Moment of silence: Prior to kickoff of today's game, the Steelers held a moment of silence to honor Patricia Rooney, the wife of late Steelers Chairman Daniel M. Rooney, as well as Tunch Ilkin, the former Steelers offensive lineman and long-time member of the broadcast team.
Mrs. Rooney passed away in January, while Ilkin passed away in September.
A special treat: Country music superstar Justin Moore will perform pregame in the Ford Fan Zone. During his performance, Moore will be surrounded by members of the 28th Aviation Brigade, Pennsylvania Army National Guard. The performance will take place next to the POW/MIA seat of honor.
A special person: The US Steel Salute to Heroes this week is United States Navy Officer Lieutenant Julia Parsons. The Wilkinsburg, Pa., native joined the Navy WAVES, working on top secret missions during World War II. The 100-year-old helped to break codes that saved numerous lives and shortened the war.
Honoring America: The National Anthem will be sung by Scott Blasey, the lead vocalist for the Pittsburgh based rock band, The Clarks. Blasey is from Connellsville, Pa., just outside of Pittsburgh and went to Indiana University of Pennsylvania. This year The Clarks are celebrating their 35th year as a band, and Blasey has also released several solo albums.
The 28th Aviation Brigade Color Guard of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard will be the Color Guard for the game.
Following the anthem, there will be a flyover by the 28th Aviation Brigade with Blackhawks.
A group of service members from the 28th Aviation Brigade will also join Rocky Bleier for the Terrible Towel Twirl prior. The unit was recently deployed for over a year, during the entire 2020 season.
Saluting local heroes: The large Terrible Towel will be unfurled on the field by local essential workers, including staff from UPMC, Giant Eagle, Pittsburgh Public Schools and Port Authority of Allegheny County.
Representatives from the group will also take part in a field goal kicking contest at halftime, playing for a donation to their charity of choice.
The Rock: Steelers legend Rocky Bleier is taking part in a Q&A in the FedEx Great Hall beginning at 11:30 a.m.
