Steelers Fans Receive Warning That Another Beloved Player Might Have To Fight To Make His Hall Of Fame Case

For years, Pittsburgh Steelers fans have been frustrated that two fan favorites, Hines Ward and James Harrison, continue to be snubbed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. They were players who had a tremendous impact on the game of football. That included in Super Bowls. Harrison still holds the record for the longest interception returned for a touchdown in a Super Bowl, and Ward was named the MVP of Super Bowl XL. 

Since Ward and Harrison both seem to have the stats and accomplishments to back up their case, some fans are concerned that more Steelers players might get snubbed. Recently, Cam Jordan made some outlandish statements about first-ballot candidacy, saying the two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger might not qualify. According to Jordan, quarterbacks like Drew Brees are first-ballot guys, but Roethlisberger is not. Never mind that the former Steeler has more Super Bowl appearances and wins than Brees.   

This got fans talking about Roethlisberger and whether he will be honored the way he deserves in 2027 when he is eligible for the first time. He isn't the only one; other Black and Gold legends become eligible nearly every year, and Mark Kaboly from The Pat McAfee Show debated some of them on his podcast Kaboly and Mack with his co-host Chris Mack. Mack said he isn't sure that current Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward is a Hall of Famer. Kaboly pushed back on him, saying he absolutely is, along with Ward and another fan favorite. 

"Hines Ward's a Hall of Famer, too; he's just getting screwed," argued Kaboly. "You know who another one is, and I'm going to be on his bandwagon soon, is Maurkice Pouncey. I think he's a Hall of Famer. Every season he played more than 12 snaps, he made the Pro Bowl. What else can you say about an offensive lineman other than that? Although centers don't make it very often, so he's not gonna be a guy who's gonna make it right away. Then Roethlisberger coming the year after that, so it's gonna be tough for a lot of those guys."

Steelers offenses have long depended on amazing centers, and they have had some of the best throughout the years, including Dermontti Dawson, Mike Webster, and Maurkice Pouncey. They have been the backbone of Pittsburgh's best teams, and Pouncey was no exception. He was drafted by the Steelers 18th overall in 2010. He made the Pro Bowl at the end of his rookie year and made another eight (nine total) during his 11-year career in the Steel City. In the two seasons, 2013 and 2015, he did not make the Pro Bowl, it was because his season ended early due to injury. He was also named an All-Pro five times.  

Unbelievably enough, Pouncey never got to play in a Super Bowl. The last one the Steelers made, where they lost to the Green Bay Packers, Pouncey was a rookie and had been injured in the AFC Championship Game. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has expressed that not helping Pouncey get a Super Bowl ring is one of the biggest regrets of his career. 

Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Is Also A No-Brainer

Kaboly also made a case for Roethlisberger on his show. He told Mack not to listen to guys like Jordan, who hate the Steelers. According to Kaboly, Roethlisberger is a shoo-in for a first-ballot candidacy. 

Brees becomes eligible in 2026, and Kaboly mentioned that he is often compared to Roethlisberger. However, Roethlisberger was the first quarterback named Offensive Rookie of the Year since 1970. He won two Super Bowls, and at the time of his retirement, he ranked fifth in career passing yards and completions, plus eighth in passing touchdowns. 

This is not meant to take away from Brees because he was a prolific passer, but Kaboly feels that if Eli Manning was a first-ballot guy, then surely Roethlisberger will be too. 

Do you think Pouncey will make the Hall of Fame? Let us know your thoughts below!

#SteelerNation