Jerome Bettis, Kevin Greene and Tony Dungy Named HOF Finalists
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Three former Pittsburgh Steelers are still in the running to be named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jerome Bettis, Kevin Greene and Tony Dungy were named as three of the 15 finalists last night according to the Hall of Fame’s official website.
Supposedly washed up when the Steelers acquired him from the St. Louis Rams back in a 1996 Draft Day trade, the former Notre Dame star proved his doubters wrong during his 10 years with the Steelers. The Bus made six Pro Bowls during his 13-year career, rushed for 13,662 yards, scored a total of 94 touchdowns (91 rushing and three receiving) and was a member of Pittsburgh’s 2005 Super Bowl championship team. The NFL’s sixth all-time leading rusher deserves to be enshrined in Canton, and he very well could have his name called on February 1st.
Although his career with the Steelers lasted only three years, Kevin Greene was an integral piece of Pittsburgh’s success on the defensive side of the ball during the 1993, 1994 and 1995 seasons. Greene recorded 35.5 sacks during his three years with the franchise, and led the league in that category in 1994 (14.0). The outside linebacker helped to define the Blitzburgh era, and he ranks third all-time in league history with 160.0 career sacks.
Although many know Tony Dungy from his successful head coaching stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Indianapolis Colts (139-69, Super Bowl XLI champion), most forget that he spent a large portion of his professional playing and coaching careers with the Steelers. As a defensive back, Dungy led the 1978 Steelers, a team widely considered by many to be the best in franchise history, in interceptions. After his playing career ended, Dungy was an assistant coach for the franchise from 1981-1988 (defensive backs coach 1981-1983 and defensive coordinator 1984-1988).
The final selections for official enshrinement will be made on February 1st so keep your fingers crossed that all three will be able to make the cut.
Stats & Contract Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com, Spotrac and Pro Football Reference
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