By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers were honored by Allegheny County Council for the team's victory in Super Bowl XLIII, the sixth title won by the team.
County Council President Rich Fitzgerald read the proclamation, which honored the accomplishments of the team in the game and the manner in which the team operates.
"I think its important to not just note that this is an organization and team that won a sixth World Championship, the only organization to have six Super Bowls, but the way they represented this community with such dignity and such class," said Fitzgerald. "How they represented us not just in winning, but how they did it makes us all proud.
"As anybody knows with the Steeler nation, and it truly is a Steeler nation all over this nation, the crowds, the turnout to root for this franchise because of what they represent binds us all and makes us a part of a stronger community."
Steelers president Art Rooney, II, who was joined by defensive end Brett Keisel at county council chambers, accepted the proclamation.
"It's an honor for us to be here to accept this proclamation," said Rooney. "Obviously we are still on cloud nine. It takes a while to come down from cloud nine when you win a Super Bowl. We are very excited. "
Rooney also presented council with a game ball from Super Bowl XLIII.
"In the football world when somebody accomplishes something or has a great game, after the game they are awarded a game ball," said Rooney. "A couple of years ago I was able to bring a game ball here in council and present it after we won Super Bowl XL. We are back again and hopefully this will become a habit that every so often we come back with a ball.
"We present the ball to you as representatives of the citizens of the county because the citizens of this county have supported us in ways that have become legendary around the country. It's appropriate to present a game ball to all of the citizens of Allegheny County for the great support we received this year and down through the years."
Council also presented proclamations for Santonio Holmes and James Harrison for their role in the Steelers 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the game. Holmes caught the game-winning touchdown and was named the MVP while Harrison scored on a 100-yard interception return right before halftime.
Photos by Danielle Hudak
