PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Four locals in their first season of eligibility are part of the 128 modern-era players nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Tuesday. It includes a pair of Steelers and Panthers.
Pitt NFL stars
WR Larry Fitzgerald
· A near Heisman Trophy winner at receiver during his final season at Pitt, Fitzgerald is second only to Jerry Rice in NFL history with 1,432 receptions and 17,492 yards. He also is sixth all-time with 121 career receiving touchdowns
RB LeSean McCoy
· The hero of the 2007 Backyard Brawl, McCoy rushed for 11,102 yards in the NFL (23rd all-time) with 73 touchdowns.
Former Steelers
G David DeCastro
· The Steelers 2012 first-round pick started 124 games in nine years, the last six consecutive he was voted to the Pro Bowl before retiring at 30-years-old. It’s his first season eligible.
C Maurkice Pouncey
· The Steelers 2010 first-round pick started 134 games in 10 seasons, 9 of those seasons Pouncey was voted to the Pro Bowl. It’s his first season eligible.
WR Hines Ward
· Super Bowl XL MVP has 1,000 career receptions for 12,083 yards and 85 touchdowns and is known as one of the fiercest blockers in NFL history.
LB James Farrior
· One of the best trade acquisitions in Steelers history, Farrior keyed a multiple Super Bowl winning defense with 1,085 tackles (740 solo), 12 forced fumbles, 30 sacks, 82 tackles for loss in his Steelers career.
LB James Harrison
· Had one of the most electric interceptions in Super Bowl history, returning a pick 100 yards against the Cardinals. The undrafted linebacker finished his career with 84.5 sacks, 128 tackles for loss and 34 forced fumbles.
DB Carnell Lake
· Played a dozen years in the NFL, 10 with the Steelers with 734 tackles (677 solo), 16 interceptions, 15 forced fumbles and 21.5 sacks. A four-time Pro Bowler, Lake was 5th in the Defensive Player of the Year voting in 1997
K Gary Anderson
· 3rd all-time in career points (2,434), the former Steelers kicker is also third in career field goals (538). He had 14 seasons over 100 points including 164 with the 1998 Vikings.