The Steelers Hall of Honor Museum, located at Acrisure Stadium, provides an in-depth history of the franchise, a chronological flow that focuses on key moments.
The Hall of Honor Museum features everything from one-of-a-kind artifacts, exclusive game-worn uniform pieces, the Steelers six Super Bowl rings and replicated offices of founder Art Rooney Sr. and chairman Daniel M. Rooney.
The highlight, however, is the Hall of Honor, where the 53 members' bronze footballs are on display, along with their images and touch screen kiosks to learn more about them, including their bios, photos and videos of the inductees.
Over the next few weeks, we are highlighting some of the items in the museum, just a few of the things Steelers fans can enjoy while taking a historical tour of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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After making your way through the history of the Steelers in the Hall of Honor Museum, you come to a spot where your breath is simply taken away.
It's where the Hall of Honor is displayed, where the 53 members' bronze footballs can be viewed up close, along with their images and touch screen kiosks to learn more about them, including their bios, photos and videos of the inductees.
It's a place of honor, a place where individuals are immortalized forever in black and gold.
And for everyone in the Hall of Honor, it's special to them.
"I was shocked when I got the call," said former safety/cornerback Carnell Lake, who played from 1989-98 and is a member of the Hall of Honor Class of 2021. "The Steelers organization is so legendary. It's hard to put it into words. All of the great players, coaches and scouts who have come through the years, to be in the Hall of Honor is a dream come true.
"There are so many people I looked up to over the years, it's almost god-like football wise. It's so nice for the Steelers to say you are part of history, you made a small contribution that was noteworthy, so it's great."
The Hall of Honor was established to recognize former players, coaches, and front office personnel who played an integral role in the success of the franchise, from the beginning in 1933 until now. To be considered, a player must be retired at least three years and played a minimum of three seasons for the Steelers. Former coaches and contributors had to make significant contributions to the team and community.
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"It's something very special," said former running back Rocky Bleier, a 16th round draft pick who played 12 seasons for the Steelers, including being a member of four Super Bowl teams. "To be compared to all the great players who played for the organization, and have your name attached to theirs, is a great honor. In this game, everybody does a job and does it well. You like to get recognition, and I got a lot playing on those teams and winning the Super Bowls. That was enough for me. To be able to be a part of this distinction is truly a wonderful honor for me.
"The Steelers have always taken care of their own and praised their people in front of crowds and behind the scenes. Within that confine a gesture like this is really special to honor players for what they have done for the team and community.
"Just to play professional football is a dream come true, no matter when you played. As you look back, when you plan your life, you say I want to play professional football, you think what would that look like? No one would ever say you would be a part of the greatest dynasty that won four Super Bowls and you played with all of those Hall of Famers. You were a part of that tradition.
"What better organization would there to be a part of than the Pittsburgh Steelers. I am proud to be a part of what they are today."
The first class included the team's Hall of Famers, as well as a select group of individuals. They were Jerome Bettis, Mel Blount, Terry Bradshaw, Jack Butler, Dermontti Dawson, Bill Dudley, Joe Greene, Kevin Greene, L.C. Greenwood, Jack Ham, Franco Harris, Dick Hoak, John Henry Johnson, Walt Keisling, Jack Lambert, Bobby Layne, John McNally, Chuck Noll, Arthur J. Rooney, Sr., Daniel M. Rooney, Andy Russell, Donnie Shell, John Stallworth, Ernie Stautner, Lynn Swann, Mike Webster, and Rod Woodson.
"It is special. To have worked at a place and know your body of work gives you this kind of recognition is pretty special," said Blount, the Hall of Famer who changed the way the cornerback position was played. "Even more so, guys who maybe won't make it to Canton, but have made a great contribution to this organization. We wouldn't be in Canton without those guys. Great players, guys who were a part of that unit that made us all click.
"From a personal standpoint, being in the Steelers Hall of Honor is special to me. It's the guys I played with, guys who made a great contribution to the organization. It's like family."
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The Steelers Hall of Honor Museum is located above the Steelers Pro Shop at Acrisure Stadium and accessible via the Gate B suite entry. Fans can visit the Steelers Hall of Honor Museum year-round, Thursday-Monday, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. (last entry). It is also closed when the University of Pittsburgh plays at home.
The tour fee is as follows: adults - $18, seniors (62+)/military - $15, children (ages 6-17) - $12, and children ages 5 & under - free. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Art Rooney Scholarship Fund.
For more information on tours, group tours and booking, visit steelers.com/museum, or email museumandtours@acrisurestadium.com.
