Alan Faneca has been one of the 10 finalists for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in each of the past five years. There is great hope among the Steelers that this will finally be the year the former All-Pro guard gets the call for the hall.
Faneca was among the 130 modern era nominees announced by the Pro Football Hall of Fame Wednesday. And he was hardly alone when it came to former Steelers on the list.
Also making the cut were former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, who has made the semifinals in each of the past five years, tight end Heath Miller, who was eligible for the first time, linebacker Joey Porter, nose tackle Casey Hampton, placekicker Gary Anderson and punter Rohn Stark.
The Steelers already have three members of the 2020 induction class that will be honored next July in safety Troy Polamalu, head coach Bill Cowher and safety Donnie Shell. All were part of the hall's centennial class. But the 2020 induction ceremony was postponed due to the pandemic, so all will be honored next summer.
Longtime Steelers scout Bill Nunn also has been announced as the contributor finalist and is likely to be part of the 2021 class, as well.
The Steelers will play the Cowboys in next year's Hall of Fame game. That game was canceled this year because of the pandemic.
The modern era list will be trimmed to 25 players in November and then 15 players in January for the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee to vote on the final list the day before the Super Bowl. That game is currently scheduled Sunday, Feb. 7 in Tampa, Fla.