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These Pittsburgh greats still have a shot at Canton.
The Steelers got some bad news regarding the 2025 Hall of Fame class yesterday, with L.C. Greenwood and Andy Russell being eliminated from the “senior” category. However, three Steelers greats are still eligible in the list of 50 modern-era candidates released today by the NFL: wide receiver Hines Ward, outside linebacker James Harrison, and kicker Gary Anderson.
Ward is regarded as one of the best wide receivers in Steelers history and possibly the greatest blocking receiver in NFL history. He’s a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time Super Bowl Champion, and the MVP of Super Bowl XL. He’s Pittsburgh’s all-time leading receiver with 12,083 receiving yards and 85 receiving touchdowns.
Harrison racked up five Pro Bowls, two All-Pros, two Super Bowls, and a Defensive Player of the Year award over his career. His 80.5 career sacks are the third-best in Steelers history, and he has one of the most iconic plays in Super Bowl history with his 100-yard pick six in Super Bowl XLIII.
Anderson played for a number of teams over his career, but he still holds the record for the most points scored in Steelers history. He made four Pro Bowls, one All-Pro team, and the Hall of Fame’s all-decade team for both the 1980s and the 1990s.
Despite their legendary résumés, all three players will have tough competition in their quest for Canton. You can view the full list of modern-era candidates here.
Eventually, the list will be narrowed down to 25 semifinalists and then 20 finalists. Later, 15 will make the final ballot alongside three senior candidates, one coach, and one contributor.
Art Rooney Jr. is a candidate for the contributor category.
Four to eight on the final ballot will make the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2025 class.