The Steelers rookies putting their stamp on the Pittsburgh community

The Pittsburgh Steelers, along with all other NFL franchises, do more than just perform on the weekends in the fall and winter. No, they also go into their respective communities and do their best to make an impact.

A series I used to do regularly, and plan on doing more this season, is the “Steelers Do Good” series which highlights when any Steelers player(s) go into the community and do something positive. Often times news in the NFL can spin around negativity, and shedding some positive vibes throughout Steelers Nation is never a bad thing.

Recently, at the conclusion of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) the entire Steelers rookie class, nine players, took part in a virtual event with the Mentor Partnership program to speak with local students to provide advice, encouragement, support and yes, show them the importance of mentorship.

Several rookies gave first-hand experience about adversity they faced en route to the NFL.

“My biggest role models were my parents,” punter Pressley Harvin said. “Both of my parents are firm believers in making opportunities and trying to make the most of them. Growing up, I played every sport. Having them behind me the whole time was something I was proud to have and appreciative of. Some guys and kids don’t have the opportunity to have both their parents behind them. No matter what, if you have that someone behind you that can continue to drive you and make you a better person overall is what you really want, striving to make sure you have that. It can be a close friend, a relative, anybody you look up to.

“And continue to keep yourself on that track of where you want to be, keep your goals in line, stay in the classroom and make sure your grades are good so the opportunities you have you never left anything on the table.”

Harvin wasn’t the only player who shared a story of mentorship and adversity. Texas A&M, and 4th round pick, Buddy Johnson shared his story of getting injured in high school.

“I would say when I was in high school, I went through an injury, I tore my ACL,” said Johnson. “At the time it was hard, but I had a good support system around me that kept me lifted up. I knew what my focus was. I depended on the people around me, my mom and my brothers, trusted in myself. I always had confidence in myself and kept grinding to get where I am now.”

This isn’t the only good the Steelers and their rookies will do this season. In a typical year the rookies are regulars at the UPMC Children’s Hospital to put a smile on some faces of young fans. Whether that happens in 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic has yet to be seen.

Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for training camp and the 2021 regular season.