Greene And Dungy Go Into The Hall
Since Rod Woodson entered the Hall Of Fame in 2009, there’s been more consistency with the post seventies players receiving their enshrinement. Sans Jack Butler who played in the 1950’s, we’ve seen center Dermonti Dawson, ‘The Bus’ Jerome Bettis, and now the hallowed hall welcomes former Steelers linebacker Kevin Greene, and safety / coach Tony Dungy.
Those fortunate to have gone to and watched the Steelers teams of the 1970’s will remember Tony Dungy as the ball hawking safety who played from 1977 to 1978 as an undrafted free agent. Dungy remarked in his acceptance speech that after making a play, Dwight White asked him in the huddle what his name was. Fans would remember his name as he lead the team in interceptions during the 1978 season and finished his two years in Pittsburgh with nine total.
One of Dungy’s more significant plays occurred in Super Bowl XIII, after a touchdown run by Franco Harris which brought the score to 28-17, Dungy forced a fumble on the ensuing kick off which set up the now famous Bradshaw to Swann circus catch with eight minutes left in the game.
Dungy of course gave credit to coach Chuck Noll, both for the opportunities he provided for him as a player and coach, but also for a sound philosophy of life and as a man. Dungy went on to have one of the most successful head coaching careers and hold the distinction of being the first African American head coach to win a Super Bowl when his Indianapolis Colts defeated the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI.
Blitzburgh
Former Steelers linebacker Kevin Greene described his brief tenure in Pittsburgh as the pinnacle of his football life, those who were able to watch him play along with the rest of the talent on the 1994 Steeler team, can certainly attest to the fact that Kevin had a great time being a Steeler. Also in attendance were his former teammates Greg Lloyd and Levon Kirkland, whom he spoke of glowingly.
A particular quote by Greene was when he said the Steelers have a “rich tradition of lining up, kicking ass and winning”, and that about sums it up. He went on to say that playing in front of Steeler Nation was phenomenal, the fans made him heel that he was unblockable, and pretty much he was.
Both inductees brought back a lot of memories of great Steeler lore, and great Steeler teams, it’s not hard to get a little melancholy in moments such as these. It’s thrilling to watch more Steeler players and coach’s get their just due in the great hall, and we certainly have several to look forward to in the upcoming years. We would like to think that Hines Ward will be a first ballot candidate, as well as Troy Polamalu and of course Big Ben when his time comes around.
A great night and a great class of 2016 Hall of Famers, congratulation to all. For a complete list of all the inductees Click Here
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