The Steelers are continuing their mission of making a difference in the Pittsburgh community and beyond through the team's Social Justice Fund Initiative.
This year the team made a total of $516,000 in donations, with the players contributing $258,000 and the team matching the donation to the Social Justice Fund Initiative.
"I want to say thank you again to our Social Justice Committee members for continuing to lead these efforts, which benefit so many great causes," said Steelers President Art Rooney II. "Our players and the organization have come together to provide the community with over $500,000 to support our neighbors in need of food, education opportunities, and many other vital resources."
Since its inception in 2018, the team and its players have donated a total of $2,994,970 combined.
"It's not one or two guys, it's a group of men that understand the importance of our community. I am thankful for that," said defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. "Guys have different things that they care about. We understand there are going to be a lot of people we want to affect, but it's good to see the City of Pittsburgh prosper from that."
A total of 37 players contributed to the Social Justice Fund Initiative this year, including a $100,000 donation from Cameron Heyward and a $50,000 donation from quarterback Russell Wilson. In addition, linebacker Elandon Roberts, tight end Pat Freiermuth, defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and punter Corliss Waitman also made contributions of $10,000 or more.
"It's really cool to be a part of this organization and all the amazing things the players have done before us and what this organization has done over the years," said Wilson. "The Rooney family and Coach (Mike) Tomlin and all the greats before us, I think that they really set the standard of community going. I think it starts all the way back to Latrobe and the history of winning. Winning is a habit. And I think giving is too. And these guys, we all have a giving spirit. We give our all to this game, but we also want to be able to give our all to the community.
"I'm just so grateful just to be a part of such high character guys daily and their focus on others. That's what life is about. When much is given, much is required, it says in the Bible. I think it's such a blessing that we can give back, and not just our resources, but also our time. I think guys do a really good job of giving their time, which is probably the most valuable asset of them all."
This year contributions were made to 30 organizations in Pittsburgh, and in several players' hometowns, that are focused on youth development, food access, criminal justice, community and police relations, equity and inclusion education, and housing.
"It means a lot to me, especially this year being on the social justice committee and everything, getting a little more in depth to know what goes on in the community and how we play a part in it," said receiver Calvin Austin II. "Coach Tomlin always motivates us to not only show our character on the field, but off the field as well. I like to help in Memphis where I am from, but being able to help in the new city I am able to call home is something that's near and dear to my heart.
"I'm glad I've been able to just get out and interact with the community and meet new people and just see all the good that is actually happening in this community."
Since 2018, contributions from Steelers players, along with the matching donations from Steelers Charities, have benefited 82 charitable organizations throughout the region.
