The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the Modern-Era Nominees semifinalist for the Class of 2025, and the Steelers are represented.
The semifinals include former Steelers linebacker James Harrison and receiver Hines Ward. Both are members of the Steelers Hall of Honor, with Harrison being inducted in 2023 and Ward in 2019.
Harrison, who is a semifinalist for the third straight year, was named the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year during the 2008 Super Bowl season, finishing the season with 16 sacks, a team record at the time that has since been surpassed by T.J. Watt. He was voted first-team Associated Press All-Pro twice, a Pro Bowl selection five consecutive years (2007-11) and twice voted Steelers MVP (2007-08).
His 100-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII was a legendary play he will forever be remembered for. Harrison, who originally signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2002 and played 14 seasons with the team and has 80.5 career sacks.
Ward, a semifinalist for the ninth straight year, played 14 seasons for the Steelers, after being selected in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He had 1,000 career receptions for 12,083 yards and 85 touchdowns. His versatility was always on display with his blocking ability a shining example of that. Ward is a member of the Steelers Hall of Honor.
Ward was the MVP of Super Bowl XL after leading the Steelers to a 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. In three Super Bowls, Ward registered 14 receptions for 244 yards and two touchdowns. The Steelers' 2008 Walter Payton Man of the Year, Ward was named to four Pro Bowls (2002-05) and was a member of the team's 75th Season All-Time Team. Ward was selected by his teammates as the Steelers MVP three times in his career, including 2002 along with Joey Porter, 2003, and 2005 with Casey Hampton.
Voting is also occurring in the Seniors, Coach and Contributor categories. The names of those Finalists will be announced in December. There will be a total of 20 Finalists presented at the Selection Committee's annual meeting next year in advance of Super Bowl LIX: 15 Modern-Era Players, three Seniors, one Coach and one Contributor.
While there is no set number for any class of Enshrinees, the Hall of Fame's selection process bylaws stipulate that between four and eight new members will be selected.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025 will be announced at "NFL Honors" in New Orleans, La., in February and enshrined in August in Canton.
