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Pouncey: 'Steelers Nation is everywhere'

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There was no question from the time Steelers players landed in Cancun, Mexico for the 2015 Steelers Fan Camps in Mexico, presented by Pepsi, they were definitely in Steelers Country. The welcome was like one for visiting royalty and there were times, when that is what the players felt like.

"It's really unexplainable," said tackle Kelvin Beachum. "From the minute we got off the plane people knew who we are and why we were there. They took such great care of us. They wanted to show us everything. They treated us like royalty there."

This was the fourth time the Steelers hosted fan camps in Mexico, with this year's taking place at Estadio Andrés Quintana Roo in Cancun.

"We had a great time," said center Maurkice Pouncey. "To go there and get the love that we do from Mexico every single time, the kids are so excited to see us and it brings joy to our hearts.

"Steelers Nation is everywhere. It was amazing to get the support there. I loved it. I think they are more into seeing us and just being around us. For us to teach them and for them to enjoy that part, it's special."

Photos of the 2015 Steelers Fan Camps in Mexico at Estadio Andres Quintana Roo in Cancun.

Beachum and Pouncey were two of the six players who made the trip to conduct drills at two sold-out camps, one for 450 adults and the other attended by 350 children. Also on hand were William Gay, Jarvis Jones and former Steelers Greg Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El.

"I know all of the guys that went had a great time," said Pouncey. "It was amazing to see the smiles on the kid's faces. It was exciting. You come back and think about it and realize what a great time it was."

The Steelers have a massive fan base in Mexico, and that was clearly on display during the two days of the camp. The participants arrived in Steelers jerseys, t-shirts, hats, and shorts, and of course Terrible Towels were plentiful.

"They have it all. They have all of their own stuff, towels, jerseys, figurines, trading cards," said Beachum. "I don't know how they get it, but they have it. They are passionate fans, loyal. That is why the Steelers have such a strong fan base.

Photos of the 2015 Steelers Fan Camps in Mexico at Estadio Andres Quintana Roo in Cancun.

"It's amazing how thankful and grateful they are. Some of them can't speak any English, but they are shouting for joy and jumping around and excited. They are so enthusiastic and appreciative of the little things, us coming in and spending some time with them."

Without much, if any, football training the participants put on a good show in an effort to make the players proud.

"The fact that they come out, in shape or out of shape, and they take it seriously is great," said Beachum. "They do whatever we tell them to do in the drills, because they feel like this is their way to feel a part of the Steelers. It's special to see that type of interaction. It makes them feel like more of the family, and that is what the Steelers are about. The fact that we are reaching out to another country is really special."

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