2025 Season

Monday, August 18

Back to school in style: The new school year is about to get underway for many kids in the area, and the importance of sending kids back to the classroom with all the necessities is definitely a priority.

That is why the Steelers joined forces with others to be a part of the 13th Annual Pittsburgh Public Schools Back to School Event at Acrisure Stadium.

This year, Cameron Heyward's foundation, The Heyward House, worked hand-in-hand with the team to provide support for kids and families.

Students received backpacks stuffed with the school necessities, while books and food were also available, while The Heyward House provided hygiene kits.

Students were able to enter Acrisure Stadium to take advantage of all of the activities, or participate in the drive-thru version where they were able to still get free school supplies and other essentials without having to leave their car.

The event was also something the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation were a part of.

Sunday, August 17

Giving back: Safety DeShon Elliott hosted a back-to-school event for the second year in a row.

This year, Elliott provided back to school supplies for 250 kids through the Young Black Motivated Kings and Queens (YBMKQ).

The kids all received backpacks and supplies for the year, with food, music and fun activities also a part of the afternoon event.

"It was really cool, especially being able to see some of the same kids that I worked with last year," said Elliott. "Some of them have grown. There were a couple of boys who grew about six or eight inches over the summer, so it's really cool.

"We gave out groceries, school supplies, backpacks, food and clothes for the year. We had bounce houses. It was just a good day just to hang out with the kids."

Elliott has a generous heart, not just handing out one of everything to the kids, but allowing them to take as much as they need of the supplies and so forth, and also supplying them with clothing attire to take a lot of pressure off parents.

"They brought their parents too," said Elliott. "Seeing how appreciative that the parents are for my help, I think it's pretty cool. I genuinely don't care about me when it comes to that. It's about seeing how happy I make their families, how easy I make it on the parents as well, knowing they don't have to go out and buy an extra pair of shoes or school supplies for the year. I let them take as much as they need to get them through the year."

Friday, August 15

A desire to give back: Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. held his Back to School Event at the Jasmine Nyree Campus.

Porter distributed backpacks, school supplies and provided food and drinks to the kids to prepare them for the upcoming school year.

"This is something my mom and I sit down and talk about every year, just wanting to give back to the community as much as possible," said Porter. "It's a great feeling to have a new backpack, new supplies going into the school year. It makes you feel good about starting the year off right. I'm just trying give kids that special feeling going into the school year on their first day."

The Porter family, including Joey Porter Sr. who will be going into the Steelers Hall of Honor this year, have made a commitment to give back through the Jasmine Nyree Homes and this is just a part of that commitment.

"It's priceless when you can see the reaction from the kids," said Porter. "That what you do it for. That is why we're going to keep on doing it. Just to know you put a smile on the kids' faces is special, and even the parents when they're satisfied that their kids have the right supplies to go to school."

Thursday, August 14

Back to school bash: Linebacker Alex Highsmith hosted his 4th Annual Back to School Bash for area students at the Best of the Batch Foundation.

Highsmith handed out backpacks, books and school supplies to the students through the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation.

"It's so important, that's one of the core pillars of our foundation," said Highsmith. "Our foundation is giving back to youth through education. Knowing how important it is for kids to be geared up and ready to go for the new school year is so important. Being out there to help those kids means a lot to me."

Highsmith said the highlight is seeing the smiles on the kids' faces as they get their new backpack and spend time together.

"That's the best part about it, being there, interacting with the kids and just playing games with them," said Highsmith. "It's really encouraging them for the school year to come, for them to study hard and just be their best selves in the classroom."

2025 Training Camp Events

Tuesday, August 12

A wish come true: Brennan Likins had a day to remember at Steelers Training Camp, spending time watching practice on the sidelines and meeting some of his favorite players afterwards.

Likins, an 11-year-old from the Pittsburgh area who has a heart issue, was the guest of the Steelers and the Make-A-Wish Foundation at practice at Saint Vincent College. And the joy for him didn't stop there, as the foundation gifted him with Steelers season tickets for the 2025 season.

"This means a lot to all of us, especially to Brennan," said his father, Marc Likins. "This is his day. We've watched Steelers games and cheered for the Steelers since he was a baby. So, this is special.

"It's really extraordinary for us to be here and get this experience."

While Brennan was taking it all in, his eyes wide and his smile bright, his parents were feeling joy as well seeing their young son so happy.

"It warms your heart," said Likins. "As a parent, it makes you smile when they're smiling. And I know how excited he's been for this day. It absolutely is heartwarming for all of us.

"He has been glued, locked in, the entire time. His younger siblings, at times, are hot or want to drink or whatever. But he wanted to be right on the sideline. He wants to be locked in. He's trying to soak it in.

"It's so surreal for him to be granted a wish. It's not something that you ever dream of. But to come to a very, I would say, during a challenging situation in life. To be granted a wish, it brings so much joy and just lightheartedness to a very heavy situation. For us as his parents, and for him, it's special. It's really special."

Special guests: The Steelers hosted athletes from Special Olympics Pennsylvania at camp as a part of the team's community relations program.

Special Olympics Pennsylvania has 54 active county and city programs that fit into 9 regions across Pennsylvania. These programs serve a growing body of 13,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities in the areas of sports, health and leadership.

Monday, August 11

Making a wish come true: The Steelers hosted the Homeless Children's Education Fund at camp as a part of the team's community relations program.

The Homeless Children's Education Fund's mission is to provide children and youth experiencing homelessness with a more equitable educational experience by partnering with students, families, and schools to eliminate the barriers caused by unstable housing. Through personalized, accessible learning, advocacy for systemic change, and the cultivation of strategic partnerships, we are committed to creating a region where youth experiencing homelessness can leverage their education to flourish as productive, empowered adults.

Thursday, August 7

Special kids on hand for camp: The Steelers hosted Foster Care Collaborative (Allegheny County) at camp as a part of the team's community relations program.

The Office of Children, Youth and Families (CYF), foster care agencies, and many other organizations support foster parents in caring for children and teens.

Wednesday, August 6

Making their day: The Steelers hosted a group from UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Family Care Connection Center at practice as part of the team's community relations program.

UPMC Children's Family Care Connection centers are part of the Allegheny County Family Support network. Located in the neighborhoods of Braddock, Rankin, Turtle Creek, Penn Hills, Lawrenceville and Mt. Oliver, Family Care Connection works in partnership with families to meet their goals and help children achieve brighter futures.

Tuesday, August 5

Reaching out to area kids: The Steelers hosted LaRosa Pittsburgh at practice as a part of the team's community relations program.

The organization invests their time, treasure, and talent to provide first class enrichment opportunities to the youth of McKeesport, setting them on a successful path to adulthood. They achieve this by honoring their core values while providing socialization, growth and learning opportunities in an out-of-school time setting, with an emphasis on leadership, citizenship, education, recreation, community service and healthy life skills.

Sunday, August 3

Staying safe: The American Cancer Society was on hand at practice on Saturday, running a Sun Safety initiative in the Fan Zone area.

Saturday, August 2

Having some fun: The Steelers hosted the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania at practice as a part of the team's community relations program.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (BGCWPA) was established in 1888 to activate the potential of youth and this mission continues to be as important now as it ever was. Providing safe places, mentors, and programs has always been the core model, but how it is delivered has evolved over time as the need and conditions have changed. BGCWPA prides itself on the ability to respond and adapt to ensure we remain resilient, sustainable, and innovative as it is our responsibility that we are always prepared to deliver our commitment to the children and families throughout Greater Pittsburgh.

Friday, August 1

Furry friends: The Steelers did a photoshoot to benefit Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP) at camp today.

HARP is committed to engaging the public and fostering a more humane community.

When you adopt from Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh, you're not only gaining a wonderful companion but also playing a vital role in helping other animals in need. Every adoption opens up a kennel, creating space for another rescue to find safety, care, and a chance for a brighter future.

Wednesday, July 30

Happy to have them here: The Steelers hosted a group from the Monessen Positive Action Community Team (MPACT) at practice as part of the team's community relations program.

The motto for MPACT is 'you feel good about yourself when you do positive actions, and there is a positive way to do everything.'

The program is part of the Monessen School District, started in 2020 as an after-school program that aims to improve academic performance and student behavior.

Tuesday, July 29

Young leaders visit camp: The Steelers hosted a group from Young Black Motivated Kings & Queens at practice as part of the team's community relations program.

Young Black Motivated Kings & Queens (YBMKQ) is a community-based organization in Pittsburgh made up of some of the most dedicated young men and women in the city who have chosen to stand apart and show the community that young black kings and queens are active, motivated, and empowered to be the change.

The mission is to counteract this narrative by embracing the agency and inviting others to do the same, no matter their circumstance or background.

The organization engages elementary, middle and high-school-aged youth in becoming the leaders of tomorrow while serving the community. In addition to providing enriching opportunities for youth, and a safe space for them to come into, we also plan events for community members to come out to build strong connections with the youth, and network.

Saturday, July 26

Enjoying time at camp: The Steelers hosted Clairton Youth Development Opportunities at camp as a part of the team's community relations program.

Clairton Youth Development Opportunities is dedicated to ensuring peaceful, prosperous communities through the mentoring, education and empowerment of youth.

Friday, July 25

Changing kids' lives: The Steelers hosted a group from the Homewood Children's Village at practice as part of the team's community relations program.

The group was able to watch practice and meet with some of the players afterwards, getting pictures and autographs.

The Homewood Children's Village is making a difference in the lives of kids in the Homewood area, reaching out to them, offering services for them to continue to grow, and taking every step to make sure they don't become a statistic. Because as we all know, it takes a village to raise a child.

Thursday, July 24

Welcoming back some friends: The Steelers hosted a group from the Urban Impact Foundation at practice as part of the team's community relations program.

Urban Impact and the Steelers have a long history of improving the lives of kids on Pittsburgh's North Side.

2025 Offseason Events

Wednesday, June 18

Engaging with area youth: The rookies visited the Mel Blount Youth Home in Claysville, Pa., on Wednesday, working with the Hall of Fame cornerback to help engage with youth from the surrounding area as a part of his Youth Leadership Initiative.

"With the Youth Leadership Initiative, we're able to work with more kids and have a broader reach," said Blount. "One of the things that we've done is connected with other youth organizations around Western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Washington County, Greene County, Westmoreland County. So, we have a broader reach now. We're able to work and be more effective, reaching more kids. It gives kids, even kids who are not in the system, an opportunity to experience what our program has to offer and help them grow and develop."

The idea behind the visit is to help inspire the kids who are taking part and teach the importance of teamwork as the kids go through a series of physical challenges designed for them to work together in teams.

Tuesday, June 17

Football and fun: The rookies continued their week of reaching out when they attended the Urban Impact Youth Football Clinic. The yearly clinic was open to kids from kindergarten through 8^th grade and featured the players teaching drills and encouraging the kids to be active and positive in their school, home and community life.

Monday, June 16

Rookies giving back: The Steelers kicked off Rookie Community Week with a visit to the Best of the Batch Foundation to see the work Latasha and Charlie Batch do in the community and get involved themselves.

Monday, June 9

Swinging for a cause: Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward hosted the Irons for Impact Golf Outing on Monday at the Sewickley Heights Golf Club.

Heyward was joined by many of his Steelers teammates for a fun day of golf that benefits The Heyward House Foundation.

The mission of The Heyward House is to impact the lives of today's youth through childhood hunger prevention, promoting literacy, fighting cancer, supporting students and teachers and more.

Looking to help others: Offensive tackle Calvin Anderson, and his wife Sheree Lanihun-Anderson, officially kicked off their foundation at the August Wilson Center.

The couple started the Lanihun-Anderson Foundation to serve as a baseline of financial health and peace for others. Their mission is to bridge the financial disparity gap by providing knowledge, resources and opportunities to others.

"We started the foundation with a focus on financial literacy," said Anderson. "Both of us have identified that a lot of people, especially in their early adult life, are distracted by trying to manage their finances and understand how to budget. Really simple principles that I think they would benefit greatly from if they learned those as early as possible.

"So, we try to target high school and middle school aged kids and just teach them fundamental financial literacy building blocks, like how to budget and what to do when you have a certain amount of money. When they get their first job, for example, they can build a structure that hopefully when they grow into having a professional income, that they have some understanding of what they want to do with their money so they can alleviate that stress and focus on the things that everybody has. Aptitudes that they are gifted with so they can focus on those things as opposed to figuring out how to do with finances."

Anderson majored in mathematical economics with a minor in business in college, so he understands first-hand how important learning young about financial management is.

"I studied mathematical economics, and in my adult life, I now appreciate how valuable it is to have learned some of the financial principles I learned when I was younger," said Anderson. "So, to be able to give back in the way that we do and to be gifted the platform that I've been able to be gifted through the NFL, it's extremely satisfying just to feel like you're helping one person at a time."

Sunday, June 8

Making the game safer: The Steelers hosted their annual USA Football Youth Coach Certification Clinic at Acrisure Stadium, part of a continued effort to make the game safe for young kids across Western Pennsylvania both on and off the field.

The program helps area coaches complete their 2025 Youth Tackle Certification in-person, with training and guidance in multiple areas, including direction from former Steelers linebacker Vince Williams.

Among the topics that were addressed during the clinic were Health and Safety (Concussions, Heat/Hydration, Sudden Cardiac Arrest), Abuse Prevention, Practical Coaching and Team Management, and Principals of Contact (Shoulder Tackling, Block/Block Defeat, Equipment Fitting, and Levels of Contact).

The Steelers help to insure all coaches are able to participate by paying 50 percent of the registration fee for the almost 150 coaches taking part.

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USA Football's Youth Coach Certification, which is accredited by the United States Center for Coaching Excellence, provides coaches with evidence-based knowledge, resources and skills to ensure they teach age-appropriate skills and work on development of the athletes in a holistic approach. The model used focuses on progressive skill instruction that teaches young athletes age-appropriate skills and meets them at their current stage of development.

Thursday, June 5

Not just coffee: Connor Heyward spent time this week visiting Bitty & Beau's Coffee, and it wasn't just to pick up a cup of coffee.

Heyward was learning more about the mission of Bitty & Beau's, who are focused on the human rights movement.

The coffee shop is a place where people with intellectual and development disabilities are a valued part of the workforce, and where diversity is celebrated.

Throughout their nationwide chain, the coffee shop employees more than 400 individuals with disabilities.

The owners of the chain, Amy and Ben Wright, have four children, one who was born with autism, and two who were born with Down syndrome, Bitty and Beau. The family learned that over 80 percent of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are unemployed nationwide and wanted to create a place to provide an opportunity for them to succeed, which is how the coffee shop was born.

Monday, June 2

Keeping kids active: Monday was a day of fun and games for kids from the Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania, as they took part in football drills with receiver Ben Skowronek.

Skowronek visited the Dick's Sporting Goods House of Sports at Ross Park Mall, running drills with the kids in a effort to encourage being active and playing outside as the summer months have arrived.

Thursday, May 29

Wednesday, May 28

Steel Curtain returns: The Steel Curtain is back in action at Kennywood Park.

After being closed for the 2024 season, there was an official ribbon cutting for the return of the Steelers themed roller coaster, with it back in action for the amusement park's 2025 season.

"We missed it," said Ryan Huzjak, the Steelers vice president of sales and marketing. "It was an exciting process to get it up and running and see it go through it's first season. We have been patiently waiting for all of the improvements to be made so it can be up and running consistently. We are excited for the re-opening and hopefully a long run."

The Steel Curtain is part of Kennywood's Steelers Country, which was introduced in 2019. For former Steelers defensive back Mike Logan, Kennywood will forever be a part of his life as he grew up in the shadows of the park.

"Kennywood is part of the journey and legacy I will leave behind. It will always be a staple of my life," said Logan, who was on hand along with former tight end Matt Spaeth, fifth-round draft pick Yahya Black and Steely McBeam. "I was raised in West Mifflin in the projects, and I have many stories to tell about Kennywood. It will always be a part of my journey."

For thrill seekers, and those who just love to have their insides turned upside down, The Steel Curtain doesn't disappoint. It takes riders up 220 feet, the tallest coaster in Pennsylvania, and has the highest inversion in North America as well as nine thrilling upside-down twists and turns.

And the best part about it…it's black and gold and the football cars are adorned with jersey stripes and Steelers logos.

"Growing up I didn't think there was any other amusement park in the world besides Kennywood because that's what I was exposed to," said Logan. "It's like the Steelers. I thought the Steelers were the only team to win a championship because I was born in the 1970s. That was the only franchise I knew winning the Super Bowl. I thought we had the only theme park in the world and the only championship football team in the world. The two go hand-in-hand with my upbringing. My family loved the Pittsburgh Steelers, and they love Kennywood Park."

Thursday, May 1

Neighbors helping neighbors: Pittsburgh, Allegheny County and the surrounding area were hit with a destructive storm this past week, with over 400,000 people without power at the peak of it.

First responders, city and county staff and area electrical companies have been working around the clock to restore power and clear the area, and the Steelers did their small part to say thank you to them.

Tight end Pat Freiermuth, who said he lost power for a short time, delivered lunch to the Duquesne Light campus on Pittsburgh's North Shore, as well as dropping off food for the City of Pittsburgh Public Works.

"It's really important," said Freiermuth. "That storm was pretty crazy. It was pretty fast, but it did a lot of damage.

"People that are getting the power back on, doing all of the work, they are the ones out there working for long hours, and it means a lot to support them because they support us all of the time.

"It's important to do stuff like this. Everybody in the city tunes in to watch us, so anytime we can give back to the community and put a face to a name, see them and hopefully make their day a little better, it means a lot."

Saturday, April 26

A 'Big' Draft event: The Steelers teamed up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh (BBBSPGH) on Saturday for "The BIG Draft" event to help kids who are looking for a mentor.

A waiting list of almost 150 youth exists that are searching to be mentored by a Big Brother or Big Sister, but a shortage of volunteers is having an impact.

Steelers players attended the event at the West Penn Community Recreation Center, taking part in football drills along and discussing mentors in their lives, along with potential volunteers in an effort to increase the number of Big Brothers and Big Sisters in the Pittsburgh community. Among those participating were Connor Heyward, Logan Lee and Cory Trice Jr.

Wednesday, April 23

Filing a need: When Cameron Heyward sees a need, he takes action.

It's how he was raised, and how he has operated since he was a kid.

It comes from his mother, Charlotte Heyward, and his late father, Craig 'Ironhead' Heyward. And the need he once again fulfilled on Wednesday came from the way things were for his father when he was growing up.

Heyward, and his foundation The Heyward House, hosted the annual Suiting Up for Success Soiree at Acrisure Stadium, celebrating the accomplishments of local high school seniors.

Heyward celebrated male high school seniors in the Pittsburgh area, all chosen by their schools for their leadership, character and ability to overcome challenges faced by today's youth. The Heyward House provided each of them with a custom suit and all the accessories through his 'Craig's Closet' program, as well as a photo shoot and a private dinner with Heyward.

The program is one of the many that earned Heyward the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

Craig's Closet has been a staple for The Heyward House since 2018, launched in honor of his father who died from a brain tumor in 2006, at just 39 years old.

His father played football at the University of Pittsburgh, and when he arrived as a freshman running back, he had only one suit, something he was grateful to have since he came from a single-parent home with six siblings.

With so many young men in Pittsburgh facing the same challenge of not having a suit that they could wear to a job interview, internship, events and more, Heyward produced a plan. Craig's Closet provides free dress clothes to help young men as they move forward in life, and the Suiting Up for Success program is an extension of that.

"The idea came from my dad," said Heyward. "When he grew up, he only had one suit. A lot of his friends didn't have suits at all. This is a creative way we thought of to give back to the community and help prepare young men for jobs, or homecoming, moving forward in life. You never know how much a suit can help you present yourself."

Thursday, April 17

Showing appreciation: The Steelers held their annual Community Partner Appreciation Breakfast on Thursday at Acrisure Stadium, an opportunity to recognize the amazing work being done by agencies in the Pittsburgh region to make a difference in the communities they serve.

The Steelers worked with all of the partners throughout the past year, hosting 77 events in 29 different neighborhoods. As a part of it, over 1,500 meals were distributed, and 600 youth were served during the holiday season. In addition, the Steelers Social Justice Fund provided over $500,000 in donations to local organizations.

"We know you are the first line of defense for our vulnerable community members," said Blayre Holmes Davis, the Steelers Senior Director of Community Relations. "We know you are our boots on the ground, and the work that you do is hard. With that, I say thank you for caring for our homeless population, for the woman who just found out she was diagnosed with breast cancer, to creating a welcoming space for our immigrant and refugee population, and to ensuring students have everything they need to have a successful career.

"Know that we see you, you will always have a partner in us, and we will do the best we can to support you."

Steelers President Art Rooney II and Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis were part of a panel discussion about the importance of community involvement and why it is such a staple for the Steelers.

"Down through the years we have been fortunate to have players like Jerome on our team, being leaders in our community, making sure they are setting a great example and supporting all of the efforts of people like you," said Rooney.

Bettis, who was the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2001 for his community service, learned at a young age how important giving back is.

"For me it was pretty easy," said Bettis. "I was impacted by a foundation when I was a young kid in high school, and I was introduced to the game of football. I was more compelled than most to want to give back because of so much that was given to me. My journey with football was because of Reggie McKenzie. He chose to have a football camp for free in Detroit. He had mentoring programs, college SAT programs, so many things I benefited from.

"I said to myself, if I can ever be in a position that I can impact others in this kind of way, that is what I am going to do. When I got to Pittsburgh and I saw the community outreach the Steelers were doing, I knew this was the right place I could go out into the community and do much more.

"This organization does so much in the community. Much more than many of us ever would have thought or guessed. To see the impact they are making, it makes you proud to be a former Pittsburgh Steeler."