Teresa Varley

NFL DRAFT WEEK COMMUNITY EVENTS

Tuesday, April 21

A healthy start:Steelers legends Charlie Batch and Arthur Moats, along with Steelers Vice President of Business Development & Strategy Dan Rooney, took part in the Character Playbook Speaker Series x NFL FLAG-In-School PLAY 60 Champions Event at Duquesne City School District.

Recognizing the connection between positive physical fitness and mental health, the NFL Foundation hosted the health and wellness expo designed to help students strengthen both mind and body through interactive learning and movement-based activities.

"Can't wait to celebrate our city, football and all the great football players that come from our city and our youth," said Rooney. "I am assuming we have some football players in the crowd, maybe some girl's flag players as well. Please come on out to the Draft. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

"It's important to be nutritious, eat healthy and live an active lifestyle. I can tell that's what we have in the room here today and this is only going to help."

The NFL started the Character Playbook to build and support a stronger society by providing students the tools to learn about building healthy relationships and understanding mental wellness.

The different levels teach students how to establish and maintain healthy, supportive relationships with their classmates, introduces them to the topic of mental health and explores the lives, stories and lessons of Black Americans throughout history.

"When you're dealing with grade school, middle school or high school kids, it's an important time," said Batch. "And sometimes in low economic areas, they don't have the resources needed. This is a way for us to continue to encourage students and offer support to say, 'Hey, you're not alone.' We were once in their shoes and to be able to have a personal testimony, to share with these kids, and to help them overcome these challenges by talking to some of those resources. It is needed now more than ever."

The event also marked the kickoff of NFL FLAG-In-School PLAY 60 Champions with a special NFL FLAG-In-School skills and drills clinic. Developed in collaboration with the NFL Foundation and powered by national nonprofits GENYOUth and Action for Healthy Kids, this initiative supports school districts in building sustainable, healthy school environments, helping students to be active and well-nourished during the school day and beyond.

"The one thing that people forget is a lot of these kids depend on school for breakfast and lunch," said Batch. "And now that you start to get close to the end of the school year, and everybody gets excited about the end of the year, but also it raises anxiety for a lot of families because they don't know where their meals are going to come from in the summertime. So, they're reaching out to the food bank, reaching out to organizations who may have summer day camps so they can be a part of these things, but also being able to be fed.

"That's part of the challenges they're facing. We see it every day at the Best of the Batch Foundation, because in the summertime that's when we ramp up to make sure that we're providing kids breakfast, lunch and a snack on the way out the door. That's important because you never know what their home environment looks like when they leave the building. Sometimes people don't like to have these hard conversations about what reality is for a lot of these kids as they approach the summer months."

More:

Recognizing the connection between positive physical fitness and mental health, the NFL Foundation will host a youth health and wellness expo designed to help students strengthen both mind and body through interactive learning and movement-based activities. The Character Playbook Speaker Series x NFL FLAG-In-School PLAY 60 Champions Event will bring together panelists from around the league, and students local to Pittsburgh and from across the country who have participated in Character Playbook, to discuss themes found in the course Character Playbook Understanding Mental Wellness. Local students will have the opportunity to gather for a live panel discussion and participate in activities surrounding the theme "Fuel Your Mind and Body." The panel discussion will also be hosted virtually for classrooms across the country interested in participating.

The event will also mark the kickoff of NFL FLAG-In-School PLAY 60 Champions with a special NFL FLAG-In-School skills and drills clinic featuring students and Pittsburgh Steelers guests following the Speaker Series. Developed in collaboration with the NFL Foundation and powered by national nonprofits GENYOUth and Action for Healthy Kids, this initiative supports school districts in building sustainable, healthy school environments, helping students to be active and well-nourished during the school day and beyond.

Sharing their vision:The Steelers and NFL have focused on Social Justice over the past five years, and during the NFL Draft it will once again be a key focus.

Linebacker Alex Highsmith, a member of the Steelers Social Justice Committee, and Steelers legend Charlie Batch, who is a co-chair on the Football Legacy Committee for the 2026 NFL Draft, both took part in a Town Hall at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.

They were joined by David Wall Rice, a professor at Morehouse College and T.Y. McGill, a member of the NFL Players Coalition for a panel discussion that offers an inside look at how players have made a difference in their communities, and discover how you can pay it forward through advocacy, activism, and community leadership.

Batch shared what he does with the Best of the Batch Foundation, while Highsmith highlighted the work of the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation.

"Part of social justice is bringing people together to talk about the amazing work that they're doing in the community," said Batch. "When you have the right people in a room, there's opportunities to collaborate, that brings more impact, not just to what's in the room, but potentially to the region as everyone continues to work together.

"When you're able to have those conversations, you understand what people are talking about. Essentially you are becoming a mentor to those smaller organizations get to where they want to be. One thing I love about Pittsburgh is people love to reach back and realize helping the next person will ultimately impact the kids in this region."

Highsmith, who was the Steelers nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2025, knows how important it is to give back to those who need a helping hand.

"Anytime I get the opportunity to share what I'm doing with the Foundation, share the mission of the Foundation which is to impact underserved youth, it means a lot," said Highsmith. "It's really cool we had the opportunity to do that. It goes back to what it's really about. Obviously, I came here to play football, to play for this great organization. But I know the lasting impact I'm going to leave is off the field in the community."

Honoring veterans:Tight end Pat Freiermuth was among those taking part in the Salute to Service Veterans event in conjunction with Little Caesars Love Kitchen.

Freiermuth, along with former Steelers tight end Matt Spaeth, visited Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard, an NFL Salute to Service x Bob Woodruff Foundation grantee, where they spread goodwill and shared pizza with the veterans.

"They are the people who fought for our freedom, and it means a lot to be able to show our support for them," said Freiermuth. "They support us every weekend, on game days, so it's cool to be able to thank them for their service."

Freiermuth also took part in a check presentation to Veterans Place, helping them to fulfill their mission to empower veterans' transition from homeless to home, ending the cycle of homelessness, and to assist all at-risk veterans to become engaged, valuable citizens who contribute to their communities.

"It's sad that we have homeless veterans," said Freiermuth. "Being able to talk with them, take the time out of our day to give them some support. It means a lot to be able to do this.

"We got to talk with them, and everybody loves a pizza party."

The event is part of the overall outreach during the 2026 NFL Draft, something Freiermuth welcomes.

"It means a lot for the Draft to come here to Pittsburgh," said Freiermuth. "And giving back is a key part of it."

Girls get their turn:The NFL Wives Association held a Girls in Flag Football Clinic, hosting around 600 girls from the Pittsburgh region.

Alyssa Highsmith, wife of linebacker Alex Highsmith, and Latasha and Charlie Batch were among those on-hand working with the girls.

The clinic went beyond football, giving the girls a powerful sense of confidence through encouragement and guidance.

Looking good on stage:Each year the NFL highlights the Draft Theater and Main Stage with graphics specific to each NFL team.

With the City of Pittsburgh hosting the 2026 NFL Draft, the graphics will highlight the Steelers and the city and be visible when the team makes their draft picks.

A beautiful day in the neighborhood:NFL Green, Verizon and the Pittsburgh Steelers in partnership with Allegheny CleanWays and Friends of the Riverfront will participate in a community beautification project in celebration of the 2026 NFL Draft. Local volunteers will clean and beautify the environment by picking up litter and planting trees throughout the riverbanks and a parklet within Esplen and McKees Rocks in Pittsburgh's West End neighborhood. This event is part of the "Immaculate Collection" a community beautification initiative aimed at cleaning up litter and beautifying Pittsburgh ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Monday, April 20

Starting them young:Steelers legend Charlie Batch was on hand at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital for a Draft Pep Rally and nursery event to get people excited for the week ahead.

Newborn infants were swaddled in Terrible Towels to welcome the next generation of Steelers fans.

"To be honest with you, this is unbelievable," said Batch. "We always talk about with Steelers Nation is the fact that you're born into it. The majority of the people are. The one thing that was highlighted in 'The Football Town' film was seeing the babies in the hospitals and they were wrapped in Terrible Towels. To now be a part of it. I've heard about it all the time, but now to get the chance to see it and physically be a part of it's an awesome opportunity that I'm grateful for."

Batch, who is from Homestead, Pa., was born at Magee Hospital so taking part in the event has extra special meaning for him.

"I'm one of the babies that was born there, and now 51 years later I am doing this," said Batch. "It's a full circle moment for me. It's an awesome experience to be able to kick off Draft week with the pep rally here at the hospital. When you talk about the birth of the Draft and now we are tying it in with the birth of Steelers Nation, it is truly special."

NFL Draft isn't just about football:Community events and flag football activations will uplift the greater Pittsburgh area and celebrate its rich football tradition, bringing together community members, partners and fans for a week of impact and engagement.

As part of these efforts, the NFL will also continue its commitment to supporting local businesses through the Draft Source Program, the league's supplier development initiative that connects local and underrepresented businesses to opportunities tied directly to the Draft. Through the program, a number of Pittsburgh-based businesses have secured contracts supporting Draft operations, including roles across catering, facilities and event production. The program helps ensure local businesses share in the economic impact of Draft week.

Jerseys for a cause:Throughout the 2026 NFL Draft, onsite prospects will sign their first official autographed team jersey to be auctioned off atNFL.com/auction. All funds raised via the auction of the jersey will be donated to the player's high school football program.

Saying thanks to heroes:Throughout the Draft, the NFL will recognize our country's military community through the league's Salute to Service initiative. During the opening ceremony and National Anthem performance, the Military District of Washington's Joint Armed Forces will provide the military honor guard, and the flyover will be performed by United States Marine Corps members stationed in New River, North Carolina and Fort Worth, Texas.

On Day 2 of the Draft, members of the military community will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country and armed forces through a special video package. In addition, in between Rounds 2 & 3, there will be a special ceremony honoring our nation's military community who are in attendance in Pittsburgh, and on Day 3, military recruits from each branch of service will raise their hand and recite the Oath of Enlistment in a live enlistment ceremony.

Honoring those making a difference:Inspirational fans, community leaders and special guests will participate in the 2026 NFL Draft by announcing select picks live on stage. This year's special guests will include representatives from NFL non-profit partners like Special Olympics and GENYOUth, as well as NFL Salute to Service military charitable partners, the USO, Pat Tillman Foundation (PTF) and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). The NFL will also help grant wishes for two Make-A-Wish kids when they announce the first-round pick of their favorite teams on Day 1 of the Draft.

Friday, April 10

Making his impact felt:Christian Kuntz has a soft spot for Jeremiah's Place, Pittsburgh's only 24-hour crisis nursery that provides emergency childcare for families in need.

It's an organization he and his wife, Heather, have been involved with the last few years, providing holiday joy to the single mothers and kids who they serve.

Now, he is taking it one step further.

Through the Kuntz 4 Ki6s Foundation, the couple is providing a $10,000 scholarship to support Jeremiah's Place and Trying Together bridge scholarship program.

"Jeremiah's Place is one of Pittsburgh's only 24-7 crisis centers for single mothers that offers childcare and care for the mothers as well," said Kuntz. "So, we got linked with them a couple years ago through the Steelers for our non-profit and we're providing a scholarship of $10,000 and that will act as a bridge for the moms to be able to go on job interviews and pursue opportunities that they wouldn't be able to pursue because of their situation.

"If they needed an Uber to get to a job interview but didn't have child care, they couldn't go to the interview because they couldn't take the child there. So, we're going to act as that bridge to help if they're in the job interview process or any kind of process and they need childcare or they need transportation. The scholarship will provide that for them while they're on that transition. Have an opportunity to get a job and hopefully move forward.

"It's going to help close to 50 moms and kids to be able to pursue the opportunities that they might not be able pursue if they didn't have the money to get the transportation or to take their kid to childcare."

Kuntz said he felt a bond with Jeremiah's Place from the first time he and his wife got involved with them for holiday events.

"I think since Heather and I became parents, it made us realize how hard it really is to raise a child and how expensive it is," said Kuntz. "Then our history with Jeremiah's Place, how touching our events have been the last three years with them and seeing the smiles on the kids' and moms' faces because of simple acts that touched us.

"I grew up with a single mom. Seeing them and the struggle that they go through, and they love their kids so much, and they want to do everything to make their kids better. I had two older brothers to look up to growing up. I want to be able to be a role model to the kids and be able to help them and the moms financially move forward and try to succeed."

Thursday, February 12

Honoring difference makers:

As a part of Black History Month, the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates teamed up with Pittsburgh Public Schools to host a Black History Month Living Museum, honoring influential Black leaders in difference makers in Pittsburgh sports.

The museum was done at Pittsburgh Sterrett, with the students representing the leaders from each team who made a difference and played a role in Black history in Pittsburgh.

The day was kicked off by hearing from those representing each organization, including Dr. MiChele Holly, Principal of Pittsburgh Sterrett (PPS), Blayre Holmes-Davis, Sr. Director of Community Relations for the Steelers, Tracey McCants Lewis, Chief Legal and Community Affairs Officer for the Penguins and Sarah Heffler, Community Engagement Manager for the Pirates.

"I am excited to be here today not only to recognize and celebrate this month, but also to have a living history museum which will tell the stories of influential black leaders within our organizations and how their contributions have not only made our organizations better, but society as a whole," said Holmes-Davis. "We could not tell the story of the Pittsburgh Steelers without these three individuals and we are excited to see the students embody their passion and resilience."

Among those in the Steelers organization the students chose to honor were former Coach Mike Tomlin, Hall of Fame scout Bill Nunn, and former assistant coach John Mitchell.

The students dressed as the individuals they were honoring and highlighted their career achievements that are a part of Black History Month in Pittsburgh and beyond.

Tomlin was highlighted for becoming the first Black Head Coach in Steelers history when he was hired in 2007, the 16th head coach in team history and only the third since 1969 at that time. The students featured Tomlin's accomplishments, which included19 seasons with the Steelers, without a losing season, and leading them to eight AFC North championships, two AFC Championships and a win in Super Bowl XLIII.

Mitchell's story of breaking barriers at the University of Alabama prior to his time with the Steelers was inspiring for the students. Mitchell, who spent 29 seasons with the Steelers in roles that included assistant head coach and defensive line coach, was born in Alabama in 1951, a time when there was segregation in Alabama and throughout the South. Mitchell dreamt about playing at Alabama and became the school's the first African American to play, be a captain and an All-American at the school.

Nunn was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2021, the first Black Contributor in the 100-year history of the Hall. Nunn, the long-time Steelers scout, was a sportswriter for the Pittsburgh Courier and selected the newspaper's annual Black College All-America Team, building a relationship with players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities along the way. Nunn was a member of the Inaugural Class of the Black College Football Hall of Fame and a 2018 Steelers Hall of Honor selection.

Others who were honored included:

Pittsburgh Penguins:

Trevor Daley: Former Penguins defenseman and special assistant to the president of hockey operations

Willie O'Ree Academy: Willie O'Ree broke the racial barrier in hockey with the Boston Bruins, and the Penguins started the Academy named after him to provide training, mentorship, and opportunities for Black youth hockey players in the Pittsburgh region.

Jaden Lindo: Manager of community hockey and 2014 sixth round draft pick of the team.

Pittsburgh Pirates:

Curt Roberts: The first Black player for the Pittsburgh Pirates

Gene Baker: First Black person to manage in Major League Baseball, taking over late in a Pirates game when other managers were ejected. Was also the first Black player for the Chicago Cubs.

Lloyd McClendon: Manager for the Pirates from 2001-05, becoming the team's first Black manager.

Wednesday, February 4

Celebrating girls and women in sports:For the second straight year, the Steelers are doing their part to give back on a day that is designed to honor and celebrate women in the sports world.

National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) is a day that originated in 1987 when it was declared by then President Ronald Reagan.

It was originally designated to honor late Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman and has since evolved to recognize all girls and women in sports in any fashion.

It's an opportunity to celebrate women and girls who make an impact on the field, in the media, the community and the board room in all of sports.

And the Steelers are celebrating the day by those in the organization doing their part to help out young female athletes.

The Steelers partnered with Operation Warm to package and distribute over 1,000 sports bras for Pittsburgh Public Schools female athletes who participate in flag football, soccer, volleyball, basketball and beyond.

A total of 500 female student athletes will receive two bras each as part of the Fly:FWD program. Fly:FWD sports bras serve as a bridge, empowering girls to overcome obstacles and excel in sports with unwavering confidence and are committed to making a difference in the lives of young athletes, setting them on a path of empowerment and wellness.

"It means a lot to everyone in the organization to be able to do this," said Blayre Holmes-Davis, the Steelers senior director of community relations. "As an organization, especially the women who work here, are thrilled to be able to take a day to celebrate one another in the work that we do not only during the season, but throughout the entire year.

"But to be able to invest in the next generation of female athletes and let them see us as a representation of what they can do is special. We can show them you can be successful in this field. We can let them know there's a space for you in sports if you want there to be.

"It also is about helping the young female athletes to be able to have the equipment to play their sport and be successful. When they're talking about making sure that there's funding for athletes from the equipment, what doesn't get talked about is that sports bras. But it's a necessity for young female athletes to have.

"For us to be intentional about celebrating that day, but also making sure that we're doing an act of service to let the girls know we know this is a big issue because we're also here to help fulfill that need."

Sunday, January 11

A super surprise:The Steelers surprised Chris Curd, the founder of Pittsburgh Flag Football League and PA Flag Football Foundation with two tickets to Super Bowl LX. Former Steelers tight end and Super Bowl champion Matt Spaeth made the presentation.

Curd was honored during youth flag football games at Montour Sports Complex.

Curd made a huge impact on flag football in the Pittsburgh region, and played a role in helping to grow the girls flag football program the Steelers launched with high schools in 2022 and colleges in 2025.

"We wanted to take a moment to celebrate Chris and his longstanding commitment to expanding access to flag footballespecially girls flag football," said Dan Rooney, the Steelers Vice President of Business Development and Strategy. "The sport being sanctioned by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association was a major accomplishment and Chris' grassroots efforts played an important role in achieving this milestone."

Curd's organization helped with site management for games, as well as scheduling officials and buildings. He also coached the Ellis School's girls' team. His league also has over 2,200 kids from Western Pennsylvania playing NFL Flag Football.