The Pittsburgh Steelers announced on Apr. 17 that Hall of Famer John Stallworth, along with Joey Porter Sr. and Joey Porter Jr., will be among those revealing the team’s selections during the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place in Pittsburgh from April 23 to April 25.
The announcement highlights the ongoing connection between Steelers history and its present-day roster decisions. The event is expected to draw significant attention both locally and nationally as fans await news of new team members while seeing familiar faces participate in key moments.
Stallworth will announce the second-round pick for the Steelers. He reflected on his own draft experience, saying, “It’s special that I would be asked, and certainly what makes it special is when you look back on the history of the Steelers in the Draft, particularly in my era. We had some great drafts. I was a part of one considered to be really, really good.” Stallworth also said, “To be a part of this Draft and to represent the success over the years that the Steelers had bringing draft choices in and to represent that whole era that brought those folks in with Chuck Noll and Bill Nunn. To represent them and know that my story is certainly a good example of what was going on at that time.” He added further perspective about Pittsburgh hosting: “This tells the story and gives emphasis to the story of what the Draft has meant to the City of Pittsburgh, certainly to the Pittsburgh Steelers… That base that was built during the 1970s that we know and love and is a vital part of the history of the club.”
Joey Porter Sr. will join his son Joey Porter Jr., who played at North Allegheny High School before being drafted by Pittsburgh himself, as they announce one third-round selection together representing multiple generations within both their family and team tradition. “It’s going to be amazing,” said Porter Sr., reflecting on sharing this moment with his son after previously experiencing his son’s own draft night with pride: “I’ve been part of some crazy, awesome things already in Pittsburgh with J.J. (Joey Jr.) being drafted by the Steelers too… It’s a tie into our whole journey.” He continued about receiving an invitation from Dan Rooney: “He asked if both of us wanted to do it, and I said yes for both without even having to ask J.J… It’s such an honor.”
Porter Sr. also commented on hosting duties coming home: “We have games here but…to bring so many people for football—it’s special,” he said.
The franchise has recognized individuals like Terry Bradshaw and Joe Greene through its Hall of Honor according to its official website. The organization has won six Super Bowl championships as reported by its official website.
Community engagement remains important for fans through historical celebrations held by events like these as outlined by their official website. The Hall of Honor Museum at Acrisure Stadium displays artifacts celebrating this legacy according to their official site. Recognition continues through repeated Super Bowl victories alongside inductions into various honors as per their official website, while affiliation as a National Football League member franchise remains central according to their site.
As anticipation builds ahead of draft week festivities downtown—and former players help usher new talent onto center stage—the event reflects both longstanding traditions within professional football as well as deep local roots.
