Steelers Blog

Heyward gives back to those who gave so much

Steelers’ defensive end Cameron Heyward returned home on Friday night to host the Wounded Warrior Amputee Sports team challenge Atlanta’s All-Stars, a group of NBA & NFL players, in a basketball game at his alma mater, Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Georgia.

The event was held to help raise awareness for the disabled and demonstrate that they can still be fully functional and compete in sports, even with the loss of a limb.

“It was great to meet some of the wounded warriors. It’s humbling to be around them,” said Heyward. “They gave a lot for our country and have done so much to protect us. It’s huge that we were able to do this to honor them.”

Russell shares his story to help kids

Former Steelers’ linebacker Andy Russell is the latest to be added to Insightful Player, a movement of hope that features inspiring stories from NFL players in an effort to inspire today’s youth.

“Andy Russell was selected to be an Insightful Player because of his awe-inspiring leadership and tremendous philanthropic works, which are shining examples for our nation’s youth to follow,” said Chrissy Carew, founder of Insightful Player.

Russell oversees the Andy Russell Charitable Foundation which focuses on children’s charities, with funds from his annual golf outing benefiting many of those charities through the years, including the Ronald McDonald House, Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund and Juvenile Diabetes.

“I am very proud and blessed to have become a participant in the Insightful Player,” said Russell. “The Steelers’ owners, the Rooney family, always stressed to us that it is extremely important to give back to the community, to help people in need and to do our best to teach what our journey has taught us to the young people in our city. The Insightful Player team has a strong group of players who I’m sure have been inspirational to the youngsters who read their motivational writings and I hope to contribute also to educate, inspire and drive as many young people as possible.”

You can read more about Andy Russell’s story at Insightful Player.

Keisel takes part in White House fun

Steelers’ defensive end Brett Keisel was among a handful of NFL players who took part in the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday.

Keisel was there on behalf of the NFL’s Play 60 campaign, encouraging kids to stay active and play for 60 minutes a day.

“It was amazing,” said Keisel. “When we got there I couldn’t help but think about the last time I was at the White House, with my teammates celebrating the Super Bowl XLIII victory.

“I really appreciate the NFL’s Play 60 movement because I know with my kids if they don’t get outside and play for a day they go crazy. It’s so much better for them, so much healthier to get them active and do things kids need to do to be healthy and happy.”

Keisel, along with 49ers receiver Anquan Boldin, Giants receiver Victor Cruz, and Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, led kids in fun and games, but also got a treat of their own when they met President Barack Obama.

“It was awesome,” said Keisel. “It wasn’t just Mr. President but it was the whole first family we met. It was an honor for me. I told him Ambassador (Dan) Rooney said hello. I gave him some ‘Beard’ gear. He knew about the beard and who I was and that was an honor for me. I hope he goes out and drains some threes wearing the ‘Beard’ gear.”

Keisel, who was joined by his wife Sarah and three children, also had an opportunity to see some of the monuments in Washington, D.C.

“You look around and see all of the history, and all of the monuments to immortalize our country it makes it really special,” said Keisel. “It was pretty surreal today. It was just a cool thing. We saw the memorials and it’s so humbling to see those and walk around and think about our great country and how lucky we are to have all of the freedoms and rights we have.”

Mike and Kiya Tomlin receive local honor

Steelers’ Coach Mike Tomlin and his wife Kiya were honored on Friday by the Chuck Cooper Foundation with the Career Achievement in Leadership Diversity and Community Service Award. Tomlin was unable to attend the luncheon because of the NFL Scouting Combine, but Kiya accepted on their behalf.

The Chuck Cooper Foundation was set up to honor the legacy of Cooper, the first African-American drafted by the NBA. Cooper, who attended Pittsburgh’s Westinghouse High School, was selected by the Boston Celtics in the second round in 1950. 

The Foundation’s goal is to help further the education of students in the Pittsburgh area, something that is a passion for the Tomlin family as well.

“It’s humbling,” said Mike Tomlin prior to leaving for the NFL Combine. “It’s not the type of recognition that we seek. We appreciate it, but we just feel like we are doing what we are called to do. We are greatly blessed personally and professionally and giving back goes with that.”

With three children being raised in Pittsburgh, they strive to make the city and the educational system better not just for their own kids, but for others.

“We want to help out not only for myself living and working here, but we are the parents of three kids and Pittsburgh is a significant portion of their upbringing,” said Tomlin. “As members of the community it’s our job to make it the very best that we can make it for them and others.”

Foote’s mentor changed his life

 
At the time Larry Foote really didn’t know that his life could be heading down a dangerous path. He was attending Pershing High School in Detroit, Michigan, but school was not a priority. Hanging out on the streets, being with his friends, that was what life was all about.

That was until he met the man that changed things for him, that changed the direction his life was heading. That is when he met the man that would be his mentor, Pastor Joel Gregory, a youth pastor in Southfield, Michigan.

“I met him when I was in high school in the midst of when I was my craziest,” said Foote. “My future wasn’t looking bright. I don’t think college was an option. I was playing sports, but I was in the streets too and following a group of guys I shouldn’t have been and wasn’t taking life seriously.”

Foote had met others before who tried to steer him away from the streets and put his faith in God in an effort to turn things around. But Gregory was different, and Foote immediately connected with him.

“Not only did he preach the word of God that got my attention, but during that time I wasn’t attracted to the church life and doing things the right way, I was doing what the streets were doing,” said Foote. “He was the first guy that was cool that made it attractive. I had never seen anyone that looked like me, talked like me, and had my kind of swag that loved God too. I thought this guy is cool like the neighborhood guys, he is just preaching a different message.”

Foote would attend youth bible study and soon the results started to show. He wasn’t spending time on the streets, he was focusing on school and even teachers noticed a difference in him.

“He saved my life,” said Foote. “It was at a crucial time. I had to get out of the neighborhood. I was gifted, could play ball, but I wasn’t taking life seriously. I was still caught up in the street life. When God got my attention at that age I put my priorities in line just in the nick of time. I started taking school and sports seriously and colleges started calling. My life took off at that point. I started leaving my foolish things alone and my life took off because of the example Pastor Gregory showed me.”

Foote is one of several Steelers who recently shared their story of who his mentor is with the Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania (MPSWPA) in celebration of January being National Mentoring Month. And in his case, his relationship with Gregory is one that was definitely life changing.

“Who knows, with what I was doing I could have been shot at any time,” said Foote. “Even when I go back to the neighborhood today I see guys on the street, on the corner begging for change, hear about guys who were murdered. There are guys I went to school with dead or in jail. It’s the reality. When you are in high school you hear people say that guy is going to end up in jail or dead, but you haven’t lived through it. It’s just rhetoric. But as every year goes by I hear about that happening to someone.

“Pastor Gregory got me in line. I took things seriously with God, and he took care of my stuff and my heart. Pastor Gregory showed me how to act, how to pray. That is why I am where I am today, he showed me that example.”

Keisel’s beard brings smiles to kids

As Brett Keisel walked into Kyla Ruffing’s room at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, the shy eight-year old looked surprised, and then broke into a sweet smile as she looked at the big guy standing beside her hospital bed.

When asked who it was, she didn’t say Keisel, but instead gave a much simpler answer, “The Beard.”  

“It was amazing,” said her mother Danielle Nagel. “I was really blown away. I wasn’t expecting him to walk through the door. It was great to see him.”

Ruffling quietly talked with Keisel, showing him what she was building with Lego’s. Then she slowly started coming out of her shell, pulling out the reason she knows him as “The Beard,” her own oversized beard she put on to compare to Keisel’s. Keisel admired the look, the two smoothed out their beards, and he even signed a team photo for her that read, “You have the best beard I have ever seen.”

“It was awesome,” said Keisel, who also enjoyed seeing other patients on the floor play with their beards. “To see them play along with it, they had so much fun with it. Kyla was so filled with life and joy. When so much is happening that she could be filled with negativity, she was exuberant and joyous and lifted me up. Seeing them run around with their beards and turning around and making them into mullets, it was awesome.”

It’s Keisel’s beard that has incredible meaning for the kids at Children’s Hospital, particularly those on the oncology floor where he visited. In another week he will shave off the beard at his annual “Shear Da Beard” event, and all proceeds go to cancer programs at the hospital. 

“It’s great,” said Dr. Jake Cooper, the attending physician in hematology and oncology. “Our floor is full always. We do our best to keep the kids happy and distracted when they are going through some tough medications and serious diagnosis. Having a local hero like Mr. Keisel show up is a wonderful surprise for the kids to have.”

Keisel went room to room, giving the kids Steelers teddy bears, bracelets and signed team photos, but also giving them smiles, hugs and love. And they gave him something much more.

“Every time I go in there I can’t help but get filled with emotion,” said Keisel. “The things these families and kids have to go through with their treatment, it’s very tough. It does fill me with emotion, but it fills me with pride at the same time knowing I am helping in a small way.”

He is helping in a much greater way than he realizes. It’s not just the financial impact that shaving the beard has, it goes far deeper.

“It’s a symbol, it’s a yearly tradition and the people here know it’s for them,” said Cooper. “The people here view his huge mammoth beard as a sign of his affection for Children’s Hospital and his support for all of our patients. They love it. You see a lot of fake beards being worn by the kids for solidarity and team spirit.”

And they are beards that will lovingly be worn long after Keisel shaves his off.

Keisel and Kyla Ruffing.

Keisel and 15-year old Jeremy Coast.

Keisel and 11-year old Jetta Moore

Batch a finalist for Byron “Whizzer” White Award

Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch is a finalist for the Byron “Whizzer” White Award, an honor given by the NFL Players Association to a player for their work in the community.

“It’s humbling,” said Batch. “To be a finalist for the highest award you can receive from the NFLPA is special. To be considered one of those guys is special.”

Batch started his Best of the Batch Foundation 12 years ago, serving those in the Pittsburgh area, including Homestead where he was raised. The foundation provides an array of services, from computer literacy programs to summer basketball leagues.

“I am blessed to play here for this organization and be this close to home, allowing me to be hands on with everything I am doing with the foundation and have people believe in me,” said Batch. “I can’t do this by myself. We go out there and try to change lives and when people see that, it’s even more humbling.”

Batch has been able to see the impact the foundation has had on kids and looks forward to continuing to develop and grow the foundation.

“A lot of kids started with us when they were seven or eight years old and we see kids graduating from high school and heading off to college,” said Batch. “When you see the kids growing up, and them getting the opportunity to go out and live their dreams, that is what we are all about. We want to have them reach beyond their expectations.”

Batch is one of five finalists along with Chad Greenway (Minnesota Vikings), Charles Tillman (Chicago Bears), Benjamin Watson (Cleveland Browns) and Jason Witten (Dallas Cowboys). All of the finalists will receive a donation to their charity and the winner, who will be announced by the NFLPA next week in New Orleans, will receive an additional $100,000 donation.

Keisel didn’t have to look far for mentors

Athletes are often looked upon as role models for young children, but in some cases the athletes that kids look up to, teammates do as well.

That has been the case for defensive end Brett Keisel. During his first 10 seasons he had the perfect role model and mentor in teammate Aaron Smith, and he still looks at Smith in the same light even after Smith retired last year.

“When I first got here he was someone I looked up to,” said Keisel. “He played the game the right way with pad level, technique. He wasn’t a dirty player. He was someone who was down to earth and came to work and worked his tail off every day.”

When hearing that Keisel viewed him as a mentor, Smith was taken aback. Smith always led by example, but he never tried to force his method of doing things on anyone.

“I am honored and a little shocked,” said Smith. “I always had a way of doing things and you always hope that someone catches on to doing things that way, what I would consider the right way. I think he has done that and expanded on it even more.

“That is something professional athletes should always hold on to. You don’t know whose life you will impact. I always just tried to lead by example. I always felt you would get more done by your actions than just by saying words. I am a big believer in that. It’s nothing I was looking to do, I just believed there was a way to conduct myself and be an example, especially for the younger guys.”

Keisel is one of several Steelers who recently shared the story of who his mentor is with the Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania (MPSWPA) in celebration of January being National Mentoring Month. In addition to Aaron Smith, Keisel’s uncle, Ben Smith, who coached a rival football team also served as a mentor.

“He was someone who was always very encouraging to me,” said Keisel. “Every time we saw each other he helped me out with technique, with things off the field as far as being a good person and someone people could look up to. It meant a lot to me that even though we were rivals, he would help me out with the possibility that I could beat his team, which didn’t happen. He was a great man and someone as I grew up I truly appreciated.”

Keisel is grateful to both of his mentors, for his uncle for helping him along the way, and for Aaron Smith for providing an example that led to success with the Steelers.

“Since I got here I tried to be in his shadow,” said Keisel. “I tried to do everything he did. It’s got me 11 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, two Super Bowl rings, a Pro Bowl. I owe him a lot.”

Allen’s father was his mentor

Safety Will Allen doesn’t hesitate when it comes to helping out today’s youth, especially trying to provide them guidance through the Quest for Real Life Success program which strives to build awareness and help young people in the community as a part of the Will Allen Foundation,

The after school mentoring program, which he ran this year at North Hills High School in Pittsburgh and Wayne High School in Dayton, Ohio, was set up to discuss topics to help the students prepare for life after high school. The programs place emphasis on test taking skills, resume writing, job interview skills and also stress community service.

 “I wanted to do something to help them be more proactive about their futures, to help them think outside the box and thinking more about being a young professional going into college,” said Allen of the program he began when he played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “I wanted to bridge the gap going from high school to college so they can be better decision makers, be more cognizant of opportunities and tools and resources that are available.”

Allen learned the importance of being a mentor from his father, Keith Allen, and is one of several Steelers who recently shared the story of who his mentor is with the Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania (MPSWPA) in celebration of January being National Mentoring Month.

“We’re grateful to continue our partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers to learn more about how mentoring has impacted players’ lives,” said Kristan Allen, director of marketing and communications for MPSWPA “The Steelers organization is a defining part of our region’s history and we’re so fortunate that it is built on a foundation of giving back to the community.”

For Will Allen, having his father a part of the community when he was growing up made him realize the importance of giving back. His father coached youth sports and Allen has always taken pride in seeing others benefit from his father’s leadership, as well as himself.

“He always taught me how to be humble,” said Allen of his father. “He would always teach me right from wrong, leadership, respecting others around me.

 “I saw him be a role model and mentor in my neighborhood, helping kids become a better person. To see people come back and remember what Coach Allen said to help them means a lot. As a youngster I didn’t pay as much attention to him because I was hearing it every day. Once I got older I realized he had an impact on people’s lives from encouraging words.”

His father also stressed the importance of education to him, part of the reason he graduated from Ohio State University.

“One of the key moments I will remember in my life is when he sat me down as a youngster and would tell me about education, and the importance of education,” recalled Allen. “He would never let me bring a C in the home. Even though he was a diligent worker, he didn’t have a college education but he wanted one for me. He pushed me in sports, but especially in academics.”

The Mentoring Partnership serves 140 youth mentoring programs in the Pittsburgh region, including working with United Way agencies, and Allen hopes that others will reach out and become mentors.

“I ask you go out and pay it forward and mentor someone, especially a young person and teach them about life skills and how they can become better,” said Allen.

Keisel set to “Shear Da Beard”

Brett Keisel has one of the most famous beards not just in sports, but in existence, but it won’t be around for much longer.

Keisel is ready to cut it all off when he hosts the third annual “Shear Da Beard” on Thursday, February 7 at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille.

Fans can watch as celebrity barbers take the scissors to the beard, with all proceeds from ticket sales benefitting the cancer programs at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh at UPMC.

And once the beard is gone, rest assured in due time he will start to grow it back in time for the 2013 season. He might even try and inspire some of the young players to partake in the beard growing, including Cam Heyward who Keisel said could eventually carry on the beard torch.

“I would love to take over the mantel one day, but I think it’s more genetics than anything,” said Heyward, sporting stubble but not a beard. “I don’t know if I have the genetics to pull it off.

“The last time I had a beard was during training camp. It was too itchy. I think when Keisel wants to pass it on I am going to make a statue of his beard and say this is what it should look like and never show my face.”

In addition to seeing Keisel’s beard go, guests will be treated to live performances by Chris Higbee and Donnie Iris, and can bid on some unique items in a live and silent auction.

Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased by clicking on Shear Da Beard Tickets. For more information please click on Shear Da Beard.

An exciting day for a special teen

Kobe Payton probably never imaged he would catch a pass from an NFL quarterback, but that is exactly what he did on Friday afternoon when Ben Roethlisberger threw a football to the 14-year old from Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Payton, who has battled myxoid liposacoma, a form of cancer that attacks the tissue, was at the team’s practice through the Make-A-Wish Foundation and afterwards met players and coaches and caught the pass from Roethlisberger.

“I am losing my mind. I lost my mind like three times,” said Payton. “When Troy Polamalu and Mike Wallace came and shook my hand, I almost cried. I was so scared too.”

Payton, along with his mom, aunt and cousin, will also attend the Steelers-Browns game at Heinz Field on Sunday.

“This is really big to me,” said Payton. “It’s crazy and unreal. I am so excited.

“I didn’t think I was going to meet everybody, but I have met everybody. This is crazy.”

A “once in a lifetime experience” for a special fan

Colin Hayes was in awe when Steelers’ practice ended on Friday and the players came over to shake his hand, say hello, take a few pictures and sign his football.

“This is incredible,” said Hayes. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience being around the guys. They are all so nice. It’s an extraordinary opportunity for me.”

Hayes was at practice, and will be at the Steelers-Bengals game on Sunday, as the guest of the Steelers and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Hayes, 17 from Boiling Springs, Pa., battled Ewing’s sarcoma and now that he is stronger his wish was to meet some of his favorite players.

“It’s very special to all of us.” said his father, Tom Hayes. “Colin’s diagnosis and treatment was difficult for him. It’s a nice way to honor him and fulfill his wishes. Last year at this time we were undergoing treatments and there was so much uncertainly for what the future would hold. This is the best Christmas gift ever being here for him.”

Symphony visits the Steelers

Members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra stopped by the Steelers practice facility on Wednesday morning prior to practice for their annual Christmas visit.

Cornerback Ike Taylor served as the maestro, conducting them in some carols, while Max Starks and Drew Butler did their part as well added some musical talents to the group.

Lewis helps make holidays brighter

Cornerback Keenan Lewis kicked off the holiday season by hosting his “Teen Days of Christmas” on Tuesday, bringing joy to teens that could use a lift this time of year.

Lewis teamed with KidsVoice, an organization that provides full-service advocacy for abused, abandoned, voiceless and vulnerable children, to make the holiday season brighter for 23 area teens.

“It’s important to give back to the kids and give them the opportunity to enjoy Christmas,” said Lewis. “That is the big thing. Some people are less fortunate and aren’t able to enjoy Christmas as much. If it puts smiles on their faces, it’s a blessing.”

The event definitely put smiles on the faces of the teens, who joined Lewis at Games N’ At on Pittsburgh’s South Side for dinner. Lewis also gave each of them a movie gift card and gift bag with a football and Steelers’ shirt, courtesy of Lewis and Dick’s Sporting Goods.  

“When you have the opportunity you give thanks to God to be able to share with others,” said Lewis. “It makes me happy and I’ll never forget where I came from. It makes me appreciative.”

Clark, Beachum serving up smiles

If there is one thing Ryan Clark loves to do it is make people smile. He has an impeccable knack for bringing joy to those around him, making it impossible not to laugh even if you are feeling down.

On Monday night, Clark brought his bubbly personality to women definitely in need of a little holiday cheer when he and teammate Kelvin Beachum served a holiday dinner to those at the Women’s Center and Shelter of Pittsburgh, a shelter that serves women and children affected by the horror that is domestic violence.

Clark first visited the shelter a few years ago with former teammate William Gay, whose mother lost her life to domestic violence. When Gay left via free agency, Clark promised he would continue the commitment to the shelter and he hasn’t let them down.

“I can never put myself in their shoes, but to see how much Will cared and know he had a tragedy with his mother and seeing the effort he put in, it’s a blessing to be able to come here and do that now,” said Clark, who was also joined by his wife Yonka and their three children. “It’s about lifting someone up during the holiday season when they are going through a tough time.

“Domestic violence is so real. A lot of times it escalates to more than someone putting their hand on someone. What is missed and what I see here is so many kids are affected. These women have children that they have to bring here. To come here and get the word out and do something for them, it’s a reality that is going on in the world.”

Clark and Beachum joked with the ladies, giving one who is a Ravens fan a playfully tough time, and just making them feel special and cared for.

“To be able to put a smile on their faces is priceless,” said Beachum. “To play with the kids and have a conversation with them is awesome.

“I haven’t had to personally deal with domestic violence, but have friends who had. To see there is a place women can go and seek help and we can contribute and be of help is wonderful.”

After dinner the players signed autographs for everyone and shared more hugs, smiles and laughs.

“The holidays can be a difficult time being separated from your family, out of your home and in a situation where you are living with a bunch of strangers,” said Barb Nicholas, the shelter’s Development Director. “To have the attention of celebrities like athletes to come forward and spend their time is so extra special. It means a lot that they show they are thinking about the people here and caring about them. They understand the courage it took the women to come here and seek help.  

“This is the most special day of the year for the shelter residents.”

Steelers fans show off their colors for a cause

Steelers’ fans love wearing their team colors, and proudly showed them off in a recent contest sponsored by Tide, called “Show Us Your Colors.”

NFL fans were asked to upload a photo of the time they were most proud to wear their colors to Tide’s Facebook page, with one person winning a trip to the Super Bowl.

But, there was an even bigger winner in the campaign, as the team that had the most photos uploaded won a $15,000 donation to their charity of choice. Steelers’ fans once again showed their devotion by uploading the most photos, and the United Way of Allegheny County will receive the donation on behalf of the team.

“This contest again proves that Steelers fans are the best in the NFL,” said Steelers President Art Rooney II, who serves as Chairman of the Board of the United Way of Allegheny County. “Not only do our fans show their support at Heinz Field and throughout every stadium in the league, but they also prove that they support our team in every way possible. Their dedication to the Steelers has resulted in a major contribution to the United Way, which goes above and beyond what happens on the field. We are grateful to have fans who care about the team, the organization and the community as much as ours do.”

The Steelers and the United Way of Allegheny County have a long standing relationship, starting with founder Art Rooney, Sr., and continuing through today.   

“There is a fantastic relationship between the Rooney family, Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL, Steelers fans and the United Way that has lasted for many decades,” said Bob Nelkin, President of the United Way of Allegheny County. “It’s helped children, people with disabilities, seniors and people who are struggling financially.

“It’s great that Steelers fans are so passionate and compassionate. They are making a real difference by supporting charities like the United Way.”