Former Steelers DB Donnie Shell elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame

After Bill Cowher’s surprise election into the Hall of Fame, former great Steelers defensive back, Donnie Shell will now join him. Here’s why Shell is deserving.

After years of being snubbed from entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame, former long-time Steelers defensive back, Donnie Shell, will join other Pittsburgh greats from the ’70s and ’80s in Canton. Shell was a at a loss for words when Hall of Fame President, David Baker called him with the news:

Shell now joins four of his former draftmates from the 1974 draft class, Jack Lambert, Lynn Swan, Mike Webster, and John Stallworth, as he enters the Hall of Fame. Here is a statement by Art Rooney II on Shell’s great honor:

Shell played 14 seasons in the NFL – each one with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was elected to the Pro Bowl in 5 straight seasons from 1978 to 1982 and made First-Team All-Pro on 3 different occasions. He finished his professional career with 51 interceptions, 19 fumble recoveries, and 4 defensive touchdowns in 201 games.

Shell had a miraculous 5-year stretch from 1979 to 1884 where he recorded at least 5 interceptions each season. He played in 19 playoff games for the Steelers and was part of Pittsburgh’s 4 Super Bowl wins in the 1970s.

Shell joins Bill Cowher as the 2nd former Steelers member elected to the 2020 Hall of Fame class. They could soon be joined by Pittsburgh legend, Troy Polamalu, and possibly even All-Pro guard, Alan Faneca. Both players are finalists in this year’s Hall of Fame class.

Shell’s entrance into the Hall of Fame was a long time coming, and it’s one that undoubtedly leaves fans of the ’70s and ’80s satisfied. His face will be in Canton along with many of his former teammates from one of the NFL’s greatest dynasties.