The Pittsburgh Steelers announced on Apr. 18 that they are celebrating the upcoming 2026 National Football League Draft in Pittsburgh by featuring members of their Hall of Honor, starting with linebacker Joey Porter Sr.
This series aims to honor players who have made significant contributions to the franchise and foster engagement with fans as the city hosts a major football event. The feature will run from April 17 through May 1, highlighting iconic players from the team’s history.
Porter, drafted by the Steelers on April 17, 1999, played eight seasons for the team before moving on to play for Miami and Arizona. He was recognized as a passionate and energetic leader throughout his career in Pittsburgh. “It meant everything to play for the Steelers,” said Porter. “I used to watch the Steelers when I was younger. I watched all those guys. Once I got here some of those guys were still in the locker room and that was amazing too. I loved it here.” He added, “That tradition of being a Steeler is something you can’t explain… It’s nothing like coming home… When you come home you realize what you had when you left… I loved every minute of wearing that black and gold jersey.” Porter also said, “I knew when I left, I would retire a Steeler. When you say Joey Porter, you think Pittsburgh. I feel like I am a Steeler.” His favorite memory remains winning Super Bowl XL: “The 2005 run we went on to win Super Bowl XL… That is by far the best memory of my football playing career,” he said.
During his time with Pittsburgh, Porter made three Pro Bowls and helped secure one Super Bowl championship before earning another Pro Bowl selection with Miami and later finishing his playing days in Arizona due to knee injuries. He also served five seasons on Pittsburgh’s coaching staff after retiring as a player.
The team has previously honored figures such as Terry Bradshaw and Joe Greene in its Hall of Honor for their contributions according to its official website. The franchise has won six Super Bowls as reported by its official website and contributes actively to community engagement through historical celebrations and fan experiences according to its official website. The Hall of Honor Museum at Acrisure Stadium displays artifacts commemorating these achievements as noted by its official website.
As part of ongoing efforts to celebrate its legacy within professional football—the Steelers are an established member franchise within the National Football League according to their official website—the organization continues recognizing key contributors through both multiple Super Bowl victories and inductions into their Hall of Honor as per their official site.
