Former Steelers Hines Ward, James Harrison make it to Hall of Fame semifinal round
Wide receiver Hines Ward has advanced for the seventh year in a row, and linebacker James Harrison has qualified in his first year of eligibility as the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Tuesday its list of 28 modern-era semifinalists.
Ward is the Pittsburgh Steelers’ record holder with 1,000 career receptions, 12,083 receiving yards and 85 touchdowns, tops by a wide receiver. However, he never has reached the list of 15 finalists.
Harrison is among five players to make it to the semifinal round in his first year of eligibility, joining offensive linemen Jahri Evans and Joe Thomas, defensive lineman Dwight Freeney and defensive back Darrelle Revis of Pitt and Aliquippa High School fame.
Harrison’s credentials include being named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the 2008 Super Bowl season and holding the Steelers’ record with 80 1/2 career sacks. He also was named a two-time first-team All-Pro and went to five consecutive Pro Bowls. His candidacy also is buoyed by his 100-yard interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII.
Ward and Harrison were among 129 nominees announced in September. Former Steelers players failing to make the cut to the semifinal round were nose tackle Casey Hampton, linebackers James Farrior and Chad Brown and kicker Gary Anderson.
Revis spent most of his NFL career with the New York Jets. He was named a first-team All-Pro on four occasions and selected to the Pro Bowl seven times.
The 15 modern-era finalists will be revealed in January.
Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he is in his fifth decade covering sports for the Trib. He can be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.
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