An iconic and fitting former Pittsburgh Steelers player announced the selection of Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. at 32nd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. It was none other than Hall of Fame guard Alan Faneca, who played eight seasons (1999-2006) in Pittsburgh with Joey Porter Jr.’s dad, Joey Porter Sr.
Leading up to the draft, Faneca told Teresa Varley of Steelers.com that he hoped whoever he announced feels a connection to him. But since he called Porter’s name, he aleady has a connection.
“You’re forever attached to that moment,” Faneca told Varley. “If I had been announced by a Steelers legend, I would definitely have felt a connection to them. I hope that whoever I announce feels a connection with me, because I know I will feel one with them.”
Faneca’s son, Burton, also joined him on stage when he announced the selection of Porter. Faneca said it meant the world to him to announce that Peezy’s son got drafted to the Steelers.
“What an incredible honor to announce your friend’s son getting drafted!! It means the world to me,” Faneca tweeted.
Faneca played guard for the Steelers from 1998-2007 after being selected by the team in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft out of LSU. Faneca was one of the most dominant offensive linemen of his era, and was chosen to participate in nine Pro Bowls and was an eight-time All-Pro. He is a member of the NFL’s 2000s All-Decade Team and won Super Bowl XL with the Steelers. Faneca was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio in 2021.
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