Hall of Fame

Ben McGhee

  • Class
  • Induction
    2004
  • Sport(s)
    Football
  • Jackson State
Early Life
  • McGee was born on January 26, 1939, in Starkville, Mississippi.
  • He attended Henderson High School in Starkville.
College Career
  • He played college football at Jackson State University (then Jackson State College).
  • While in college, he was named to Black College All-America teams in both 1962 and 1963.
  • Time magazine selected him as an All-American in 1962, applauding his professional-level instincts.
Professional Career
  • McGee was drafted in 1964 in the 4th round (51st overall pick) by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
  • He played from 1964 to 1972 with the Steelers as a defensive lineman (primarily defensive end, later defensive tackle).
  • He was selected for the Pro Bowl twice: in 1966 and 1968.
  • Though he played before the Steelers’ most famed “Steel Curtain” era fully matured, he was part of the team’s defensive foundations