A who's who of Western Pa. football will be announcing picks at the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh
April 17, 2026
As the 2026 NFL Draft descends upon Pittsburgh, the event will serve as a powerful homage to Western Pennsylvania's storied football legacy. The NFL has revealed a distinguished list of current and former players who will announce selections, with a remarkable number of them hailing from the very region hosting the festivities. This convergence of local heroes and one of the league's marquee events underscores the deep-rooted connection between the city and the sport, transforming the draft into a city-wide celebration of its gridiron heritage. The draft, scheduled to take place from April 23-25, is the first to be held in Pittsburgh since 1948 and is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of fans to the North Shore and downtown areas.
The roster of presenters for the second and third rounds reads like a hall of fame ballot with deep Western Pennsylvania connections. Nine Pro Football Hall of Famers are slated to participate, including a trio of legends who began their journeys at the University of Pittsburgh. Tony Dorsett, a Hopewell High School graduate, will announce a pick for the Dallas Cowboys. Curtis Martin, an Allderdice High School alumnus, will represent the New York Jets, and Jimbo Covert of Freedom High School will do the honors for the Chicago Bears. Their presence on the draft stage in their home region highlights the area's historical role as a cradle of football talent.
The hometown Pittsburgh Steelers will amplify the local flavor with their own cast of iconic figures. Hall of Fame wide receiver John Stallworth, a cornerstone of the 1970s dynasty, is set to announce the team's second-round selection. In a moment that bridges generations of Steelers football, former linebacker Joey Porter Sr. and his son, current Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., will announce a third-round pick together. The unique father-son announcement is a poignant symbol for the franchise and the city. Adding to the star power, Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis will also be in attendance throughout the draft weekend.
Beyond the black and gold, the deep ties to the region's college and high school football scene are evident across the league's list of representatives. Seven former Pitt players in total will announce picks for various NFL franchises, including active players like James Conner for the Arizona Cardinals and Brian O'Neill for the Minnesota Vikings. Penn State will also be well-represented by alumni such as Matt Millen (Las Vegas Raiders) and Paul Posluszny (Jacksonville Jaguars). Plum native Pat McAfee will announce for the Indianapolis Colts, further cementing the event's connection to the Western Pennsylvania football landscape.
As Pittsburgh prepares to take the national stage, the inclusion of these local legends and heroes as draft announcers is more than a ceremonial gesture. It is a deliberate acknowledgment of the region's profound impact on the history and talent pipeline of the NFL. While the first-round picks will be announced by Commissioner Roger Goodell on April 23, the second day of the draft promises to be a memorable homecoming. It will be a celebration where the names announcing the future stars of the league are as revered as the prospects they will welcome.
Source: postgazette