Through the years

Players from the WPIAL, City League and defunct Pittsburgh Catholic League who preceded Jason Taylor into the Hall of Fame, in order of induction.

Joe Schmidt • Class of 1973

Career: 1953-65 • Pos: LB • Brentwood High School Skinny: Earned All-NFL honors 10 times.

Bill George • Class of 1974

Career: 1952-66 • Pos: LB • Waynesburg High School Skinny: Earned All-NFL honors in eight of his 15 seasons.

Johnny Unitas • Class of 1979

Career: 1956-73 • Pos: QB • St. Justin’s Skinny: A slinger in a time of the run; father of the passing game.

George Blanda • Class of 1981

Career: 1949-75 • Pos: QB/K • Youngwood High School Skinny: Played more games than anyone in history (340).

Joe Namath • Class of 1985

Career: 1965-77 • Pos: QB • Beaver Falls Skinny: Super Bowl III ‘guarantee’ ingrained in NFL lore.

Mike Ditka • Class of 1988

Career: 1961-72 • Pos: TE • Aliquippa High School Skinny: Rookie of the year in 1961; 4 times named All-NFL.

Tony Dorsett • Class of 1994

Career: 1977-88 • Pos: RB • Hopewell High School Skinny: Rushed for 12,739 yards and scored 99 TDs.

Joe Montana • Class of 2000

Career: 1979-94 • Pos: QB • Ringgold High School Skinny: Embodiment of ‘comeback’; 3-time Super Bowl MVP.

Dan Rooney • Class of 2000

Career: Owner & president • North Catholic High School Skinny: Credited with turning Steelers into dynasty in 1970s.

Dan Marino • Class of 2005

Career: 1983-99 • Pos: QB • Central Catholic High School Skinny: First QB to pass for 60,000 yards, 400 TDs.

Russ Grimm • Class of 2010

Career: 1981-91 • Pos: G • Southmoreland High School Skinny: Three-time Super Bowl winner with Redskins.

Curtis Martin • Class of 2012

Career: 1995-2005 • Pos: RB • Allderdice High School Skinny: 4th all-time leading rusher when he retired (14,101).