Steelers Announce Hall of Honor Class of 2025: Ben Roethlisberger, Maurkice Pouncey, and Joey Porter Cement Their Legacies

If you’ve ever spent a Sunday afternoon steeped in the black and gold of the Pittsburgh Steelers, you know that football at Acrisure Stadium isn’t just a game—it’s a tradition, forged by generations of heroes and legends. This week, the Steelers cemented that tradition even further by announcing the Hall of Honor Class of 2025: quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, center Maurkice Pouncey, and linebacker Joey Porter. All three defined eras of Steelers football, embodying the toughness, swagger, and excellence that Pittsburgh fans demand.

Ben Roethlisberger: The Franchise Quarterback Who Rewrote the Record Books

Few players in NFL history have been as synonymous with their team as Ben Roethlisberger has been with the Steelers. Drafted eleventh overall in 2004, “Big Ben” immediately became the face of the franchise and, over 18 seasons, wrote his name into Steelers folklore. He was never the flashiest, but he was gritty, durable, and always seemed to shine brightest when the stakes were highest.

Roethlisberger’s list of accomplishments is legendary: two Super Bowl victories, three AFC Championships, and the franchise’s all-time record holder in wins, passing yards, and touchdowns. He led countless late-game comebacks, delivering with that famous shrug and backyard style that became his trademark. But perhaps more important than the stats was Roethlisberger’s leadership in the locker room. He shepherded the Steelers through periods of change, helping transition from the Bus (Jerome Bettis) era to the Killer B’s (himself, Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown) and beyond.

The stat sheet reads like a love letter to Steelers fans: over 64,000 passing yards, 418 touchdowns, and nearly 170 wins. Yet ask the black and gold faithful, and it’s the moments they’ll remember—driving the length of the field for a Super Bowl-winning touchdown to Santonio Holmes, evading defenders with Herculean strength, or simply sticking around long enough to become a Steelers lifer.

Maurkice Pouncey: The Anchor at the Heart of the Line

If Roethlisberger was the heart, Maurkice Pouncey was the pulse of the Steelers’ offense for more than a decade. Drafted 18th overall in 2010, Pouncey made an immediate impact as a rookie, becoming an All-Pro at center and never relinquishing his spot. Steadfast, vocal, and fiercely protective of his quarterback, “Pounce” developed into one of the league’s premier offensive linemen of his generation.

During his 11 seasons, Pouncey made nine Pro Bowls, became a two-time First Team All-Pro, and anchored a line responsible for both bruising ground games and high-flying passing attacks. His leadership, both in the huddle and behind the scenes, was indispensable. He was the type of player who made everyone around him better—shielding Roethlisberger from pass rushers, paving the way for star running backs, and setting a tone of accountability that resonated throughout the organization.

Pouncey’s career may have been bookended by injuries and ultimately a retirement following the 2020 season, but his contributions run deep. He was not only a constant on the line—playing nearly every snap—but also part of the soul of the Steelers locker room, respected by veterans and rookies alike for his toughness and resilience.

Joey Porter: The Emotional Sparkplug Who Defined “Steel Curtain” Attitude

When Steelers fans think of attitude, they think of Joey Porter. Selected in the third round of the 1999 draft, Porter arrived with a chip on his shoulder and immediately embodied the brash, physical, relentless approach that Steeler Nation adores. During his eight years in Pittsburgh, Porter became both a fan favorite and a locker room leader, transforming the team’s defense into one of the most feared in the league.

A three-time Pro Bowler with the Steelers, Porter tallied 60 sacks in a Pittsburgh uniform and cemented his place in franchise lore with iconic moments: his playoff tirades, clutch sacks, and timely takeaways. Porter was integral to the 2005 Super Bowl run, recording critical turnovers and setting the emotional temperature for one of the NFL’s most dominant units.

His passion didn’t end when the whistle blew—Porter later returned to Pittsburgh as a coach, mentoring the next generation of linebackers and continuing his impact on the franchise. Few players have so perfectly captured the spirit of the Steel Curtain, and few brought such a profound sense of brashness married with performance.

More Than Just Individual Greatness—A Reflection of Steelers Football

The Steelers’ Hall of Honor isn’t just an accolade—it’s a fraternity, one that now welcomes three figures who are indelibly tied to the team’s success across multiple eras. Together, Roethlisberger, Pouncey, and Porter represent more than just Pro Bowls or highlight reels. They represent the unyielding spirit of Pittsburgh football, a community’s resilience, and a standard of excellence passed down from legends like Mean Joe Greene, Terry Bradshaw, and Franco Harris.

Unlike many teams, the Steelers don’t retire numbers or obsess over stats. They focus on impact, legacy, and leadership—qualities these three men supplied in spades. Whether it was Roethlisberger shrugging off tacklers, Pouncey leading the charge in the trenches, or Porter jawing at opponents and firing up his teammates, each played with a ferocity and commitment befitting the Steel City’s hard-working ethos.

Looking to the Future, Honoring the Past

As the Steelers prepare to celebrate their 2025 Hall of Honor class, fans and former teammates alike will reminisce about unforgettable plays, iconic moments, and the enduring power of Steelers football. This is more than just a ceremony; it’s a passing of the torch, a reminder that greatness isn’t measured solely by records but by the indelible mark left on a franchise, a city, and a legion of fans.

So when Ben Roethlisberger, Maurkice Pouncey, and Joey Porter take their places among the pantheon of all-time Steelers greats, they’ll not only receive plaques—they’ll receive the thanks of a community they helped shape.

Here’s to the Class of 2025: Steel sharpens steel, and legends never fade.