Hines Ward, Joey Porter First Time Steelers on Hall of Fame Ballot for 2017

There’s another chance for Terrible Towels to be waiving in August of 2017 in Canton, Ohio, as a couple recent Steelers today were nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2017.

First on the list is wide out Hines Ward, a Steeler legend who played with the black and gold from 1988 to 2011, and in his NFL career collected two Super Bowl rings, one Super Bowl MVP, and ended his career with 1000 catches with 12,083 yards with 86 total touchdowns.

Ward had a chance following the 2011 season to play elsewhere, but instead in an emotional speech on March, 20th 2012 announced he would leave the game as a Steeler.

“I can say I’m a Steeler for life and that’s the bottom line, that’s all I’ve really ever wanted,” Ward said in 2012.

The receiver holds every significant franchise receiving record, including receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns. His 1,000 career catches rank eighth all-time and he is one of two players with at least 1,000 receptions and two Super Bowl rings.

CLICK HERE FOR HINES WARD’S TOP 10 MOMENTS AS A STEELER

Ward isn’t the only new Steeler on the ballot this year, as linebacker Joey Porter, who is now an assistant coach on the team, is also on the ballot for the first time.

Porter joined the Steelers as a coach back in February of 2011, and made headlines last year when he got into it with the Bengals late in the crazy playoff win over the Bengals down in Cincinnati.

“This is home. Even when I left — it was OK to go and play for Miami and Arizona … but there’s nothing like home,” Porter said when he retired as a Steeler in 2012.

“Pittsburgh — once you come through here — it’s a special piece in your heart here, in Pittsburgh.That void wouldn’t have been filled if I didn’t come back and retire as a Steeler.”

Porter had his share of great on the field moments with the Steelers, and in 2007 was named to the Steelers All-Time Team.

He played with the Steelers from 1999 to 2006, and in his career in Pittsburgh had 60 sacks, 10 interceptions and 8 recovered fumbles in 122 games.

He played three seasons with the Dolphins and two in Arizona after leaving the Steelers after the 2006 season.

There’s another Steelers on the ballot from last year, that being offensive guard Alan Faneca, who played with the Steelers from 1998 to 2007, and in those 10 seasons played in 158 games, starting 153.

Also on the ballot for the first time are LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Dawkins, as well as Jason Taylor, Donovan McNabb, Chad Johnson, Olin Kreutz, Derrick Mason and Bob Sanders.

Already chosen to be discussed by the voting panel the day before the Super Bowl next February are senior finalist Kenny Easley and contributor finalists Jerry Jones and Paul Tagliabue.

Among the 2016 finalists back on the ballot are Kurt Warner, Terrell Davis, Edgerrin James, Terrell Owens, Joe Jacoby, Morten Andersen, Steve Atwater, John Lynch and coach Don Coryell.