The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been known for exceptional talent at the center position, a legacy stretching back to the 1960s with names like Ray Mansfield, Mike Webster, Dermontti Dawson, Jeff Hartings, and Maurkice Pouncey. Now, Zach Frazier is emerging as the latest promising Steelers center, demonstrating early signs that he could maintain this tradition of excellence.
Jeff Hartings Sees Faneca-Like Qualities in Frazier
Jeff Hartings, a former Steelers center and Super Bowl XL champion, sees striking qualities in Frazier’s play and leadership. Speaking on FOX Sports 970 AM with Tim Benz, Hartings expressed high praise:
“I think he’s really solid. He’s doing a great job…He reminds me of — not from the position that he’s playing but from the mentality — of Alan Faneca,”
“And what I mean by that, in a game, the effort that he gives on a play and then getting back to the huddle in between quarters. I mean, he’s the first guy down the field sprinting down there to get ready…He’s a leader, and that’s what a center has to do.”
Although Faneca was a guard rather than a center, being compared to a future Pro Football Hall of Famer of his caliber is a significant compliment. Hartings played alongside Faneca for six seasons during Faneca’s stretch of consecutive Pro Bowl and All-Pro recognitions, lending weight to the comparison.
Steelers’ Front Office Focuses on Building a Franchise Center
Steelers Executive Omar Khan emphasized the organization’s need to secure the next outstanding center leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft. Their selection of Zach Frazier reflects that strategy. While Frazier has yet to earn a Pro Bowl nod, his consistent performance and improvement signal his growing impact on a young offensive line improving quickly.
Aaron Rodgers Highlights Frazier’s Impact and Potential
Aaron Rodgers, during their 2025 season together, lavished praise on Frazier’s command of the offense, particularly his handling of cadence and communication with the line. Rodgers, a future Hall of Famer himself, described Frazier as a star and urged the Steelers to offer him a long-term contract without delay.
Hartings Predicts a Legacy in the Making for Zach Frazier
Looking ahead, Hartings envisions a lasting legacy for Frazier with the Steelers:
“If we can lock him down for 10 years, it’d be great to put his picture up on the wall in the complex,”
While centers rarely gain widespread acclaim, Pittsburgh has consistently made this position a cornerstone of its success. If the offensive line revitalization continues, Frazier’s reputation is likely to grow, placing him among the most respected Steelers centers in history.
