abuse his mother endured at the hands of his deceased father.