Over the past several years, one of the most anticipated parts of the Pittsburgh Steelers' training camp has been the unveiling of the team's upcoming Hall of Honor Class. That reveal happened Saturday, as the Steelers announced the four-person class for 2022: Myron Cope, Sam Davis, Ray Mathews and Heath Miller.
Created in 2017, the Steelers' Hall of Honor was made to "serve as a tribute to the many individuals who have contributed greatly throughout the history of our franchise," team president Art Rooney II said at the time of the Hall's unveiling. To be considered for induction, players need to have been retired for at least three seasons, played for the Steelers for a minimum of three seasons, and should have "noteworthy career highlights, records and achievements."
Here's a look at the players who heard heir names called as part of the franchise's 2022 Hall of Honor class:
RB Ray Mathews (1951-59)
The seventh-round pick out of Clemson wasn't a running back, wasn't a receiver and wasn't a return man. He was all the above -- an absolute weapon. Mathews was a two-time Pro Bowler who scored 39 touchdowns during nine seasons with the Steelers before finishing his career with the Dallas Cowboys. He was named to the Pittsburgh Steelers Legends Team and also averaged 12.8 yards per punt return and 25.5 yards per kick return.
OL Sam Davis (1967-79)
He was one of a handful of Steelers from Chuck Noll's first team who was on the roster when Pittsburgh won the franchise's first Super Bowl. A consummate pro who was a captain on several championship teams, Davis helped open running lanes for Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier while providing clear passing lanes for Terry Bradshaw.
TE Heath Miller (2005-15)
Miller is the youngest player of this class. The two-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Pro Bowler is the best tight end in franchise history, as he retired following the 2015 season as the all-time franchise leader in receptions (592), receiving yards (6,569) and touchdowns (45) by a tight end. His best season came in 2012, when he caught 71 passes for 816 yards and eight touchdowns. Miller was a security blanket, but a versatile one.
"I was shocked when I got the call," Miller said, via the Steelers' official website. "I was shocked and taken aback. It wasn't expected. It wasn't even on my mind. My phone rang and I saw the Pittsburgh Steelers on the caller ID and I was like, 'Oh, that's weird.' It was Mr. (Art) Rooney and he told me. To be honest I was just kind of really taken aback and I told him at a loss for words.
"It's a huge honor. I couldn't be more grateful and honored to be a part of this Hall of Honor class."
Myron Cope
Cope was a legendary radio color commentator who was responsible for creating the famous Terrible Towel. While his voice stood out, he was also a talented writer and reporter who was a fixture in the community. Cope was elected to the National Radio Hall of Fame and awarded the Pete Rozelle Radio and Television Award. Another interesting fact about Cope is that he was the first member of the broadcast media to be appointed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame to its famous Board of Selectors, per the Steelers' official website. Cope died in 2008 at the age of 79.
