The Pittsburgh Steelers have been marred in controversy this week after they decided as a team to sit out the National Anthem before their Week 3 game vs. the Chicago Bears. What happened during that decision was former Army Ranger Alejandro Villanueva standing at the end of the tunnel, by himself, during the anthem.
It was, to say the least, a memorable picture of what that day was in the NFL, and what it means to a veteran of the armed forces.
Due to his sudden increase in visibility, Villanueva’s jersey sales have sky rocketed, to the point where he was one of the highest in the NFL, in regards to jersey sales.
So, with the new found fame, and fortune of having more people wanting a Steelers No. 78 jersey, Villanueva did what anyone who follows the team thought he would do with the money — he is donating it.
Steelers’ Alejandro Villanueva is donating all proceeds on his jersey/apparel sales to USO and other military non-profits, as he always has.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 27, 2017
As stated by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Villanueva is donating all money from his jersey sales to the USO, and other military non-profit organizations, something he has reportedly always done. However, with his new-found popularity, Villanueva’s donation might be much larger than it normally is.
Either way you look at it, Villanueva is an outstanding human being who has accomplished many outstanding feats to date. Serving three tours of duty in Afghanistan, then when trying to resurrect a football career, he goes from the Philadelphia Eagles as a defensive lineman to a starting offensive tackle for the Steelers.
Villanueva is as selfless as they come, and also he hates any type of attention, his actions deserve the notoriety. We here at BTSC, and Steelers fans everywhere, tip our cap to Villanueva for not only his service, but being an outstanding human being.
(Editor’s Note: The ‘Steelers Give Back’ theme is one which will be a regular staple at BTSC in the future, where we highlight player(s) who are doing good off the football field.)