The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a number of elite and legendary offensive lineman throughout their history. Pittsburgh currently has Mike Webster, Dermontti Dawson and Alan Faneca in the Hall of Fame as the most recognizable figures, and many feel like the team will add to that total in the near future. NFL Insider Adam Schefter recently revealed the first-time eligibles for the Hall of Fame's class in 2026, as legendary Steelers offensive linemen Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro will look to enter as first ballot selections.
Pouncey, a 10-year veteran that spent his entire career in Pittsburgh, was an elite center who was widely regarded as one of the best at his position throughout his entire career. A nine-time Pro Bowler, Pouncey was a star in the NFL for a number of years due to his elite athleticism for his size and his excellent leadership.
First-time eligibles for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 include:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 2, 2025
Larry Fitzgerald
Drew Brees
Philip Rivers
Jason Witten
Frank Gore
Julian Edelman
Maurkice Pouncey
LeSean McCoy
Thomas Davis
Greg Olsen
Alex Smith
Dez Bryant
Stephen Gostkowski… https://t.co/OsH7RpMmzU
Pouncey is a five-time All-Pro as well, as many believe that the Steelers legend will have a real shot at being a first ballot Hall of Famer in 2026 given his incredible prowess on the field.
DeCastro, a six-time Pro Bowler, was an electric right guard who spent his entire career in Pittsburgh as well. He played a crucial role in Pittsburgh's run game throughout the 2010s and is considered by many to be one of the better Steelers from the previous generation. DeCastro is a two-time first team All-Pro, as the Steelers legend will now look to receive the ultimate honor and become a first ballot Hall of Famer.
Both Pouncey and DeCastro played crucial roles throughout the Steelers' success in the 2010s, as both lineman were a key part of the Steelers' running game with Le'Veon Bell and James Conner. Bell was widely considered to be one of the best running backs in all of football throughout his time in Pittsburgh, as many feel like DeCastro and Pouncey were a major factor in Bell's success.
With legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger set to be Hall of Fame eligible in 2027, many believe that the former Steeler may enter the Hall of Fame alongside Pouncey and DeCastro. Pouncey and DeCastro would more than likely join the Hall of Fame in 2027 should they be denied first ballot entry, as a number of fans have taken to social media to make the case as to why both linemen should receive first ballot entries in 2026.
Roethlisberger will more than likely enter the Hall of Fame with a first ballot selection in 2027, as the former Steeler is widely regarded as the best quarterback in Steelers' history.
Roethlisberger spent his entire 18-year career in Pittsburgh, as the legendary quarterback played a crucial role in both of the Steelers Super Bowl runs throughout the 2000's. A six-time Pro Bowler, Roethlisberger was elite throughout the majority of his career, as the veteran is credited with 418 touchdowns and 64,088 career yards.
With Roethlisberger more than likely entering the Hall of Fame when first eligible in 2027, some feel as if DeCastro and Pouncey will enter the Hall of Fame their second time around. With both Pouncey and DeCastro set to be first ballot eligible in 2026, Steelers fans will continue to wait and see if the two legendary lineman will join the Hall of Fame with their long-time quarterback in 2027.
Roethlisberger should have no problem being a first ballot entry, as the two time Super Bowl champion is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks of the 2010's. Fans should continue to keep a close eye on Pouncey and DeCastro during next year's ceremony as well, as many believe both linemen will enter the Hall of Fame alongside Roethlisberger in 2027.
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