Steelers Draft Legends Honored on Anniversary

Faneca, Ward, and Smith among Steelers Hall of Honor members drafted on this day

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:00pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting various Steelers football players and plays, rendered in a cubist style with sharp, overlapping planes of black, gold, and grey.The Steelers' draft legacy is celebrated through a cubist interpretation of the team's iconic players and moments.Today in Pittsburgh

The Steelers are celebrating the draft anniversaries of several all-time greats, including Hall of Famer Alan Faneca, Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward, and defensive stalwart Aaron Smith. These players were instrumental in the team's success over the past two decades, with Faneca and Ward being selected on this day in 1998.

Why it matters

As the NFL Draft returns to Pittsburgh this year, the Steelers are taking time to honor some of the franchise's most iconic players who were originally drafted by the team. These players defined an era of Steelers football and left an indelible mark on the organization and its loyal fanbase.

The details

Faneca, a six-time First-Team All-Pro, was a dominant force on the offensive line, paving the way for the Steelers' powerful running game. Ward, a four-time Pro Bowler, was a physical and versatile receiver who excelled as both a pass-catcher and blocker. Smith was a key cog in the Steelers' stifling defense, making the Pro Bowl in 2004 and earning a spot on the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.

  • Alan Faneca was drafted by the Steelers in the first round on April 18, 1998.
  • Hines Ward was selected by the Steelers in the third round on April 18, 1998.
  • Aaron Smith was drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round on April 18, 1999.

The players

Alan Faneca

A Hall of Fame guard who played 10 seasons for the Steelers, making six First-Team All-Pro selections and winning a Super Bowl.

Hines Ward

A Super Bowl MVP and four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who spent his entire 14-year career with the Steelers, known for his toughness and blocking ability.

Aaron Smith

A two-time Super Bowl champion defensive end who played 13 seasons for the Steelers, making the Pro Bowl in 2004 and earning a spot on the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.

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What they’re saying

“His ability to play that position, dominate at that position, but be athletic enough to move around and travel from the standpoint of pulling as an offensive lineman was rare.”

— Jerome Bettis, Hall of Fame running back

“Hines Ward is a Hall of Fame player because number one, he had a tremendous impact on the game.”

— Bill Cowher, Hall of Fame coach

“When you talk about a guy that gave everything to his team and wanted to get in the end zone every time he touched the ball, whether it was on the 20-yard line or the one-yard line, he was going to find a way to get in the end zone for his team.”

— Ben Roethlisberger, Quarterback

What’s next

The Steelers will continue their draft anniversary celebration throughout the week, highlighting other legendary players who were drafted by the team.

The takeaway

The Steelers' ability to draft and develop elite talent over the decades has been a key factor in the team's sustained success. As the NFL Draft returns to Pittsburgh, the city celebrates the legacies of these iconic players who helped define the Steelers' winning culture.