The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the 25 semifinalists for its 2024 class, and two former Pittsburgh Steelers are among the group. Wide receiver Hines Ward is a semifinalist for the eighth time, and linebacker James Harrison is a semifinalist for the second time.
Ward holds numerous receiving records in franchise history. In 217 career games, Ward had 1,000 receptions for 12,083 yards and 85 touchdowns. He won two Super Bowl rings with Pittsburgh.
Congratulations to @jharrison9292 and @mvp86hinesward who are semifinalists for the HOF Class of 2024.
— Teresa Varley (@Teresa_Varley) November 28, 2023
Harrison is one of the most prolific pass rushers in the franchise’s history. He is currently No. 2 all-time in franchise history with 80.5 career sacks. Harrison was Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 and that season made perhaps the greatest play in Super Bowl history, a 100-yard interception return against the Arizona Cardinals. Like Ward, he won two Super Bowl rings with Pittsburgh.
Both guys face stiff competition this year with multiple great players at linebacker and wide receiver in the mix.
- Hines Ward, WR – 1998-2011 Pittsburgh Steelers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 8 – 2017-2024)
- James Harrison, LB – 2002-2012, 2014-17 Pittsburgh Steelers, 2013 Cincinnati Bengals, 2017 New England Patriots | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 – 2023-24)