Former G.M. Kevin Colbert, legendary cornerback J.T. Thomas, and stalwart guard Craig Wolfley are officially the newest additions to the Steelers’ Hall of Honor. The announcement arrived on August 1, 2026, marking a significant moment for the iconic franchise as it celebrates more of its storied past. Colbert, who spent 22 seasons with the Steelers from 2000 through 2022, serving 11 years as director of football operations and 12 as General Manager, summed up the gravity of the recognition perfectly.
Even Veterans Get Surprised by the Call
You’d think after two decades running the show, an honor like this wouldn’t come as a total shock. But Colbert’s reaction to getting the call from Art Rooney proves just how much this means. He told Steelers.com, “It was very shocking, humbling just to get that call from Art Rooney and to hear that. It’s very touching and I’m appreciative. You don’t expect something like that.” That kind of raw honesty from a guy who shaped the team for so long really tells you everything about the caliber of this honor. He spent 11 seasons building rosters and 12 as the GM, so he knows what true Steeler greatness looks like, and to be counted among it? That’s special.
Legends Who Defined an Era
The other two inductees cemented their places in team history with incredible on-field contributions. J.T. Thomas, a first-round pick in 1973, was a cornerstone of four Super Bowl-winning teams during his time with the Steelers from 1973 through 1981. We’re talking about the kind of clutch play that changes everything, like his late interception of Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler in the 1974 AFC Championship. That play sealed the win, pushing the Steelers to their very first Super Bowl appearance. Then there’s Craig Wolfley, a fifth-round pick in 1980, who spent 10 seasons holding down the offensive line as a guard and tackle. He put in the work, appearing in 129 regular-season games with 102 starts. It’s especially poignant that Wolfley, who passed in 2025, is receiving this honor, a testament to his lasting impact.
These three will officially join the Hall of Honor during the Steelers’ Week 4 game against the Bengals. It’s going to be a heavy moment, celebrating some serious franchise history as the team kicks off its early season grind.
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Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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