Steelers Take Time to Give Back before Heading Home

The majority of Steelers players will depart to different areas of the country once exit meetings conclude this week following the end of the team’s 2022 season. However, before that takes place, many players are giving back to the community and providing inspiration to those who are in need.

On Tuesday, the Steelers announced donations to the Homeless Children’s Education Fund and Community Kitchen as part of the organization’s social justice fund initiative to help support community efforts. Najee Harris donated $10,000 and several players donated another $12,933. Levi Wallace, Mitch Trubisky, Kendrick Green, Isaiahh Loudermilk, George Pickens, Miles Boykin, James Daniels, Jaylen Warren and Jason Huntley donated to the cause, bringing the total grant to $45,866 after a matching contribution from the team.

Both the Homeless Children’s Education Fund and Community Kitchen became first time recipients in 2023. The Homeless Children’s Education Fund (HCEF) is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to support the educational needs of children experiencing homelessness in Allegheny County. The homelessness crisis in the United States is an issue that’s close to Harris’ heart as he was once in the same predicament, moving from shelter to shelter across the Bay Area with his mom and four of his siblings.

Harris has never forgotten about his humble beginnings. Instead of attending the festivities at the NFL draft in 2021, Harris chose to hold a draft party at the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP), a shelter that Harris and his family once lived.

Harris has his own foundation that is focused on assisting underserved families in reaching their potential and goals. The Da’ Bigger Picture Foundation’s hope is to provide tools and assistance to families facing challenging times. Some of the key areas of focus are education, homelessness, addressing hunger and utilizing sports as a platform to develop life skills.

The Da’ Bigger Picture Foundation, along with the Red Meat Lovers Club, hosted a fundraising dinner on Sept. 30 at Sullivan’s Steakhouse in downtown. The beneficiaries of the event went to the Homeless Children’s Education Fund in Pittsburgh.

Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt also lifted spirits this week, as the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and his wife, Dani, visited patients and their families at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. According to a representative for the hospital via our news partners at WPXI, the couple met with patients, posed for photos and signed autographs.

“The kids in that hospital are so strong and motivating. Their positive outlook on life is infectious!” Watt said in a conversation with Colin Dunlap of 93.7 The Fan on Twitter. “They have unbelievable support from family, friends, and staff. This is why we are so passionate about our relationship with children’s hospital here in Pittsburgh!”

A social media post from the hospital said the Watts provided Christmas dinner to patients and their families over the holidays.