2 former Steelers advance in Hall of Fame process

Steelers legend L.C. Greenwood is the closest he’s ever been to a gold jacket following the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Wednesday announcement of 2026 finalists.

Greenwood was named one of three finalists from the “seniors” category, joining Ken Anderson and Roger Craig. Two other finalists were announced: Robert Kraft (contributor) and Bill Belichick (coach).

Greenwood, a defensive end, played 170 career games and recorded 78 sacks during his time with the Steelers, winning four Super Bowls as a key member of Pittsburgh’s 1970s dynasty. He was a two-time All-Pro, six-time Pro Bowler, and a member of the Hall of Fame’s own All-1970s team.

Greenwood died in 2013 at the age of 67. He was posthumously enshrined in the inaugural class of the Steelers’ Hall of Honor in 2017.

Another former Steeler still eligible for the 2026 class is wide receiver Hines Ward, who remains among the 26 remaining modern era finalists. You can read the full list here.

Ward, famous for his blocking prowess as well as his receiving ability, won two Super Bowls (including a Super Bowl MVP) during his time in Pittsburgh, adding four Pro Bowls and over 12,000 career receiving yards.

Currently the wide receivers coach at Arizona State, Ward retired from the NFL in 2012.

While there will still be announcements narrowing the field of modern-era candidates, the official 2026 Hall of Fame class will be announced Feb. 5. Per the hall’s rules, the class will feature four to eight individuals picked from the field of candidates of all categories.