Steelers Celebrate Franchise Legends at NFL Draft

Former stars from different eras will announce Pittsburgh's picks in the upcoming draft.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:36pm

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The Pittsburgh Steelers will continue the tradition of having former team legends announce their selections after the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft. The team has chosen four notable Steelers to represent different eras of the franchise's success - John Stallworth, Joey Porter Sr., Joey Porter Jr., and Jerome Bettis.

Why it matters

The Steelers' selections of these legendary players to announce their draft picks sends a powerful message about the team's storied history and continued dominance in the NFL. Each player represents a different era of the franchise's success, from the 1970s dynasty to the more recent Super Bowl-winning teams.

The details

The Steelers currently have four selections between the second and third rounds of the draft, and they will have each of the four players announce one of those picks. Stallworth, a four-time Super Bowl champion, will represent the team's early dynasty, while Bettis, the franchise's all-time leading rusher, will signify the Steelers' more recent success. The inclusion of Joey Porter Sr., who won a Super Bowl with the team, and his son Joey Porter Jr., a current Steelers player, connects the past to the future.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place next week.

The players

John Stallworth

A four-time Super Bowl champion with the Steelers, Stallworth was a bastion of consistency and high-end talent, leading the team's first dynasty in the 1970s and 1980s.

Joey Porter Sr.

A Steelers draft pick in 1999, Porter Sr. won a Super Bowl with the team.

Joey Porter Jr.

A current Steelers player, Porter Jr.'s inclusion connects the team's past to its future.

Jerome Bettis

One of the greatest running backs in Steelers and NFL history, Bettis won a Super Bowl with the team in his final season in 2005.

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What they’re saying

“This is a great way to honor the Steelers' legacy and connect the past to the present. These legends have all played a crucial role in the team's success over the years.”

— Mike Tomlin, Steelers Head Coach

What’s next

The Steelers will look to continue their tradition of success by making impactful selections in the upcoming draft, with their legendary players announcing the picks.

The takeaway

The Steelers' decision to have these iconic players announce their draft picks is a testament to the team's rich history and commitment to honoring their past while building towards the future. It's a move that will resonate with the team's passionate fanbase and solidify their status as one of the NFL's premier franchises.