Kordell Stewart has spent years hearing that he was ahead of his time. The former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback would now like that recognition to come with something a little more permanent than a compliment.
When asked whether Pittsburgh has come to appreciate what he accomplished during his eight seasons with the franchise, Stewart wasn’t particularly interested in pretending he’s above receiving a few accolades.
“I want some more,” Stewart told Men’s Journal. “I’m not gonna sit up here and lie to you. I’m gonna openly say, yes, if there’s more to give, stop sitting on it.”
He has one honor in particular on his mind.
“I wanna get in that ring of honor,” Stewart said, referring to the Steelers’ Hall of Honor. “No secret to it.”
Photograph by NFL Films/Courtesy of HBO
Established in 2017, the Steelers Hall of Honor recognizes former players, coaches, and contributors who helped shape the franchise. Stewart isn’t among its inductees, including the three members selected for the 2026 class.
His argument for inclusion begins with what he accomplished on the field.
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Nicknamed “Slash” for his ability to line up at quarterback, receiver, and running back, Stewart helped Pittsburgh reach two AFC Championship Games as its starting quarterback in 1997 and 2001. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2001, but his versatility also became a source of frustration when coaches tried to fit him into more conventional offensive systems.
“Just imagine guys trying to change you and make you be something other than what you are,” Stewart said, reflecting on the frequent changes in offensive coordinators during his career.
Today, quarterbacks who can threaten defenses with their arms and legs are among the NFL’s most valuable players. Stewart believes his skill set would have made him a top-five draft pick in the modern game.
The league eventually embraced his style of football. Whether Pittsburgh has fully embraced his legacy is another question.
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More Than a Documentary
Stewart’s renewed push for recognition comes as HBO’s Kordell Stewart: Slash & Burn, which premiered October 27, revisits his NFL career and the malicious, unfounded rumor about his sexuality that followed him for decades.
The documentary examines how the rumor spread and the racial and homophobic abuse Stewart endured during his playing days. But Stewart doesn’t want that experience to overshadow everything else he accomplished.
“It wasn’t about defending a lie,” he said of the documentary. “It was about telling people how I was standing 10-toed down with what I believed in.”
For Stewart, telling his story also means reclaiming the accomplishments that sometimes got lost in the controversy.
He acknowledged that many Steelers fans have expressed their appreciation on social media, even as others remain unwilling to reconsider. He’s made peace with that.
“I’m not here to change your mind or alter how you feel,” he said.
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And he isn’t suggesting that Pittsburgh has completely turned its back on him. Stewart said the Steelers have reached out over the years and that he’s had opportunities to participate in events with the organization.
But he believes he still deserves more recognition.
“I don’t wanna be gone and not be able to cheer for them and cheer for it,” Stewart said of receiving additional honors.
For a player who spent much of his career having other people debate what he should be, Stewart should be clear about what he wants now.
He doesn’t need everyone to agree with him. But if Pittsburgh has any more flowers to give, he’d appreciate receiving them while he’s still here, so he can say thank you.
