Alan Faneca named as one of the 15 finalists for Hall of Fame induction in 2019

While fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers have had little to celebrate over the last week or so, there might finally be something to get excited about come Super Bowl weekend after Alan Faneca progressed through to the final round of voting for Hall of Fame induction in 2019.

Announced as one of the 15 modern-era finalists in the running for a place in Canton on Thursday, Faneca will be hoping that fourth-time is actually the charm having been in this position in each of the last three years as well.

The former offensive lineman joins an illustrious group of players vying for selection in 2019 including names like Tony Gonzalez, Ed Reed and Tony Boselli. But while the competition is impressive, Faneca could yet hear a knock on his door come decision day.

The final inductees will be announced on February 2, the day before Super Bowl LIII and the enshrinement ceremony will take place on August 3 in Canton.

Selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 1998 draft, Faneca played 10 seasons in Pittsburgh before joining the New York Jets during free agency in 2008. A member of the Steelers Super Bowl XL team, Fancea was voted to nine Pro Bowls and was a six-time All-Pro selection.