By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com
NASA Astronaut Mike Fincke became an Internet sensation when the Pittsburgh native cheered for his hometown Steelers from of all places, aboard the International Space Station.
During a video message prior to the AFC Championship game in January, Fincke had the opportunity to talk football and showed his support of the Steelers by putting on a hat and doing one of the most unique Terrible Towel waves ever, as he and the towel floated in zero gravity.
Fincke, who is the commander of the three-astronaut Expedition 18 crew, grew up in Emsworth, Pa. and has always been a Steelers fan and was thrilled to be able to actually watch the black and gold in action during the playoffs thanks to Mission Control.
"We'd like to say that up here, its Steeler country," a smiling Fincke said during the message.
Fincke watched the Steelers play while in space and this past week had the opportunity to do so in person when he presented the team with the Terrible Towel he flew in space in a pregame ceremony.
Fincke gave Steelers President Art Rooney, II the framed Towel, and in turn Rooney presented him with a new Terrible Towel he can use as well as a personalized jersey.
