Art Rooney II to Present Bill Cowher at Hall of Fame Induction

Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher will be presented by team president Art Rooney II at his Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2020 induction.

Cowher made the announcement Wednesday in a St. Patrick’s Day conversation video with Rooney and former running back Merril Hoge released by the Steelers.

“To me it was a no-brainer,” Cowher said. “You knew me before and you knew me after. It was all about the dynamics of family. We were one big family. Yes, you were held accountable, and yes, you had to make tough decisions. But no one knows me better than Art Rooney. Art, it is an honor to have you present me.”

.@CowherCBS announces who his @ProFootballHOF presenter will be: pic.twitter.com/cX3jn6GSpc

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) March 17, 2021

While initially surprised, Rooney expressed his gratitude to be presenting a dear friend with football’s highest honor.

“When he told me this I was really just speechless,” Rooney said. “It is going to be a great honor. Having worked with Bill that close for 15 years. And really knowing each other, and having our families pretty much grow up together. It just so happened that our kids were all about the same age. It was a fantastic 15 years, and it’s great that our relationship has continued until today. It’s going to be a very special time, that’s for sure.”

Cowher’s induction ceremony will be held on August 7 along with the rest of the postponed 2020 class.

The 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, which includes former Steelers guard Alan Faneca and legendary scout Bill Nunn, will be inducted the following day on August 8.

Listen to the entire conversation at the link below.

#Steelers President Art Rooney II, @CowherCBS & @merrilhoge get together for a #StPatricksDay discussion about the @ProFootballHOF, our 1997 game in Dublin & a special announcement.https://t.co/GUp5i7qTsi

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) March 17, 2021