The Pittsburgh Steelers are a shining example of what an NFL franchise should look like. The organization is known for how it treats the entire workforce both past and present. Pittsburgh might not hand out the biggest contracts or the most guaranteed money, but they take care of their own. It is very hard to find anyone throughout the history of the organization who will criticize the Rooney's commitment to everyone within franchise walls. It is often said that if you play in Pittsburgh, you are a Steeler for life.
New Heights Podcast
Steelers Alejandro Villanueva
Alejandro Villanueva was an undrafted free agent who played college football for the United States Military Academy. He was a defensive end, left tackle and wide receiver during his time with the Army Black Knights. Villanueva was recruited as a tight end by Army, but oddly never played the position in college. The Cincinnati Bengals gave him a tryout in 2010 as a tight end but he did not make the team so he reported to fulfill his military service obligation.
Villanueva joined Travis Kelce and his brother, Jason Kelce on the New Heights Podcast recently to discuss his NFL and military experience. The former Army Ranger, who served three tours in Afghanistan, offered a unique perspective on football’s connection to the military and war itself.
“What I thought about football,” Villanueva explained. “Football was created out of the lack of war between men in between war periods. So, men, in order to feel themselves, as you know worthy or whatever, they came out with this game of football.”
Steelers.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers 2018 offensive line, Al Villanueva, Ramon Foster, Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, and Marcus Gilbert
The former Steelers' tackle was born at the Naval Air Station Meridian in Meridian, Mississippi. Villanueva was the son of a Spanish naval officer who worked for NATO. He spent much of his youth overseas in Spain and Belgium. Villanueva played high school football in Belgium, as well as Rugby, but his views on the sport were influenced by his European upbringing and military service.
“[Football] includes a lot of the same concepts as the military. So, football and the military have always used the same values, used the same structure, so it’s extremely similar. Now, in reality, it’s not the same at all.”
The influence goes back to the success of military academies in college football during the early years of the NFL. The famous Army coach, Earl Blaik, influenced a generation of coaches including Vince Lombardi. In the 1950s and 1960s, many coaches had actual combat experience in World War II and Korea. The basic training structure for instilling discipline and camaraderie was both familiar and effective. The connection is entrenched and likely permanent.
“It’s always been hilarious to see how NFL teams utilize the military and use a lot of lingo,” Villanueva said. “We’re going to war boys. You’re not going to war.”
Villanueva received the Bronze Star during his tours as a Captain in the Army Rangers. The Rangers are an elite unit that holds a special place in the United States Army. They are highly trained leaders who serve in the Ranger Regiment and the regular Army simultaneously.
“The charter of the Rangers,” Villanueva concluded. “Bring the values, the techniques, and the tactics from the Ranger regiment into the big Army. They are not a big unit, but during combat, they rotate every four months, so for me, it was the fastest way to get back into combat.”
Upon completion of his military service, Villanueva signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after his tour was over. After watching him in a preseason game, Mike Tomlin was impressed with his size and athleticism. When he was cut, the Steelers signed him and moved him to offensive tackle. The move paid off for Pittsburgh.
USA Today
Steelers Alejandro Villanueva, David Decastro, Ben Roethlisberger, Cam Heyward, Chris Boswell, and Roosevelt Nix
Steelers Pro Bowl Tackle Credits James Harrison With Helping Him Improve As A Tackle
Despite not having played the position since college by 2017, Villanueva was a Pro Bowl lineman. He was the first former military academy player to play in the Pro Bowl since the Dallas Cowboys', Roger Staubach. He was rewarded with a four-year, $24 million contract by the Steelers.
Villanueva defied his teammates and coach on several occasions during his tenure with the Steelers. He appeared on the field for the national anthem when the team had decided to stay in the locker room in 2017. Villanueva also defied a team decision in 2020 when he taped over the name of Antwon Rose Jr and put Alywn Cashe’s name on the back of his helmet.
Villanueva signed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2021, but retired after just one season with the Steelers’ bitter rival. He served his country, he played Pro Bowl-level football for the Steelers and he stayed true to his values. Whether you agree with those values or not, Villanueva stuck by them and in 2023, that is a quality that deserves to be admired.
What do you think Steeler Nation? Does Villanueva’s comments about military service put football in perspective? Please comment below or on my Twitter@thebubbasq.
#SteelerNation
