The Pittsburgh Steelers mean a lot to many people, but especially the community in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas, and especially to the youth. The team partnered with Steelers' legend and NFL Hall of Famer, Mel Blount for a day of giving back to the community on Friday. The Steelers’ 2022 rookies got a chance to visit the Mel Blount Youth Home in Claysville, Pennsylvania, participating in a program through the Mel Blount Youth Leadership Initiative as Steelers' rookies have done so in years past.
Steelers rookies take part in the Mel Blount Youth Initiative helping to guide and mentor local youth on Friday, June 10, 2022. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
"This is one of the bright spots of our program," said Blount. "When these Steelers players come, it's special. These kids that come for the program love and admire these athletes.""I think it does two things. It helps the kids. They love these guys. They watch them on television, cheer for them, are big Steelers fans. When the players come out and sit and talk with these kids, and then see them on television and what they do in season, it's special to them."
Steelers rookies take part in the Mel Blount Youth Initiative helping to guide and mentor local youth on Friday, June 10, 2022. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Steelers’ Kenny Pickett thankful to participate
Steelers' 1st-round QB Kenny Pickett was thankful for the opportunity and has been able to participate a time before during his freshman year at the University of Pittsburgh.
"It meant a lot," Pickett said. "I came out here my freshman year at Pitt. To come out here as a rookie, came full circle. It was awesome to be out here with the guys and play some football, tell some stories.
"I think it's awesome Mel stays involved with the organization and the guys give back. The whole rookie class was great today. Huge shoutout to the kids that came out. We had a blast with them. A lot of laughs. Went through a lot of drills, had some fun at the end. Had a good lunch conversation with the kids. It was a great day overall."
Steelers rookies take part in the Mel Blount Youth Initiative helping to guide and mentor local youth on Friday, June 10, 2022. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Blount discussed the impact that something of this magnitude can do for the kids in the community.
"Over the years, we have had so many kids that had interaction with these players," said Blount. "I think it's special because it encourages them. When the players come out, if a guy is a running back, we will have them get with the high school players at that position. They will ask football questions, then share how they got to this point, things they had to do, their background. It's great interaction. With the influence the rookies have, they can really help these kids.""We did the ropes courses, the contests like dance contests. The kids will create a celebration dance and the players will work with them on it," said Blount. "It's so much fun to see.
"It's competitive and something the kids can take with them."
Steelers rookies take part in the Mel Blount Youth Initiative helping to guide and mentor local youth on Friday, June 10, 2022. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Nothing makes me prouder to be a Steelers' fan than moments like this! Check out Mel Blount's Youth Leadership Initiative and donate HERE to help make a difference in the lives of our youth!
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