4 former Steelers to be first-time eligible for the HOF in 2027

Few NFL franchises have as many former players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as the Pittsburgh Steelers. There are 24 former players who spent a significant portion of their career with the team, several others who were only with the Steelers briefly, three former coaches and five former executives also made the cut.

For the 2027 class, there are four more former Steelers who will be on the ballot for the first time. Here’s a look at the four candidates.

Steelers Impact: Drafted 11th overall in 2004, he immediately went 13-0 as a rookie starter, setting the tone for an 18-year career where he never captained a team with a losing record.

The Legacy: The definitive franchise quarterback for nearly two decades, “Big Ben” was renowned for his imposing size, signature ability to extend plays out of a broken pocket, and clutch game-winning drives.

Key Achievements: A two-time Super Bowl champion (XL, XLIII), six-time Pro Bowler, and the 2004 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He retired ranking 7th all-time in career passing yards ($64,088$) and completions ($5,440$).

Steelers Impact: As the ultimate dual-threat weapon, Bell routinely eclipsed $1,800$ to $2,000$ scrimmage yards a season during his peak in Pittsburgh, serving as the heavy-duty engine of the offense alongside Roethlisberger and Brown.

The Legacy: Bell revolutionized the running back position in the mid-2010s with his uniquely patient, stutter-step running style, waiting behind his offensive line for a hole to develop before exploding downfield. He was equally lethal as a pure receiver out of the backfield.

Key Achievements: A two-time First-Team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler. He holds the Steelers’ franchise record for the most rushing yards in a single game (236).

Steelers Impact: A classic modern Steelers draft steal (6th round, 195th overall), Brown became the centerpiece of the “Killer B’s” offense, racking up an astonishing six consecutive seasons of $100+$ receptions and $1,200+$ yards.

The Legacy: At his peak in Pittsburgh, “AB” put together one of the most dominant and prolific stretches by a wide receiver in NFL history, defined by pristine route-running, elite sideline awareness, and unmatched work ethic.

Key Achievements: A four-time First-Team All-Pro, seven-time Pro Bowler, and a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. He led the league in receiving yards and receptions twice each.

Steelers Impact: After being released by the rival Cleveland Browns in 2017, Haden immediately signed with Pittsburgh. He quickly became a fan favorite, anchoring a rebuilt defense that helped push the Steelers back into consistent playoff contention.

The Legacy: Known as a consummate professional, premier boundary corner, and an immediate locker room leader, Haden brought veteran stability and a shutdown mentality back to Pittsburgh’s secondary later in his career.

Key Achievements: A three-time Pro Bowler and Second-Team All-Pro selection over his 12-year NFL career, finishing with 29 career interceptions and 155 passes defended.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 4 former Steelers to be first-time eligible for the HOF in 2027