Certain things are worth celebrating, and that was the case as former teammates gathered for one last celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Super Bowl IX.

The celebration began during the 2024 season when players got together for the Steelers Alumni Weekend, and it continued on Friday night at the Mel Blount Youth Home All-Star Celebrity Roast.

The event normally focuses on one individual, with stories and praise flowing about them. But this year it was about sharing stories of the special 1974 season that brought the Steelers their first Super Bowl championship.

"I was a little bit sentimental of the fact that there's so many guys that are not with us anymore," said Hall of Fame cornerback Mel Blount, referring to those from the 1970s team who have passed away. "So, when you talk about this event being special, this couldn't be more special because of the accomplishment we made. But it's more than that. I don't know how to put it into words because you get kind of emotional."

The Steelers won their first Super Bowl following the 1974 season, defeating the Minnesota Vikings, 16-6, in Super Bowl IX at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans on January 12, 1975.

It was the beginning of a dynasty for the Steelers in the 1970s, as they won four Super Bowl titles in six years.

"I'm just so happy that we're able to do this event because not only was it a big victory for the Steelers winning Super Bowl IX, but it was a big victory for, in my opinion, all of Pennsylvania, especially Western Pennsylvania and the whole region," said Blount. "I came to the Steelers in 1970, Joe Greene came in 1969 when they won one game. So, I came to an organization that really was the doormat of the NFL. So did Joe. All those guys that came along in the 70s helped build the legacy that we enjoy today. So, it's pretty special."

When they get together in groups small or large, there is always plenty to reminisce about. As players chatted with each other, the memories of the game made it seem like it was only yesterday, but it was also hard for them to believe it's been 50 years since that glorious time.

"A lot has happened since then," said Hall of Fame receiver John Stallworth. "It's hard to believe because those memories are still fairly fresh in my mind about what we went through. The struggles of that season, changing quarterbacks and trying to find an identity with a single quarterback and then settling in and eventually getting to New Orleans."

Bringing members of the 1974 team together, along with others throughout Steelers' history, is something Blount, who hosts the event along with his wife TiAnda, loves to do. For him, it's about bringing family back together again.

"That's what's so unique, that there's such a brotherhood," said Blount. "You might not see a guy for 10 years, but when you see him, it's like you never missed a beat because of the bond that we have. It's something special.

"We were on a journey together. It's not always the destination. It's the journey, the ups and downs, the joy, the fun, the disappointments and all of that during that season that got us to the Super Bowl. And then when we got there, we went out and took care of business.

"I think that's the beauty of any team winning the Super Bowl because it is so hard. You put in so much work and so many aches and pains and when you get to the mountaintop, that's beautiful. But when we look back at the journey, that's what you remember."

Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw served as the master of ceremonies for the evening, keeping everyone entertained as the offense and defense shared their experiences about the season and the Super Bowl.

"Terry and I, we came into the league together," said Blount. "We've been friends since our rookie year. Terry has always supported our Youth Home and the Youth Leadership Initiative. He has always been there for us.

"When we started this event, it was started as a 50th birthday party for me. TiAnda said I am going to throw you a party but make it a charity event. I told her nobody would come, but they did, and they are still coming."

The event benefits the Mel Blount Youth Leadership Initiative, a program that helps kids grow, learn, develop and become productive citizens.

Blount doesn't take it for granted how lucky he is to get the turnout of players he does, especially in the 27th year of the event, to support a cause that is near and dear to his heart.

"All of us teammates, we came along together as young kids and grew, and we all accomplished the things that we wanted," said Blount. "What's so special is it's something that can't be taken away, the bond and the lifelong friendships and respect that we have for each other. I'm not sure that can be duplicated in today's game on the scale we had with free agency.

"We had a lot of time together and went through a lot together. We have lifelong friendships and a bond that has been created, and that's what you're witnessing when you see guys like us come together to support one another.

"When you talk about all these guys coming from around the country, coming back to support this event and my mission, it's all about the respect and the bond that we all have had throughout the journey. Unless you've experienced it, you don't really know what it's like and what it means and how deep it is as far as guys genuinely love each other and have concern and respect for one another. That's what you're seeing tonight."