Art Rooney II, the Steelers president and owner, announced the latest class for induction into the team's Hall of Honor, set for 2026. The honor includes Kevin Colbert, J.T. Thomas, and Craig Wolfley, each of whom played a pivotal role in different eras of the team's rich history. Their contributions span from the 1970s defense to the late 2000s and modern broadcasting, highlighting their diverse impacts on the Steelers.
Kevin Colbert served as the Steelers' general manager for over two decades, from 2000 to 2022. During his tenure, the team secured two Super Bowl titles, claimed 10 AFC North championships, and made 14 playoff appearances. His reputation was built around his exceptional ability to find valuable talent, especially in the mid-to-late rounds of the NFL draft. This methodical and thorough approach allowed him to discover many crucial players for the team.
Among the memorable draft selections under Colbert were wide receivers Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders, along with corner Ike Taylor and defensive lineman Brett Keisel. Rooney highlighted Colbert's belief in treating every draft pick with equal importance, even the seventh-round selection, as a potential opportunity to secure standout talent. And I don't know if that'll ever change."
J.T. Thomas was one of the cornerbacks on the iconic Steel Curtain defense in the 1970s, playing alongside Mel Blount. Though Thomas was known for his physicality and strength in stopping the run, he was not limited to that role. His impressive defensive stats included 19 interceptions and two touchdowns from fumble recoveries. Rooney described Thomas as a tough and dependable player, especially in an era where containing the run was a critical component of defensive success. "He wasn’t afraid to come up and hit somebody," Rooney said, emphasizing Thomas's toughness.
Rooney also pointed out that during the 1970s, run defense was particularly significant since running plays were central to many offensive strategies. Thomas's readiness to deliver impactful hits was a key reason why he stood out as a valuable asset to the team and coaching staff.
Craig Wolfley initially played as an offensive lineman for the Steelers in the 1980s before transitioning into broadcasting. In 2022, he joined the team as a TV and radio analyst. Prior to becoming a color commentator, he delivered sideline reports until 2020. Rooney praised Wolfley for his one-of-a-kind on-air presence, noting that he brought a unique style and enthusiasm that connected well with fans. And they loved him for it for sure."
The induction ceremony for the Steelers Hall of Honor is set to occur on Sept. 25, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium. The event will precede the team's opening regular-season game of the year, which is scheduled against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 27.