PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – A Steelers NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP are semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame as announced on Tuesday.
James Harrison is one of 25 semifinalists along with receiver Hines Ward for this year’s Hall of Fame class.
It’s the second season for Harrison, who has the second-most sacks in Steelers history. He also made one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history with his interception and 99-yard return for a touchdown against the Cardinals.
Ward is one of the toughest receivers in NFL history finishing with 1,000 catches for 12,083 yards with 85 touchdowns. It’s the eighth time he’s been a semifinalist.
The competition
Newcomers
· Tiki Barber-RB
· Antonio Gates-TE
· Julius Peppers-DE
Other pass rushers
· Jared Allen-DE (4 times a semifinalist)
· Dwight Freeney-DE (2 times a semifinalist)
· Robert Mathis-LB (3 times a semifinalist)
Other wide receivers
· Anquan Boldin (3 times a semifinalist)
· Devin Hester (3 times a semifinalist)
· Torry Holt (10 times a semifinalist)
· Andre Johnson (3 times a semifinalist)
· Steve Smith (3 times a semifinalist)
· Reggie Wayne (5 times a semifinalist)
This list will be reduced to 15 and those getting enshrined will be announced on February 8.