#63 makes Hall of Fame, #36 still parked outside: The Steeler Face asks WTF?

First and foremost, congratulations to former Steelers center Dermontti Dawson, who will be inducted into the NFL's Hall of Fame this year.  Dawson played his entire career with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1988-2000) and was a staple on the offensive line after replacing the Steelers' other Hall of Fame center, Mike Webster.  Dermontti played 170 consecutive games, a Steelers' record, and was elected to 7 straight Pro Bowls from 1992-1998.  Glad to see #63 get the props he deserves.

And now, the Steeler Face must address the Hall of Fame committee's diss of #36.  In the second year of his eligibility the Bus has remained parked outside while two of his contemporaries at running back have made it in -- Marshall Faulk last year, and Curtis Martin this year.


Jerome Bettis is 5th on the NFL's all-time rushing list with 13,662 yards, and a 6 time Pro Bowl selection.  He was voted the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1993, by both the Associated Press and the Pro Football Writers Association.  In 1996 he was the Associated Press and Pro Football Writers Association NFL Comeback Player of the Year.  Moreover, Jerome Bettis was a Pittsburgh Steelers icon for his smash-mouth, initiate-the-contact style at running back from 1996 until his story book retirement on the champions podium after the Steelers won Super Bowl XL in his hometown of Detroit on February 5, 2006.  Furthermore, Bettis was a team leader and champion off the field.  Three times he was named team MVP and in 2001 he earned the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

While Martin is 4th on the NFL rushing list with 14,101 yards, Bettis is 5th with 13,662 yards, while Faulk is 10th at 12,279 yards.  Faulk has 7 Pro Bowl appearances, compared  to 6 for Bettis and 5 for Martin.  Bettis and Faulk each have a Super Bowl ring too.


Seriously, WTF?