Feb 7, 2018 2 min read

There are 310 busts in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, saluting players, owners, executives and officials who are enshrined there. And while a plethora of players from Western Pennsylvania are honored at the hall, a mere four have significant ties to Washington or Greene counties. Of them, only Joe Montana (Ringgold) and Bill George (Waynesburg) graduated from area high schools. Transplants Mel Blount and Wilbur “Pete” Henry, however, established their homes and formidable reputations in this corner of the state.

Here are capsules of each:

Montana (quarterback, 1979-92 49ers, 93-94 Chiefs): New Eagle guy won four Super Bowls, was SB game MVP three times with 49ers … 40,551 career passing yards … known for rallying Notre Dame, NFL teams to victory … inducted in 2000. 

George (linebacker, 1952-65 Bears, 1966 Rams): Wake Forest grad, called first true middle linebacker in NFL … helped Bears win 1963 NFL title (pre-Super Bowl era) … eight straight Pro Bowls (1955-62) … died in 1982 auto crash at 52 … inducted in 1974.

Blount (cornerback, 1970-83 Steelers): From Vidalia, Ga., via Southern U. … 57 career interceptions, 13th all-time, with at least one pick each season … NFL-best 11 interceptions in 1975 … Super Bowl champ, first-team All-Pro four times each … has run Mel Blount Youth Home since 1989 … inducted in 1989.

Henry (tackle, three teams, 1920-28): Three-time All-American at Washington & Jefferson, played for Canton Bulldogs in NFL’s first season  …  at 5-11, 245, biggest pro for his time … two-way tackle who drop-kicked 50-yard field goal, had 94-yard punt … head coach for two NFL seasons, two years at W&J … was W&J athletic director 1932-52, when he died in Washington at 54 … inducted in 1963, inaugural class.