Steelers have plenty of options for third Hall of Honor class due to be revealed in July

The Pittsburgh Steelers will officially announce their third Hall of Honor class during training camp on July 27 at Saint Vincent College, the team confirmed on Tuesday. And while there are already 33 iconic names enshrined in the hall, the depth of talent that has worn the Black and Gold over the years means that there are several notable players still waiting for their turn.

The inaugural class of 2017 contained most of the more obvious players in Pittsburgh history, including 23 of the 24 names in Hall of the Fame with Steelers connections (Co-owner Bert Bell was the only one to miss out) and a collection of coaches and players who should already be in Canton in L.C. Greenwood, Donnie Shell, Andy Russell and Dick Hoak.

In 2018, there were just five names added to the hall in Alan Faneca, Rocky Bleier, Buddy Dial, Art Rooney II and Bill Nunn. The full list of members can be found here.

For players to be eligible for enshrinement, as per Steelers.com:

• Retired for at least three seasons
• Must have played for the Steelers for a minimum of three seasons
• Should possess noteworthy career highlights, records, and achievements

While the criteria for coaches and contributors somewhat broader:

• ​Significant contributions to the team and community

Having passed the three year mark in terms of retirement, Troy Polamalu, Heath Miller and Hines Ward would seem among the more obvious options from the list of eligible players from the last decade or so. Wide receiver Louis Lipps should also have a strong claim for inclusion, as should noted radio host and creator of the Terrible Towel, Myron Cope.

Outside linebacker Greg Lloyd and safety Carnell Lake are two significant names from the 90’s who should hear their names called one day, while Dwight White, Jon Kolb and Mike Wagner are three members of the 70’s dynasty who would be worthy selections.

Given the names ahead of them on the waiting list, there seems to be little chance that Levon Kirkland, Jason Gildon, Joey Porter or James Farrior will find themselves added to the Hall of Honor in 2019, but all could be contenders for inclusion in the years to come.