Hines Ward, who made 1,000 receptions not counting the touchdown grab that helped win Super Bowl XL, is among five former Pittsburgh Steelers named Wednesday as modern era nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022.

Ward, who has been a semifinalist five times, is joined by kicker Gary Anderson, nose tackle Casey Hampton, tight end Heath Miller and linebacker Hardy Nickerson Sr.

The Hall of Fame announced a list of 122 modern era nominees, which will be trimmed to a list of 25 semifinalists in November and then to 15 finalists in January.

The selection committee will meet after that to select the 2022 class, which will be enshrined next August.

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Ward was a third-round draft choice (92nd overall) in 1998. He helped the Steelers reach Super Bowls XL, XLIII and XLV. His 43-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XL on a throw from wide receiver Antwaan Randle El helped defeat the Seattle Seahawks, 21-10. He also was selected to four Pro Bowls and was named second-team All-Pro twice during his 14-year career.

Miller, a first-round draft choice in 2005, played in all three Super Bowls with Ward, was named to two Pro Bowls and finished his 11-year career with 592 catches and 45 touchdowns.

Anderson, who played for six teams from 1982 through 2004, is third all-time in NFL scoring (2,434) and field goals (538). He played for the Steelers from 1982-94.

Hampton was drafted in the first round in 2001 and played 13 seasons for the Steelers. He was named to five Pro Bowls.

Hardy Nickerson Sr. was a fifth-round pick (122nd overall) in the 1987 NFL Draft, but by the turn of the century he was named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team. He played 16 seasons and was with the Steelers from 1987-92.

Ten first-year eligible players are nominated, including wide receivers Anquan Boldin, Devin Hester (also PR/KR), Andre Johnson and Steve Smith; offensive linemen Jake Long and Nick Mangold; linebacker DeMarcus Ware; defensive linemen Robert Mathis and Vince Wilfork; and defensive back Antonio Cromartie.

There are 65 offensive players, 46 defensive players and 11 special teams players.

Also being considered for enshrinement are senior finalist Cliff Branch, contributor finalist Art McNally and coach finalist Dick Vermeil.

This summer, five members of the Steelers organization were enshrined in Canton. Coach Bill Cowher, Troy Polamalu and Donnie Shell were part of the Class of 2020. Alan Faneca and Bill Nunn were inducted with the Class of 2021.

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