The City of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania continue preparations to host the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23-25, with excitement building for the showcase event which will put the rich football history of the region on full display.
A member of the Steelers and Western Pennsylvania native has now gotten involved. Last week, long snapper Christian Kuntz launched a special 2026 NFL Draft podcast series of interviews shining a light on Western Pennsylvania football legacy.
Through Kuntz's podcast, the stories of former and current players, coaches and scouts from Pittsburgh and the Western Pennsylvania region are being shared leading up to the Draft.
You can check out the debut podcast here: The Christian Kuntz Podcast
"This is a dream come true," said Kuntz, who grew up in Pittsburgh and attended Duquesne University. "To interview some of Western Pennsylvania's greatest football players, some active guys, some former guys, and former Steelers, it's special.
"Any kid from Pittsburgh, when you see some of the names on the list, they are ones enshrined in the football legacy, not just in Western Pa., but in the world. And it's crazy for me to get a chance to sit down with some of these great football people."
Among the upcoming guests is Curtis Martin, the Pro Football Hall of Fame running back who attended Taylor Allderdice High School and the University of Pittsburgh.
"I knew this area was loaded with talent from the past and current and into the future," said Kuntz. "But when you see the names who are from here, it's amazing. And to do this along with the NFL Draft coming to Pittsburgh, and what the Draft is going to do for the city, it's awesome.
"Being from Pittsburgh, this is what I call the Mecca, this is the capital of football, Pittsburgh. And I don't know if people outside of here realize how many players, let alone Hall of Famers, have come from this area. Pittsburgh people are proud the Draft is coming here."
Kuntz, who started his own podcast after being a guest on others, is hoping through his podcast episodes with Western Pennsylvania legends that he can show the world that football in the region is more than just a game.
"I had the opportunity to see the premiere of 'The Football Town' and that will solidify all your thoughts about Pittsburgh being the capital of the football world," said Kuntz. "I want to share that message on the podcast with these great guests.
'The Football Town,' is a special NFL Films presentation produced in partnership with the Steelers, VisitPITTSBURGH and U.S. Steel in advance of the 2026 NFL Draft. The film, which is narrated by Pittsburgh area native Pat McAfee, tells the story and shares the love of football in Western Pennsylvania and is playing exclusively at the Kamin Science Center through the draft.
"This is a special place, and football is a part of who we are," said Kuntz. "It's not what people do here. It's part of who people are here."
