Hall of Honor Class of 2019

LARRY BROWN

Start with the biggest surprise. After all, the tight end-turned-right tackle for the 1970s Steelers dynasty was never an All-Pro. And the only time Pro Football Hall of Fame had ever been mentioned in conjunction with Brown is when his coach, Chuck Noll, said that’s where Brown belongs.

“That is remarkable,” said Brown. “That was probably good enough — in terms of having played for him and knowing what he was looking for in players — hearing that from him was quite an honor.”

Brown had just left the funeral for former linemate Sam Davis, so he reflected with a tinge of melancholy on what the honor meant.

“I didn’t expect it. And I was very honored,” Brown said. “It really kind of does make you think as you start to feel good and honored by it, just thinking, ‘Oh, my, I know other people who were great players — as good as I’ve seen — who have not gotten the recognition.’ I’m appreciative and honored by it, but I know