James Harrison has a tough exterior that opponents see on a weekly basis on the football field.
But off the field, he definitely has a soft spot when it comes to kids, particularly eight-year old Kendle Haught, a Muscular Dystrophy Ambassador who Harrison has become friends with.
"On the field he is a whole different person than he is off the field," said Haught. "He does so many good things for families. He might be tough on the field, but he is a nice, caring person with a huge heart."
Harrison is putting that heart to work once again as the James Harrison Family Foundation is sponsoring the seventh annual Pittsburgh Muscle Team® Event benefitting the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The event, which will be held March 24 at Heinz Field, teams athletes with an MDA Goodwill Ambassador, who is a local child living with the neuromuscular disease, for an evening of fun and games.
"People with muscular dystrophy are so often great examples of inner strength and courage," said Harrison. "My family foundation was established to help children with disabilities and their families, and it's a joy to share their spirit of never giving up on themselves or on others."
Harrison will be joined at the event by current and former Steelers players, as well as other Pittsburgh athletes.
For more information, including purchasing tickets or sponsorships, visit www.pittsburghmuscleteam.org
The event helps to fund medical and health care services for individuals with muscular dystrophy as well as fund research, support groups and an MDA Summer Camp.
