Jason Gildon will be inducted into the Steelers Hall of Honor as part of a 2024 class that will also include Casey Hampton, Willie Parker and Dick LeBeau.

The four Steelers greats will be officially inducted into the Hall of Honor during a game against the Browns at Acrisure Stadium on December 8.

It’s hard to deny the inclusion of any of these former greats. Hampton was a part of three Super Bowl teams and two Lombardi winners. Parker, who owns two rings, had the longest run in Super Bowl history when he scampered 75 yards for a touchdown against the Seahawks in Super Bowl XL. As a defensive coordinator, LeBeau was a member of four Steelers Super Bowl teams.

Perhaps the most underappreciated member of the 2024 HOH class is Gildon, who played for the Steelers between 1994-2003. Maybe it’s because of the long and storied tradition of Steelers outside linebackers that includes a group so accomplished, that it would require an entire paragraph. Perhaps it’s because he was only a backup on the Super Bowl XXX squad that lost to the Cowboys and never did win a ring during his decade in Pittsburgh.

It’s probably that second thing. I mean, let’s face it, the 1970s kind of ruined it for a lot of Steelers greats in terms of how they are remembered. If you weren’t a part of a Super Bowl-winning era, you’re likely going to get lost in the shuffle when it comes to celebrating the heroes of the past. And if you don’t believe me, take a look at Rod Woodson’s legacy as a Steeler. Sure, he’s appreciated. Sure, he’s recognized as an all-time great. However, he never won a ring in Pittsburgh–that happened as a member of the 2000 Ravens–and he finished his career playing for several teams–including the Ravens AND Raiders. Having said that, it’s hard to deny Woodson’s resume. He’s considered one of the greatest cornerbacks in Steelers history along with Mel Blount, which is to say he’s one of the best in NFL history.

Gildon holds no such distinction as an all-time NFL outside linebacker, but he did hold the Steelers sack record for 15 seasons. That’s right, Gildon, who was selected in the third round out of Oklahoma State in the 1994 NFL Draft, bided his time as a reserve for two years before taking over for Kevin Greene following Greene’s free-agent departure after the ’95 campaign. Gildon started 125 games over the next eight seasons and tallied 72 sacks. Those 72 combined with the five he recorded during his first two seasons as a backup were good enough to make him the organization’s all-time leader in the category. Yes, the sack didn’t become an official category until 1982–or right when the careers of Joe Greene and L.C. Greenwood were winding down–and there has always been a dispute about just how many those legends of the 1970s Steel Curtain actually had. But official is official, and Gildon officially became the king of the Steelers’ sack mountain in 2001 before adding to his record through his final season in Pittsburgh in 2003.

James Harrison took over the top spot in 2016 and left Pittsburgh as the all-time leader with 80.5. But Harrison is now tied for second with Cam Heyward. T.J. Watt has already shattered that mark with 96.5 in seven seasons. Watt will likely make the Steelers’ sack record almost unattainable by anyone who comes after him when all is said and done.

However, there was a time when Jason Gildon–not Mike Merriweather, Greg Lloyd or Joey Porter–was the gold standard for sacks in Pittsburgh, and he did so while playing perhaps its most revered Steelers position.

He deserves his flowers in the form of a Steelers Hall of Honor induction.