WHO’S IN? Steelers to start Hall of Honor

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Many NFL teams have their own halls of fame, their rings of honor and other ways to spotlight their greatest performers through the years. And now the Steelers have one. President Art Rooney II announced Tuesday that his franchise has formed what it calls The Hall of Honor, which will induct former players, coaches and front office personnel who were important to the franchise that was founded in 1933.

“The Hall of Honor will serve as a tribute to the many individuals who have contributed greatly throughout the history of our franchise,” Rooney said in a statement. “This is probably long overdue, and we are excited to begin the process of recognizing these individuals and their accomplishments, both on and off the field, during an annual series of ceremonies.”

It was Rooney’s idea to have such a way to honor Steelers greats. The Hall of Honor’s inaugural class will be revealed Aug. 29, and the formal induction ceremony will take place during the team’s alumni weekend Nov. 2526.

The first class will be introduced during halftime of the Steelers-Green Bay Packers game Nov. 26 at Heinz Field. That’s appropriate because the Packers, one of the storied NFL franchises, have the oldest and best Hall of Fame of all the NFL teams. It is located at Lambeau Field and has become a destination visit in itself.

The Steelers, at least initially, will have a display for The Hall of Honor inside the FedEx Great Hall at Heinz Field.

The only thing left to decide is who will be in the inaugural SEE HALL, PAGE A-2