.....you'll be proud to hear what the ABC-TV affiliate in his home town of Saginaw, Michigan is reporting. The public school system there, strapped for cash, began charging a $75 athletics fee for students playing varsity sports. And that's $75 more than a lot of kids had. So Wood opened his checkbook, and wrote out a check for $60,000 to pay everyone's fee this upcoming school year. Now, every kid in Saginaw can have the same varsity opportunity that Lamarr had, regardless of money.

This comes as no surprise to those of us who remember that not long ago, Mr Woodley got into his car and drove seven hours from Pittsburgh to Saginaw to personally deliver holiday meals to those in need. He talks the talk, walks the walk, drives the drive, and writes the check. Wow. Just wow.

Coach Tomlin singled out Woodley's gift in his media session today, and it's very much in keeping with the Steelers' tradition. The Rooney family has always taken seriously their charitable endeavors. They have made a point of stressing that players enjoy a special status in the community, and can use that status to do good things and brighten the lives of others.

It was Roberto Clemente who said if you pass up the chance to make a difference, "you are wasting your time on earth." The Great One, whose time was cut tragically short, took full advantage of every minute, and that's one key reason why he is so revered.

Lamarr Woodley is not only in the Steeler tradition, but in the tradition of Roberto Clemente. And that is the highest praise one can give an athlete. We are honored to have such a man in the Black and Gold, and join Coach Tomlin in honoring him for his good works. We love him as much in Pittsburgh as they do back home in Saginaw.