Steelers Blog

Voluntary offseason workouts begin

The Steelers kick off their voluntary offseason workouts at the team’s practice facility at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex on Monday. This portion is focused mainly on conditioning.

The voluntary offseason program continues through OTA’s, which begin on May 21 and includes 10 days of on-field drills, with no contact permitted.  The team will hold their mini-camp June 11-13.

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.”

This Week on Steelers TV

This week Steelers TV features the second installment of Steelers In The Community.

Steelers TV was on hand for all of the team’s community events, including the Steelers Fashion Show, In The Pocket and many more.

The show will air on CW Pittsburgh on Saturday, April 6 at 11 p.m.

In addition the McDonald’s Steelers KidZONE show airs on the CW Pittsburgh every  Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.

Check back each week for the latest Steelers TV schedule.

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.”

Steelers face each other in “Elite 8″

The Steelers have two of the top eight plays remaining in the NFL.com Bracketology, but this round they are going against each other.

As the field of 64 of the NFL’s greatest all-time plays has dwindled down to the “Elite 8,” the Steelers have remained strong.

It’s up to Steelers’ fans to keep it going and vote for the play you think is the Greatest Play in NFL History.

The remaining plays are and they go against each other:

• #1 Seed: The Immaculate Reception
• #15 Seed: Troy Polamalu Flying Tackle

Fans can vote for the Steelers at NFL.com/Bracketology. Check back for results and continue voting for the next next round. Voting ends April 3 for the Elite 8 round.

Steelers have four in the “Sweet 16″

The Steelers continue to dominate NFL.com Bracketology, with four of the top 16 plays remaining in the contest belonging to the black and gold.

As the field of 64 of the NFL’s greatest all-time plays has dwindled down to the “Sweet 16,” the Steelers have remained strong.

It’s up to Steelers’ fans to keep it going and vote for the play you think is the Greatest Play in NFL History.

The remaining plays are:

• #1 Seed: The Immaculate Reception
• #15 Seed: Troy Polamalu Flying Tackle
• #2 Seed: Troy Polamalu INT vs. the Chargers
• #2 Seed: Lynn Swann’s Juggling Catch.

The match-ups are as follows:

• The Immaculate Reception vs. Walter Payton’s run vs. Kansas City Chiefs.
• Troy Polamalu Flying Tackle vs. Dolphins’ Duriel Harris to Tony Nathan Hook and Ladder.
• Troy Polamalu’s INT vs. Chargers vs. Seahawks’ Marshawn Lynch’s Beast Mode vs. Saints
• Lynn Swann’s Juggling Catch is vs. 49ers’ Steve Young Winding TD run vs. Vikings.

Fans can vote for the Steelers until Saturday, March 30 at 5 p.m. at NFL.com/Bracketology. Check back for results and continue voting for the next rounds with the schedule below:

Elite 8: March 30 after 5:00 PM ET- April 2
Semifinals: April 3-5
Championship: April 6-8

McDonald’s Steelers Trivia Challenge

Steelers’ fans – how well do you know your Steelers? Test your Steelers’ knowledge in the McDonald’s Steelers Trivia Challenge.

For the 10^th consecutive season KDKA-TV will produce and air nine Steelers Trivia Challenge game shows and your team could be the winner who takes home the trophy.

Go to McDonald’s Steelers Trivia Challenge from now until April 30, 2013 to registrer your team and answer three test questions and then stay tuned to see if you made it.

This Week on Steelers TV

This week Steelers TV features a second showing of the first installment of Steelers In The Community.

SteelersTV was on hand for all of the team’s community events, includinng Project Bundle-Up, Heroes at Heinz Field and many more.

The show will air on CW Pittsburgh on Saturday, March 30 at 11 p.m.

In addition the McDonald’s Steelers KidZONE show airs on the CW Pittsburgh every  Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.

Check back each week for the latest Steelers TV schedule.

This Week on Steelers TV

This week Steelers TV features Part 2 of the Mel Blount Youth Home Celebrity Roast.

Steelers TV takes a look back at the 2012 Mel Blount Youth Home Celebrity Roast, will all of the fun stories and laughs. The show will air on CW Pittsburgh on Saturday, March 23 at 11 p.m.

In addition the McDonald’s Steelers KidZONE show airs on the CW Pittsburgh every  Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.

Check back each week for the latest Steelers TV schedule.

Irish eyes were smiling at Heinz Field

David and Nancy Malone and Daniel and Patricia Rooney

Those attending the American-Ireland Fund Pittsburgh Gala at Heinz Field on Friday night might have thought they stepped right onto the streets of Dublin, as the East Club was transformed into a street fair and Irish Pub. A few Irish brogues could even be heard as guests mingled and took in the Irish fare.

The entertainment was plentiful, as Pittsburgh-based Irish band Red Hand Paddy performed before dinner, and Irish dancers wowed the green-clad guests as they enjoyed the warm Irish ambiance.

In true American-Ireland fashion, Bruce Foley of Guaranteed Irish sang the Irish National Anthem, “The Soldier’s Song,” while Red Hand Paddy fiddler Pat Manion performed the American National Anthem.

While the entertainment was stellar and kept everyone’s Irish eyes smiling, the real meaning of the night was to continue the American Ireland Fund’s mission of promoting programs of peace and reconciliation, arts and culture, education and community development throughout Ireland.

Steelers chairman Dan Rooney Sr., along with Pittsburgh businessman Anthony J.F. O’Reilly, created The Ireland Fund, which later merged with the American Irish Foundation (AIF) to create the American Ireland Fund. Rooney, who recently left his post as United States Ambassador to Ireland, has been a driving force in the success the AIF has seen over the years.

“The Ireland Fund started by Tony O’Reilly and I, was a struggle to get going,” said Rooney. “After about two or three years it has really taken off and has been growing rapidly ever since. The original idea was to work for peace, culture and charity. Peace became the biggest issue we addressed, and we did a lot with education too.

“It has been a great benefit to Ireland and done much to bring peace to the island, both on the North and the South.”

David J. Malone, chairman, president and CEO of Gateway Financial, was honored at the dinner as the 2013 American Ireland Fund Chairman’s Award recipient for his distinguished leadership in the community.

Among the organizations Malone is involved with are the United Way of Allegheny County, The Pittsburgh Promise, the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, YouthPlaces and the American Ireland Fund Pittsburgh Gala.  

“I consider Mr. Rooney one of the truly generous, magnanimous leaders for this region, and for him to consider recognizing me in this way is humbling and a true honor,” said Malone. “I have always felt I had a lot of people help me along the way, and I have had good fortune, so I feel that everyone deserves that. Whatever I can do to help, I want to do.”

About the American-Ireland Fund
In 1976, Dan Rooney, owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team along with fellow Pittsburgh businessman Anthony J.F. O’Reilly, created what was then The Ireland Fund. With a trinity of goals – peace, culture and charity – The Ireland Fund appealed for support for Ireland and its people from all Americans, but especially those of Irish descent.  During the following decade, The Ireland Fund formed a thriving fundraising network of chapters in cities across the U.S. including Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Palm Beach, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, San Francisco, San Diego and Washington D.C.

On St. Patrick’s Day 1987, The Ireland Fund and the American Irish Foundation, founded by Irish President Eamonn De Valera and U.S. President John F. Kennedy, merged at a White House ceremony to form The American Ireland Fund. 

The Worldwide Ireland Funds currently operate in 12 countries and have raised over $430 million for more than 1,200 outstanding organizations. In response to the severe downturn in the Irish economy, The Worldwide Ireland Funds launched the Promising Ireland Campaign in 2009 to raise $100 million by the end of 2013 in support of charities that are experiencing an increased demand for their services at a time of a major reduction in resources. The initial campaign goal of $100 million was reached 19 months early and the goal was revised to $140 million, requiring the Funds to raise $1 million a month until December 2013. The campaign’s title, Promising Ireland, reflects the Funds’ pledge to these groups as well as their belief in Ireland’s future. More than 350 outstanding projects and organizations have received support from the Promising Ireland Campaign.

This Week on Steelers TV

This week Steelers TV features Part 1 of the Mel Blount Youth Home Celebrity Roast.

Steelers TV takes a look back at the 2012 Mel Blount Youth Home Celebrity Roast, will all of the fun stories and laughs. The show will air on CW Pittsburgh on Saturday, March 16 at 11 p.m.

In addition the McDonald’s Steelers KidZONE show airs on the CW Pittsburgh every  Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.

Check back each week for the latest Steelers TV schedule.

Brown, Bettis in running for Madden cover

Steelers’ wide receiver Antonio Brown and former running back Jerome Bettis are both in the running for the Madden NFL 25 box cover.

In celebration of the 25^th Anniversary of the “Madden” video game, the cover has 32 current players going against 32 legends of the game, with all teams represented.

In the first round Bettis is up against former New York Jets running back Curtis Martin, while Brown goes against New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Voting is now open at Madden NFL 25.

Washington still has passion for football

The excitement, love and passion for football linger for many NFL players long after they retire from the game, and that is exactly the case for former Steelers’ cornerback Dewayne Washington.

Washington, who played 12 seasons in the league including six for the Steelers, has remained a fan since his playing days ended. Now he is looking to take it to another level.

Washington will be among 11 former and one current NFL players taking part in the Tom Beard Football Officials Clinic in Baltimore this week. And Washington isn’t going just for the fun of it. He has a genuine interest in pursuing a career as an official at some level.

“There is no doubt I am a true fan of the game,” said Washington. “That is where my passion lies. I know I wanted to get back close to it at some point in time and hopefully this is the right time. I’ve had an interest in it for a while. Even back when I was playing I went to an officiating school in Tampa, dabbled in it and looked at it from afar. When I got an email last year about this clinic, I thought it would be a good chance to give it a harder look.

“I really want to see if this is the road I want to go down. I know I won’t start in the NFL, more in high school or college. I want to come out of it this week and know if this is something I want to have as a second career for myself. If all goes well, I am at a point I want to pursue it.”

The clinic, which is offered to players by NFL Player Engagement and the NFL Football Officiating Academy, will include classroom and on-field instruction, conducted by current and former officials at all levels.

“There are a lot of intricacies to officiating,” said Washington. “That is what I am hoping to pick up this week. We are going to see exactly what they are doing on a play in, play out basis. The one I went to in Tampa was a precursor. There is more to it than meets the eye.”

Washington, who owns D. Washington Group, a construction company in Durham, North Carolina, encourages today’s players and former players to take advantage of opportunities like this one the NFL offers. He knows the experience and lessons learned can be invaluable. 

“When I was playing I took advantage of the program they offered at the Wharton School of Business,” said Washington. “That opened my eyes to a lot of different things from a business perspective. You need to take a sneak peek at what you want to might dabble in when the playing days are done.”

Washington feels those taking part in the clinic would definitely have the skills to be officials, knowing the game inside and out from their playing days.
 
“I think I am ready for it,” said Washington. “Former players will make good referees. Not to say other people who didn’t play the game won’t, but I think I will know what to look for, especially when it comes to those pass interference calls. I think I can be unbiased in the decisions that need to be made, especially at the pace they need to be made.

“I think it’s a natural fit. At least that is what I feel going into it. There is a lot from my 25 years of playing football that should fit and shouldn’t make it a tough transition at all.”

And the most important fit might simply be keeping him involved in the game he loves.

“You are close to the game without being in the game,” said Washington. “You are in between the white lines and that gives you that rush you had when you were a player.”

Steelers a finalist for Shorty Award

Social media has become a lifeline for sports teams to communicate with their fans, from delivering breaking news to fun tidbits on the team.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been at the forefront of the social media explosion, and based on fan nominations are one of six finalists for the Best #SportsTeam Shorty Award for the @Steelers Twitter account. The Shorty Awards honor organizations and individuals that use short form social media for keeping their fans informed. 

Also nominated are the New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, New Jersey Devils, Sheffield Wednesday, and Chennai Super Kings.

The winner will be selected by members of The Real-Time Academy of Short Form Arts & Sciences, which includes a mix of top business executives and entertainers, including Steve Wozniak, co-founder Apple Computer, Inc., Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia, Dennis Crowley, co-founder and CEO of foursquare, actor Charlie Sheen, who has over nine million Twitter followers, and actress Alyssa Milano, who has over two million followers.

The winner will be announced on Monday, April 8 at the annual Shorty Awards ceremony.

This Week on Steelers TV

This week Steelers TV features the 80th Season Special: “The Year of the Fan.”

Steelers TV takes a look at all of the Steelers 80th Season special events that took place during the 2012 season, from the unveiling of the team’s throwback jersey, to the “My Pittsburgh Steelers” Contest, and much more.  

The show will air on CW Pittsburgh on Saturday, March 9 at 11 p.m.

In addition the McDonald’s Steelers KidZONE show airs on the CW Pittsburgh every  Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.

Check back each week for the latest Steelers TV schedule.