Monthly Archives: August 2021

Congratulations, Donnie Shell, 2020 NFL Hall of Fame Inductee

09 Monday Aug 2021

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Donnie Shell, Pittsburgh Steelers, 2020 National Football League Hall of Famer
Donnie Shell, Pittsburgh Steelers‘ 2020 NFL Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony

Congratulatory Message:

Congratulations, Donnie! It is a blessing to be your former Pittsburgh Steeler teammate; but, more important to be privileged to be considered your friend. Your hard work and dedication were an inspiration to me both on and off the field. I continue to aspire to emulate the pillars of family, service, purpose and passion that you instilled in all of the young men who looked to you for leadership, vision and wisdom during the trials and tribulations of the 1987 NFL season–the darkest in NFL history.

May the Lord continue to bless you, Paulette and your family; and, I pray that your contributions will have an everlasting impact on the lives of others as it has on mine. – Kelvin Middleton, Pittsburgh Steelers #37

Kelvin Middleton, former NFL Pittsburgh Steeler – Honors 2020 NFL HOFer – Donnie Shell

[[Both Donnie Shell and Kelvin Middleton were mentored by and played under the leadership of Coach Willie E. Jeffries. Jeffries became the first Black head football coach of an NCAA Division I-A football program at a predominantly white college when he coached at Wichita State University where Middleton was an outstanding defensive back. Jeffries also served as the head football coach at South Carolina State University for 19 seasons in two stints (1973-1978, 1989-2001) were Donnie Shell was an outstanding defensive back.

Donnie, the Torpedo” Shell, Pittsburgh Steelers (1987 Photo)
Donnie Shell #31
1987 Pittsburgh Steelers’ Defensive Coach Tony Dungy and the Defensive Backs (Kelvin Middleton is #37, 2nd in the depth chart behind #31 Donnie Shell)

Donnie Shell Speaks on Conquering Adversity During Hall of Fame Speech

09 Monday Aug 2021

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Published on August, 7, 2021, by Mike Asti, Steelers Now

Re-Post by: Men Giving Back, Macon, GA, 8/9/21

CANTON, Ohio – It’s often said good things come to those who wait. That absolutely embodies Donnie Shell finally being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Shell, now 68-years-old, who played his last NFL game in 1987 had to wait until 2021 before experiencing the honor of being able to deliver a speech on stage in Canton, Ohio, a speech others who had to endure a long wait were not as fortunate to be alive to deliver when they finally got the call.

[The 1987 Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense that year was lead by defensive coach, Tony Dungy, and included Donnie Shell (#31), Kelvin Middleton (#37), from Macon, GA, second in the depth chart behind Shell, Chris Sheffield (#41), from Thomasville, GA.]

It’s possible having to wait only makes Shell’s induction that much sweeter for a man whose NFL career was all about conquering adversity. After going undrafted in 1974, the odds were certainly stacked against Shell from ever being immortalized in the halls of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But Shell conquered those odds and will now live forever in Canton.

Donnie Shell and his daughter unveil the 2020 HOF enshrinement bust.

Shell started his speech off by asking for the large crowd of Pittsburgh Steelers fans in attendance to wave their Terrible Towels. As fans waved their towels with furosity, Shell began thanking those who helped raise him in Whitmire, South Carolina before proceeding to tell a story of an inspirational message Hall of Fame coach Chuck Noll told him when the Steelers signed him as an undrafted free agent.

Shell, who attended South Carolina State University, mentioned how proud he is to be among the distinguished Hall of Famers from a historically Black land-grant institution.

The 4-time Super Bowl champion, 5-time Pro Bowler, 3-time First-Team All-Pro who recorded 51 career interceptions as one of the best safeties in football history, Shell can now add Hall of Famer next his name.