The Steelers will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month this Sunday when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars at Heinz Field.
As a part of the league-wide celebration, the NFL, Hispanic Heritage Foundation and Bud Light partnered to launch the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award. The award recognizes the contribution of Hispanic leaders in all NFL cities.
Victor Diaz, President of Videotek Construction, is the recipient of the Steelers leadership award and will receive a $2,000 donation to use for the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where he serves as CEO.
Diaz works closely with the Steelers organization, helping to attract tourism from Mexico to Pittsburgh through the team's fan base, as well as helping to expand the team's brand in Mexico.
"Football is the biggest ticket in town here," said Diaz of the Pittsburgh area. "We have always felt in the chamber a good way to attract Hispanic businesses and people have been by highlighting football. I travel to Mexico and I lived in Mexico City for three years before coming to Pittsburgh. We have an understanding with a group that travels from Mexico for games and are interested in investing in the region and helping U.S. companies or Pittsburgh companies.
"We have a strong business relationship in the chamber that is built on the faith of Steelers Nation."
The Steelers popularity in Mexico continues to grow, with games aired on the radio via Grupo Imagen - Destrito Federal in Mexico City.
"The Steelers Nation in Mexico is great," said Jonathan Kershenovich, who handles the station's play-by-play. "It's the number one NFL team in Mexico. The Steelers are the best team in the NFL.
"At the beginning of the 1970s the television broadcasts were from the Cowboys and the Steelers and the Steelers won four Super Bowls. Now a days the Steelers have been in the playoffs and Super Bowl. People know the Steelers are a winning team."
The Steelers hosted a Youth Football Camp in Mexico, bringing the game to youth who only have seen it on television.
"It's phenomenal," said Diaz. "It's doing a lot to get kids and people interested in the sport and Steelers. It helps to have that feel and touch versus just watching it on TV. We are very family-oriented. When we see people take the time to come to our house, our country - that goes a long way.
"I lived in Mexico for years and I was taken aback by how much black and gold there was."
Other aspects that will highlight Hispanic Heritage Month during the game include Pittsburgh native and Grammy nominee Barbara Blue, whose grandparents are immigrants from Mexico, singing the National Anthem. There will also be performances by Miguel's Mariachi Fiesta and Puro Queso.
