What does an NFL player do in the off-season when he’s not playing football? For Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman, Chris Wormley, he has one thing in mind: "I want to give back to the community that gave me so much growing up.”
On Sat., June 11, Wormley did just that as he visited his hometown in Toledo, Ohio to host the inaugural Chris Wormley Youth Football Camp at his former high school, Whitmer. For several hours, nearly 200 local kids participated in various drills, from catching and throwing, to running and kicking, all while getting tips from Wormley.
“I think this camp helps the next generation of athletes in a small, yet impactful way,” says Wormley in an interview with SteelerNation.com, adding that the free camp opens the door for those kids whose families may not have the luxury to afford $50-$100 per day.
Young athlete participates in Chris Wormley Youth Football Camp at Chris Wormley's alma mater, Whitmer High School. The camp took place on June 11, 2022.
Wormley says the inspiration for hosting this camp stems from teammate Cam Heyward, someone he looked up to as he made his way to the NFL.
“I look up to Cam in a lot of different ways, not only on the football field, but for what he does in the community and the way he handles his family.”
Members of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense, Chris Wormley (95), Cameron Heyward (97), Stephon Tuitt (91), and T.J. Watt (90) play against the Cleveland Browns in the fourth quarter during an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
At 28 years old, Wormley is entering his sixth NFL season and his third with the Steelers. Growing up, he always rooted for the black and gold, donning his Troy Polamalu jersey any chance he got.
“Then when I got drafted to the Baltimore Ravens, I was like, okay, well these guys are writing my checks so there goes me rooting for the Steelers when I have to play them twice a year.” Then, after being traded to Pittsburgh in 2020, everything came full circle. “I think the world of Coach Tomlin and to be able to play for him and the Rooney family is really exciting.”
Heading into the 2022 season, Wormley is focused on building off the career-setting year he had last season.
“I think I showed what I can do and I just want to try to help the team the best I can to win some games.”
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