Heinz Field was a fashion mecca when the home of Steelers football hosted Steelers Style 2010. The team's annual fashion show featured players and their families modeling the latest styles from Reebok, Nordstrom and American Eagle, in a show filled with plenty of energy and excitement.
Art and Greta Rooney and Mike and Kiya Tomlin served as the chairpersons for the event, which benefitted the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the Cancer Caring Center.
"Year in and year out Steelers fans do so much not only to support our team, but to support our community," said Rooney as he addressed the crowd. "Here tonight we're supporting the Cancer Caring Center and the Starzl Transplantation Institute. Every year it gets bigger and we are excited about what is going on this year."
Keyaron Fox and Antwaan Randle El served as the honorary co-captains, kicking off the "Steelers Beyond the Field" themed show with the jersey scene.
"It is fun for the fans to get to see a different side of us, not just the football player," said Randle El, who was joined by daughters Aunna, Arynn and Alexa on the runway. "Everybody comes out to the game and sees us in helmets making plays. To get an opportunity to see us in a different zone, for some guys they are out of their comfort zone, but it's good. "
The University of Pittsburgh Dance Team entertained the crowd throughout the evening, but it was running back Rashard Mendenhall who had the best dance moves, joining the Reebok Hip Hop Dance Ensemble for a performance.
Brynn Williams, the Tomlins' niece, was a hit with the crowd when she sang a Steelers adaptation of "Party in the USA."
The runway was bursting with personality, as players didn't shy away from showing off some of their own dance moves.
"I enjoy getting to strut down the runway," said Fox. "I never wanted to be a model but it's cool to be able to unleash with the teammates."
Teammates enjoyed watching each other to see what moves the next guy would pull off, with some of the team's rookies being the most outgoing of the bunch.
"It's fun for the younger guys to get on the runway and strut their stuff," said wide receiver Hines Ward, who struck a pose for the cameras at the end of the catwalk. "Every year it gets bigger and bigger. When you play for the Steelers it becomes a tradition and guys have fun with it."
Fashions varied from Reebok Steelers t-shirts and sweatshirts to tuxedos and custom suits. But the outfit that stole the show was a Steelers wedding gown, along with two bridesmaid dresses, designed by Kiya Tomlin.
It wasn't just the players who were looking stylish, their wives and kids were stunning in designer gowns and dresses.
"Being on stage with the family, taking pictures, it's fun," said linebacker Larry Foote, who was joined by his wife Jonelle, and children Trey, Jayln and Larry. "It's a good atmosphere, a good time. It's hilarious out there seeing guys dancing, dressing up and seeing all of the families is great."
Randle El, who sported a grey suit with pink pinstripes and a pink Steelers tie in support of breast cancer awareness month, loved making the fashion show a family affair.
"It's fun to have the families walk down the runway," said Randle El. "We practiced at home. My last year here we had a three-month old – but to have three little ones out there this year was sweet."
The show ended on a high note with the University of Pittsburgh Drum Line leading the way for the closing scene, featuring all of the players and their families.
"We got out there and raised some good money and had the people of Pittsburgh come out and watch their favorite players get all dressed up," said Ward. "It's a great time."
