Are we ready for some Football?

For the sixth year, and the third in a row, defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is the Steelers nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, presented by Nationwide. The award recognizes a player's off-the-field community service, as well as his playing excellence. And there is no doubt Heyward shines in both areas.

It's Heyward's love for his community, his passion for making a difference, his giving heart and his compassion that make him the ideal representative for the Steelers.

"Pittsburgh has meant so much to my family," said Heyward. "To get to play in this league right next door to where my dad started his football career has been really special. It's important to me to give back to this community that has blessed my family in so many ways."

Heyward's desire to give back is seen year-round, but he takes it to the next level during his annual 'Cam's Kindness Week,' where he reaches out to different factions of the community on a daily basis.

And this year, he put his heart on his sleeve as he embarked on a journey of being a mentor to youth, a voice that can guide them and be an example that shines brightly for all who have the pleasure of being in his presence. 

"As a coach, you hope to have a guy like Cam on your roster," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "Someone you can point out to the younger players and say, 'You want to be successful? Study film like this guy, compete like this guy, serve your community and your family like this guy.' He's done all the right things on and off the field consistently for a long time now. You hope your young guys absorb that."

When Cameron Heyward was asked the question, it was one of those moments where your heart just skips a beat, because you know it wasn't an easy question to ask, and an equally tough question to answer.

But Heyward handled it with composure and grace, just like he handles every other moment in his life.

And he gave an answer from the heart, because that is where all the memories of his late father, Craig 'Ironhead' Heyward, live, in his heart.

"If you could talk to your dad one last time, what would you tell him?" asked a young boy who has experienced the pain of losing a loved one just like Heyward has.

Heyward paused, and the emotional answer came from deep inside him.

"I would tell him I love him," said Heyward.

And then he continued.

"I would say thank you for the moments I did get," Heyward expressed. "And I would say we all miss you. There is not a day that goes by that we don't miss you and we are going to continue to make you proud because that is all we are given."

The touching exchange occurred at The Caring Place as a part of Cam's Kindness Week, a week of giving back by Heyward to the Pittsburgh Community. The Caring Place offers programs to support children and families who are grieving after a devastating loss. And the statistics are sad, as one in 20 kids will have a parent die before they graduate from high school.

Heyward is one of those statistics, and that is why he wanted to share his story with the group. His father died when he was just 16-years old, the summer before his senior year of high school. Craig Heyward, who played at the University of Pittsburgh and in the NFL, had to give up football in 1999 because of a tumor that impacted his vision in the right eye. They thought that was the end of things, but it wasn't. He suffered a stroke, becoming paralyzed on the right side.

"He was working to walk for my senior night," Heyward shared with the group of kids and adults. "Before that happened, the summer before my senior year, he ended up passing away while I was at a basketball camp. My mom had to be the one to tell me. I remember that day clearly, looking for my mom, not knowing what was happening. I could feel everybody was being very delicate with me. When I found my mom, she had to share that with me. I know that was hard for her to share. I understood the strength she showed. From that moment, I got to see the strength she showed after that."

Heyward himself also showed strength in his life, always wanting to honor his father's legacy and take it one step further. He shared a conversation he had with his former coach at Ohio State, Jim Tressel, just before his senior season with the Buckeyes.

"Coach Tressel's dad was revered in Ohio. One thing Coach told me was, my dad had a street named after him, I want a highway," shared Heyward. "I took that as my dad has a legacy, and now I want to expand it. That is what my foundation is about, giving a chance to not only build on what my dad has done, but make it my own. I have done that ever since."

Before the conversation with the kids finished, one young girl asked if he still gets sad about losing his dad, and how does he deal with it, obviously looking for advice to deal with grief of her own.

"I do still get sad. As much as I get sad, I am happy for the moments," said Heyward. "The more I share, I tell people how much I miss him, how much I would love doing certain things. There is not a moment I don't take to think about him and share his memory and what he would have done in those situations.

"When we lose someone we love, it doesn't mean we lose them and their memories. Those memories are special to me."

* * *

Source: Steelers

The Steelers made a trade in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, moving up to the 14th overall spot to select offensive tackle Broderick Jones from the University of Georgia. The Steelers swapped spots with the New England Patriots in the first round and gave the Patriots a fourth-round pick (120th overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft.

General Manager Omar Khan said things worked out well for the trade and is happy to add the competition to the offensive line, something he said is his job.

"By the time we get to the opening game the best five offensive linemen will play," said Khan.

Jones started every game in 2022 for the Bulldogs and was an Associated Press All-SEC first-team selection.

"He is an extremely talented guy," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "We were excited about him at every step of the process. We had dinner with him the night before their pro day. We had the chance to spend time with him in their environment. It was interesting. I was in Athens (Georgia) a year ago and took a group of his former teammates out and said to them give me a name that we are going to be back for in 12 months. Universally Broderick's name was the guys' name we got 12 months ago. That was the first time I heard his name. In investigating I see why they held him in such high regard. He is a really good player right now, but the upside is tremendous. He is a 'Diaper Dandy.' We're excited about getting him in the fold.

"In terms of the division of labor and who is going to do what, those things will be decided in the team development process. But make no mistake we are excited about having a young man of his talent.

"He's got big-time upside, but I also say he is a really good player right now. He's got a competitor's mentality. He is wired for this line of work. He's got a desire to be great. He's highly competitive. He has been a part of a winner. He understands we are in a winning business. He values that. Sometimes you can't really value that unless you've been a part of it, and obviously the run that that university has been on with their football program, and they have won about as much as you can win over the time they spent playing a significant role for them."

"I feel like he understands me," said Jones. "I am ready to get to it."

He also left Pittsburgh loving the atmosphere and is thrilled to be coming back to a place he fell in love with.

"I felt like I was at home. I am not going to lie," said Jones. "I felt like I was at Georgia again. The energy was there. At the end of the day, I was in love with the Steelers when I left and, I became one. That is the end of that story."

Jones started one full season at Georgia and feels like he has plenty of room to grow.

"I am ready to get to Pittsburgh and continue to grow and continue to be the best person I am," said Jones. "I just can't wait to get to Pittsburgh and start the journey. It's a whole new journey. I can't wait to keep growing and reach the peak of my growth. I am not done yet. I am not close to the end goal. I am ready to get back to work and continue to perfect my craft.

"Just being able to hear my name called tonight is such an amazing feeling. I am glad I am a Steeler. Hearing my name called was a blessing."

Source: Steelers

 Skyy Moore '19 is set to become the first Shady Side Academy alumnus ever to play in the Super Bowl!

The NFL rookie wide receiver's 29-yard punt return with 0:41 remaining in the fourth quarter helped set up the Kansas City Chiefs’ game-winning field goal in a 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship on Sunday, Jan. 29. The Chiefs will face the NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12, 2023, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

Moore was selected by Kansas City in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 29, 2022, as the 54th pick overall, following a standout three-year collegiate career as a wide receiver at Western Michigan University. As a rookie in 2022, Moore played in 16 of the Chiefs' 17 regular-season games, starting three, catching 22 passes for 250 yards and returning 14 punts for 86 yards.

Moore is the third SSA alumnus ever drafted into the NFL and the fifth ever to play in the league. Paul Martha '60 (DB-SE-WR-HB, Pitt) was drafted by Pittsburgh in the first round in 1964 and played for the Steelers from 1964-1969 and for the Denver Broncos in 1970. Eugene Baker '94 (WR, Kent State) was drafted by Atlanta in the fifth round in 1999 and played for the Falcons from 1999-2000 and the Carolina Panthers from 2003-2004. Two undrafted alums also played briefly in the NFL: Ken Talton '75 (RB, Cornell) played two games for Detroit in 1980, and Steven Uhrinyak ‘34 (G, Franklin & Marshall) played one game for Washington in 1939. None of the four ever played in a Super Bowl, although Baker was an inactive player for the Panthers when Carolina lost to New England in Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004.

A native of New Kensington, Pa., Moore played quarterback and defensive back at SSA. As a senior in 2018, he led Shady Side to a 9-0 regular-season record, an Allegheny Conference title and a No. 1 ranking in WPIAL Class 2A, while earning all-state, all-conference and Allegheny Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors. He was the first player in WPIAL history to run and pass for more than 1,000 yards in two seasons.

Congratulations, Skyy, and let's go Chiefs!

(Chiefs photo courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs)

Source: SSA

As the Shady Side Academy Bulldogs advance to the quarterfinals of the WPIAL 3A Championship, player Isaiah Beckham, and PUM contributor,  shares an important message of  Perseverance, Determination & Commitment in the face of adversity. 

As an 11th grade varsity football player this is a critical time when college recruiters will be checking you out. I am blessed to have visited two colleges interested in recruiting me so far this season, even with a boot on after an injury. 

The season taught me really important lessons, and the most important one was to never give up in the face of adversity. No one can stop your stride, or determine your success, you have to dig deep and you will shine! 

It was during our second game of the season, with only one minute left on the clock that a teammate came crashing into my ankle leaving me with 3 torn ligaments. The high ankle sprain left me with one ligament completely torn, and it looked like I was heading to an ending season, before it even began. After missing six critical games in the 2022 season, I felt defeated and disappointed. Daily, I picked myself up and proceeded with rehabbing the injury. After consulting with various doctors it appeared I was going to need surgery, but that was not Gods plan. I rehabbed for six weeks, determined to get strong, and even when folks doubted that I was not healed I got back up and proved them wrong. With hard work, slowly my boot came off, I eased my way back into practicing with the team, and daily I got stronger. When some had written me off this season, I understood that God had another plan for me. 

In the face of adversity, I watched my starting positions disappear and was asked to step up in new positions, I felt like I had to really prove myself. The important lesson, is when others doubt you, stay the course and be true to yourself. Every step of the way, I never gave up and eventually I was able to ease myself back into the games, in various positions. My mom emphasized to me, "son it is not where you start, but where you finish."  The lessons I have learned from this experience indeed goes way beyond the football field. 

Our team is fortunate to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2008! I am thankful to be able to be back on the field contributing as a player in various positions, in spite of the adversity. I am a team player focused on winning the playoffs, regardless of the challenges I faced.  

Don't let anyone define your ability, you have to be dedicated, persevere in the face of adversity and know your own worth, what you bring to the table as an athlete is more important than what anyone else believes. 

Indeed this is a season of important lessons, keep pushing, and I will see you in the ENDZONE!

Isaiah Reign Beckham

PUM Contributor

November 12, 2022  

IsaiahBeckham.com

Following a months-long process that included two rounds of interviews and a narrowing of the original list of candidates to six finalists, Steelers President Art Rooney II hired Omar Khan as the team's new general manager and successor to Kevin Colbert. Khan signed a four-year contract.

"I am pleased to announce Omar Khan as our next General Manager," said Rooney. "Omar has been an integral part of our Football Operations Department during his 21 years with the team, and that experience will serve him well in his new position."

Khan will be officially introduced as the new GM during a press conference on Friday, May 27, at 10 a.m. at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. The press conference will be streamed LIVE exclusively on Steelers.com, the Steelers Official Mobile App and the team's Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages.SNR (Steelers Nation Radio) will also carry the press conference live.

Khan, 45, has worked for the Steelers in a variety of capacities for the last 21 years, with his most recent role being the team's vice president of football and business administration. That position found Khan working closely with Rooney, Colbert, and Coach Mike Tomlin in the day-to-day overall management of the Football Operations Department.

"I am extremely excited for this opportunity to be the General Manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers," said Khan. "I would like to thank Art Rooney II, Mike Tomlin, and Kevin Colbert for their support throughout this process. I am ready for this challenge and grateful to continue the success we have had on the field during my first 21 years. I look forward to completing our football operations staff and working tirelessly to build another championship football team for Steelers Nation and our community."

While Khan was in charge of overseeing many different areas and functions of the organization prior to being hired as the general manager, he was known outside the team as being the Steelers' lead contract negotiator and the one managing the salary cap. His effectiveness in those areas was a factor in the Steelers going to three Super Bowls, winning two, and having just one losing season this century.

Before joining the Steelers, Khan worked with the New Orleans Saints for four years. In 2000, he served as Football Operations/Coaching Assistant, where he supervised the overall operation of the football program and assisted the offensive coordinator in the day-to-day operations of the offense.

From 1998-99, Khan served as New Orleans' Player Personnel Assistant, where he assisted in pro scouting, negotiating player contracts, government affairs, and football administration, as well as bing the interim Player Programs Director during the 1998 season. In 1997, Khan was a Player Personnel Intern.

Hired by the Steelers in 2001, one year after Colbert replaced Tom Donahoe atop the team's Personnel Department, Khan originally served as the team's football operations coordinator and was named director of football administration in 2011. Five years later, he was promoted to vice president of football and business administration.

In 2005, Khan was selected to attend the NFL Manager Program at Stanford University Executive Education Graduate School of Business. Khan, who is very active in the community, serves on the executive board of the Pittsburgh Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the board of the Pittsburgh Film Office, and the advisory board of FNB Community Bank.

Source: Steelers.com

The Steelers named Brian Flores as their senior defensive assistant/linebackers coach, it was announced on Saturday.

Flores, who was most recently the head coach of the Miami Dolphins (2019-21), has over 14 years of coaching experience in the NFL along with four years in a personnel role (New England Patriots, 2004-07).

"I am excited about Brian Flores joining our coaching staff given his history of developing and teaching defensive players during his time in the NFL," Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin said. "Brian's resume speaks for itself, and I look forward to him adding his expertise to help our team."

Flores played collegiately at Boston College before moving into personnel roles with the Patriots for four years. He then went on to coach various positions for New England over 11 seasons, which led to his hiring as Head Coach of the Dolphins in 2019. In three seasons in Miami, he led the Dolphins to a 24-25 overall record and guided the team to back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in nearly 20 years. He was relieved of his duties as Miami's head coach last month.

 Franklin’s contract pays $7.5 million each season through 2031, Franklin is the first permanent Black head football coach at Penn State.

Release from Penn State:

 Penn State's James Franklin has agreed to the terms of a new 10-year contract to remain as the head football coach of the Nittany Lions through 2031. The terms were approved by the Subcommittee on Compensation of the Penn State Board of Trustees today.

"Penn State's future is bright, and I'm honored to continue to serve as your head football coach," said Franklin. "Nine weeks ago, the administration approached me about making a long-term investment in our football program. This prompted numerous conversations outlining the resources needed to be competitive at a level that matches the expectations and history of Penn State. What's most evident from those conversations is the importance of our student-athletes' success both on and off the field.

"With the support of President Barron, Sandy Barbour and the Board of Trustees we've been able to create a roadmap of the resources needed to address academic support, community outreach, Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), facility improvements, student-athlete housing, technology upgrades, recruiting, training table and more. This renewed commitment to our student-athletes, community and fans reinforces all the reasons I've been proud to serve as your head football coach for the last eight years and why my commitment to Penn State remains steadfast. Throughout this process I've kept our leadership council, recruits and staff updated on those conversations and I'm excited we've reached an agreement we can finally share with you." 

Sandy Barbour, Penn State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, said the commitment to Franklin and the football program is important to continue to compete as one of the premiere programs in the country.

"We are excited to have James Franklin lead our football program for a long time," said Barbour. "We will continue our collective efforts to constantly improve in all aspects of our program. We have made, and will need to continue to make, significant investment in our football program because we believe we have a very bright future under James. With this contract, we are signaling our sustained commitment to being one of the premiere programs in the history of college football. Our goals and aspirations relating to football have never wavered and our investments today and in the future of our program will allow us to compete at the highest level. 

"James has been a tremendous leader, providing a Penn State standard of care and attention to all aspects of growth and development for our student-athletes. Our young men have benefited from his guidance academically, socially and athletically. I'm thrilled James has committed to Penn State and to providing that leadership for years to come. I'm looking forward to years of impact for students and community for our football program under his leadership and to the Franklin family remaining valued and prominent members of our community. I know there will be much success ahead for our football program with Coach Franklin at the helm."

Penn State President Eric J. Barron also commended Franklin and the program for their achievements.

"Penn State is very happy to offer this extension to Coach Franklin, who has created an environment in which our student-athletes can be successful on the field, as well as leaders in our community and beyond," said Barron. "As head coach, James continues to build the Nittany Lion football program even while navigating a number of exceptional challenges, including COVID-19 and a shift in amateurism rules in college sports. We look forward to his sustained success, his pursuit of excellence, and his remaining an integral part of Penn State football and our University."

Franklin, who will coach his 100th game at Penn State Saturday at Michigan State, owns a 67-32 record as the Nittany Lions' leader. Under Franklin, the Nittany Lions are 43-12 at Beaver Stadium with three undefeated campaigns. Franklin guided the Nittany Lions to the 2016 Big Ten Championship, as well as bowl games in seven of his eight seasons as head coach, including the 2017 Rose Bowl, 2017 Fiesta Bowl and 2019 Cotton Bowl.

Since 2016, Penn State holds a .726 winning percentage, with a record of 53-20, the ninth-best winning percentage among Power Five programs. Penn State has won at least nine games in four of the last five seasons, one of eight FBS programs to accomplish the feat.

Franklin is second all-time in winning percentage by an FBS African American head coach (minimum 80 wins) and is third in total wins. He has led the Nittany Lions to three 10-win seasons during his time in Happy Valley. Franklin has secured top-25 recruiting classes each of his last nine seasons, including a top-5 class at Penn State in 2018.

In the classroom, Franklin's student-athletes have claimed four CoSIDA Academic All-American honors and two National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete accolades. The Nittany Lions posted their first 1,000 single-year APR in program history in 2018-19, topping the previous high of 993 in 2014-15.

He was selected as the 2019 Renaissance Fund recipient, which honors outstanding community members and helps students in need. Franklin and his family have created the Franklin Family Educational Equity Scholarship, which is given to help make the Penn State experience affordable for students who haven't had access to enroll in the past.

The Nittany Lions face No. 12/13 Michigan State Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in East Lansing to close out the regular season. Penn State finds out its bowl destination Sunday, December 5. For information on requesting tickets, visit GoPSUsports.com/bowlcentral.

For information on joining the Nittany Lion Club and ticket information for the 2021 Penn State Football season presented by PSECU, as well as club seating in Beaver Stadium, fans can visit www.PSUnrivaled.com, or call 1-800-NITTANY weekdays from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
 

June 2021 - EXPLOSIVE, RELENTLESS and INSPIRING Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams Defensive tackle proudly represents Pittsburgh on and off the field, PUM Contributor Isaiah Beckham caught up with Donald as a participant at his annual football camp.  

Three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald comes home to Pittsburgh to host a free, youth football skills camp for athletes ages 6 to 18 at his alma mater, Penn Hills High School. Donald, AD99 Solutions, and 2 Tenths Speed & Agility Training presented the Living in the Pocket Youth Football Skills Camp for close to 150 athletes held on June 26th. Donald, who also played for the University of Pittsburgh is recognized as a unanimous All-American and was drafted by the Rams with the 13th pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. 

Eager Athletes from all over the country participated in the camp and best of all we had the opportunity to meet and learn some valuable football techniques on the field with the legendary NFL superstar. 

Donald is currently rated as the best player in the NFL and I would agree with RAMSWIRE.com he is a serious force to be reckoned with:  “Donald doesn’t play a premier position for the Rams, but he’s established himself as the best defensive tackle in the NFL and the most dominant player at any position. You earn that title by winning three Defensive Player of the Year awards, earning six All-Pro selections and setting the NFL record for the most sacks in a season by a defensive tackle (20.5). At the age of 30, he’s shown no signs of slowing down, either. He’s coming off a season in which he had 13.5 sacks and 28 QB hits, winning Defensive Player of the Year for the third time. And as a result, Pro Football Focus continues to view him as the best player in football.”

For a student athlete striving to make it to the NFL, this was truly a privilege to be in Donald’s presence and better yet, to take a photo and get his autograph well that is a keepsake memory to be cherished.  Meeting Donald, I was a little nervous but his personality is very laid-back and he is super chilled. I watched as he patiently greeted each camp participant with kindness and sincerity.   

THE CAMP EXPERIENCE:  WHAT THE WORKOUT CONSISTED FOR ME   

For over three hours in the extremely humid 88 degree weather we worked our butts off while having a blast. We started off with warmups and stretching to get our body’s ready for the intense work ahead of us. Then we all separated into various groups to go through some tough agility drills. I did pretty well on the agility drills because as a running back you have to have quick feet, something I have been working on all summer. Once the agility work was complete,  we focused on defensive back drills which was a great experience for me because guarding someone closely one on one is essential in football. We worked on pass drops and shifting our speed at the correct time to learn to get the interceptions. There was one rep where I jumped up and caught the ball with one hand and that seemed to get everyone around me hyped up. My Shady Side Academy football team mate, Deacon Durham and I were on fire, and many of the coaches continued to challenge us with harder drills. 

While participating in the camps, I usually like to start off on offense drills but decided to switch it up and get on defense and I did not hold back because this was a great time to show off your skills. Once the ball was snapped, I was as physical as I could be and barely let the player off the line and once we got to start his route I was right there with him and I grabbed the ball out of the air for an interception. That had to be my best DB play, I am finally getting a feel for how you properly guard someone, thanks to camps like this one and my  SSA football summer training. I then proceeded to run six more routes against the players and I dominated each one. I focused on two key people to run against because everyone else seemed to be no competition.  Near the end of the camp we went back out to run some more 1v1s and this is where it got interesting and competitive. Everyone crowded to one spot to watch five players including Deacon and myself go against each other in more 1v1s. Once it was my turn to run on the first route I was jammed at the line by a player and couldn’t even get off to run my route. I was caught off guard, but I didn't just give up there, I told everyone to run it back so I could redeem myself and that’s exactly what I did. I exploded off the line and dusted the DB then I turned around and the ball floated in the air, it wasn’t really a good pass but I didn’t give up, I hunted the ball down and got the completion. Don’t give up, the play is still in action, I learned to trust myself.  (Check out the play on my twitter account: https://twitter.com/ReignBeckham

At the end of the camp, well known Pittsburgh King of football training,  Dwayne Brown (aka D. Brown) owner of  2 Tenths Speed & Agility Training, who trains Donald, offered the best advice to camp participants. “You did an excellent job today, you got to keep moving and keep improving, that’s the most important, you need to have good grades, listen to your coaches and parents. You need to know how to take direction. A lot of you guys who have some talent but you need to learn how to take directions or you are not going anywhere.”  

I loved this football camp experience and it was one of the best I attended so far this summer.  I would definitely recommend this camp to future athletes who want to improve their football skills and techniques. At the end of the day, what made this experience extra special was the legend himself, Aaron Donald who truly demonstrates on and off the field that he has the Heart of a Champion. Not only does he provide this free camp, but he also holds an Annual Prep Forward Program for male African American high school student-athletes to be able to receive access to the organization’s tuition-free academic, athletic, and life skills programming. This tuition-free educational program is offered to African American student-athletes, ages 13-18, throughout Allegheny County.

For me, the most important lesson I learned from one of the greatest NFL players, our Pittsburgh hometown hero, Aaron Donald, “don’t talk about it, be about it.”

Isaiah Beckham 

June 29, 2021

Isaiah Reign Beckham

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReignBeckham

Over 400 athletes from around the country showed up to attend The University of Pittsburgh’s Rising Star Camp 1, held June 6th at the UPMC Sports Complex, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

From Compton, California to New York City, the athletes sporting their new gear, with their game day faces intact, stepped into the facility prepared to showcase their talent.  

As a rising sophomore at Shady Side Academy, who signed up in the running back category, this was going to be my first football camp experience, and I really had no idea what to expect, but I felt I was in shape and ready to enjoy the day. The venue was held where the Steelers train and to be able to practice in this magnificent facility was a dream come true. Just knowing the Pittsburgh Steelers new running back Najee Harris' was just practicing on the field, made the venue extra special especially for someone like me who would love to play for the Steelers. Having the Pitt Panthers host this sold out event, you can especially appreciate the fact they have nine championships and to be able to interact one on one with the Pitt coaches was worth the sixty bucks for the camp.  

The high school athletes understood this was a great opportunity to show off their skills to the college coaches who came to watch, teach and elevate our game. For some of the athletes this just might be the last chance to get noticed, so its serious business to impress the coaches. 

We first broke off to participate in a combine which consisted of the 40 yard dash, broad jump, and line runs. These are the basic skills you need to work on, because the coaches are keeping stats on these particular skills. This felt like the American Idol competition of football, you really just don’t know what exactly coaches are looking for in a high school athlete especially at these camps. I am told, they perhaps have already identified some of the athletes they are interested in, and of course always looking for new talent.   

In the running back category, there were about thirty athletes who joined me for our drills. Decked out in my shiny new all black helmet (which got really hot) one of our coaches proceeded to teach us how to get off of tackles when using a stiff arm more effectively and also how to have quicker feet when making cuts and spins. The Pitt coaches were willing to help us improve our game, they were very encouraging in their training details. I really enjoyed most the 1v1s (player vs player) because I was able to show off my skills and also get direct coaching that can help in an in-game situation. This was an opportunity where the coaches and players can watch you closer instead of a large group of players. 

I learned while attending this camp, it’s not all about the brawn, you have to get your brain focused while in High School. The resounding message from the coaches is the fact that academics does matter, you need to keep your GPA up as high as you can (prefer over 3.5) because that will help you get noticed by more college recruits. When it comes to your overall effort, that is where you need to have the heart of a champion, you need to give 100 percent effort in your preparation to play football. You need to get faster in your running game, build a stronger body through weights, keep your body healthy by always hydrating and eating healthy meals. You need to also improve your agility by setting up cones or an agility ladder and just going through simple footwork drills. It is the small stuff that counts and if you focus every day on one aspect of your body then you will see the biggest change when you step onto the field, your game will ultimately improve. 

Overall this camp experience was worth going to because it showed me new ways of improving my techniques as an athlete and as a student. If you dream of attending a D-1 college like Pitt, this camp provides athletes exposure to their coaches, other talented players and more importantly you have a better idea of what colleges are looking for in future players. 

This camp was the real deal, no one was sugar coating the process, if you even get looked at from college recruiters it’s going to take that extra effort work ethic on and off the field. Character matters, researching schools matter, having your social media highlight tape current and available for busy coaches to review is also important.   

At the end of the camp day, after experiencing six hours going through training drills in 88 degree weather, I was exhausted, hungry and even more encouraged to pursue football because of the Pitt camp experience. Just keeping it 100, the talent is fierce, but I will encourage you to participate in the Pitt camp in the future or any upcoming football camps because it truly opens your eyes up to the dedication and determination you need to get recruited by colleges. When you walk away from the camp experience hopefully you feel like I did that you love the game of football even more.  

Stability has always been a staple for the Steelers, and that stability is evident today as the team announced head coach Mike Tomlin has been signed to a three-year contract extension. The extension will keep Tomlin at the helm through at least the 2024 season.

"I am pleased to announce we have extended Mike Tomlin's contract through the 2024 season," said Steelers President Art Rooney II. "Mike is one of the most successful head coaches in the National Football League, and we are confident in his leadership to continue to lead our team as we work to win another championship."

Tomlin, who was hired in 2007, will enter his 15th season with the team in 2021 and is only the third Steelers head coach since the 1969 season, joining Hall of Famers Chuck Noll (1969-91) and Bill Cowher (1992-2006) during that time frame.

"I am extremely grateful for this contract extension and want to thank Art Rooney II and everyone in the organization for the support in my first 14 seasons," said Tomlin. "We have a goal of winning the organization's seventh Super Bowl championship, and I couldn't be more enthusiastic about this upcoming season."

Tomlin is currently the third longest tenured head coach in the NFL. In 2020 he tied late coach Marty Schottenheimer, joining him as the only two head coaches in NFL history to have 14 consecutive non-losing seasons to begin their NFL careers.

From the time he arrived in Pittsburgh, Tomlin found success. He became the youngest head coach in NFL history to both coach in and win a Super Bowl when the Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals, 27-23, in Super Bowl XLIII. At the time Tomlin was 36 years, 323 days old. By winning the Super Bowl in only his second season as a head coach, he also became the fastest to win a Super Bowl title in Steelers' history.

In 14 seasons Tomlin led the Steelers to seven AFC North titles, including 2020, nine playoff berths, and two Super Bowl (XLIII and XLV) appearances.

Tomlin has a 145-78-1 (.650) regular season record, ranking 12th in NFL history with a regular season record of 67 games over .500. The 145 regular season wins are tied for 21st overall in NFL history and are third most among active NFL head coaches. In addition, his .650-win percentage in the regular season ranks second among active head coaches, with a minimum of 100 games, in the NFL and ranks 11th in NFL history.

Source: Steelers.com

Who could have prepared my football teammates and I at Shady Side Academy for the summer of 2020, for me, it is going down in history as one of the most unpredictable, frustrating, upside down you turn me seasons I have ever encountered. Of course, this is due to the COVID-19 pandemic scare which hit our team with such a great force like a lineman tackling a quarterback without much protection. 

Let me backup, it was Spring, March 2020 to be exact, and as an eighth grader, I was anxiously trying to get out of middle school, when COVID-19 reared its ugly head. Students were forced out of our daily school routines and rushed into an online learning experience to be located at home for about three months without much notice or preparation. The online experience was confusing and a little strange in the beginning, it did not feel normal to not be around my classmates, but once I got my ZOOM skills down, I persevered.  Needless to say, I missed connecting with my friends and my teachers in person, its hard to recreate the excitement and action that takes place in a classroom, for me it is an important part of the overall learning experience. During my online instruction in the spring, my mom was always looking over my shoulder while I sat at the kitchen table and my dogs were enjoying biting my toes during my endless ZOOMS, but still online learning could not take the place of being at Shady Side Academy for a regular school day with my classmates and teachers.     

Like many people surviving the pandemic here in the United States and around the world we believed by summer COVID-19 would be a thing of the past, this horrific historic disaster, would be brief and just like that life would soon be back to normal, at least by summer, right? Not.  Unfortunately, here we are in the middle of August and the virus still has deadly tentacles that continues to spread ferociously, touching everyone’s lives in unpredictable and sadly harmful ways even for us athletes who dream of playing football. I was excited about participating in summer football camp at SSA that kicked off in June. I envisioned my life as a football player taking off especially since this is the first time I would be practicing on a High School team. I was relieved when football practice for the summer was not cancelled, however while the powers that be sorted out our football destiny, we had a few moments of interruption and uncertainty. When we got the green light to continue practice through the summer most of my teammates and I were relieved and we understood we would have to practice differently under COVID-19, no doubt this would not be your regular football season.    

Your football game strategy and techniques needs to be on point especially with COVID-19 looming over the field,  social distancing with my passionate teammates who are eager to run a cool play and throw a football is a new challenge. You better keep your stride and forget about the fact that we had to wait four long weeks before we could even touch a football. On the long hot 90 degree days, you better make sure you have your own water jug, no sharing sips and stories around the big Gatorade cooler, remember to stand 6-feet apart (this is always on your mind.) Don’t forget your plays and get into formation, run the ball, COVID-19 rules, they exist, they are real and required.  

While COVID-19 has tried to take away everything good this summer, I’m thankful that our team, one of the few in the region is still able to practice and come together. While the politics continue over whether or not we will have a season, I still enjoy my football practice even with the extra safety precautions and the major changes required and necessary. As part of the precautions, every morning our temperature is taken and we are asked questions regarding our travel activities. My teammates diligently wear our masks for most of our practice and we place our items in a small hoop, making sure not to contaminate anything. Overall, everyone is working hard at following the social distancing rules because we understand the importance of why we have the guidelines in the first place is to help keep us safe and alive.   

My favorite part of every practice is when we go to lift weights, in smaller groups, with masks secured, my teammates and I turn up the music and focus on our goals of winning. Moments like this help me escape the harsh reality of COVID-19 and I am thankful that our football camp was not canceled. I appreciate the camaraderie of the players and how important it is for my mental and physical growth overall. I realize so many other players in other school districts have already canceled their football seasons and fall athletics, and I understand the difficult decisions that many people have to make because of COVID-19. These are tough decisions for families, school administrators, coaches, lawmakers, and the athletes but in the face of adversity we are all learning important lessons about life and how precious these moments are sometimes we have to run the most difficult plays to get to the end zone.         

My coach, Chuck DiNardo at Shady Side Academy emphasizes during practice to work hard at everything that you do, and when you show up for practice be ready to do your best. He also tells us to  thank our parents and others who are making sacrifices for us to be able to practice, and more importantly we should not take them for granted especially during this deadly pandemic.  

TO BE OR NOT TO BE, indeed, this is the question that sums up our football season-- whether or not we will have a season come fall is still up in the air and a heated political hot potato, I am not sure who really wins in the end. While the politics about the season continues to be sorted out, I can appreciate that everyone on my football team still comes to work hard every practice and we all have respect for each other, our coaches, and our equipment and stadium. More importantly, our team focuses on respect and trust the most. Coach DiNardo, aka “Coach D” says that he wants to be able to trust us to keep working hard even when we are tired. We are tired of this pandemic, but our spirits are not broken by the desire to continue to play a game that means so much to us young athletes.    

As our social distancing rules continues, for me football is still a great escape from this pandemic, sincere props go out to Coach DiNardo, Coach Charles Calabrese “Breezy,” Coach Dave Havern, Coach Josh Frechette, and Coach Alex Bellinotti for their dedication and leadership throughout the summer practice. Indeed, I am a better player because of their relentless commitment and support through this highly unusual, unpredictable but need I say, worthwhile summer of football. Whether we play football or not will continue to be debated, I hope those marking the decisions understand most of us athletes still care about what actions take place. What resonates with me during these turbulent times, is our SSA football chant after each practice where my teammates and I come together to shout loud and proud: “Family on 3.  1. 2. 3. Family.” Family is what matters the most and sometimes it comes in the form of a football team, and sometimes in a family we learn crucial life long lessons during difficult situations like this dreadful pandemic, these are the moments that you need to be strong, stay focused and keep grinding!    

Isaiah Beckham, PUM Contributor 

August 17, 2020

Who could have prepared my football teammates and I at Shady Side Academy for the summer of 2020, for me, it is going down in history as one of the most unpredictable, frustrating, upside down you turn me seasons I have ever encountered. Of course, this is due to the COVID-19 pandemic scare which hit our team with such a great force like a lineman tackling a quarterback without much protection. 

Let me backup, it was Spring, March 2020 to be exact, and as an eighth grader, I was anxiously trying to get out of middle school, when COVID-19 reared its ugly head. Students were forced out of our daily school routines and rushed into an online learning experience to be located at home for about three months without much notice or preparation. The online experience was confusing and a little strange in the beginning, it did not feel normal to not be around my classmates, but once I got my ZOOM skills down, I persevered.  Needless to say, I missed connecting with my friends and my teachers in person, its hard to recreate the excitement and action that takes place in a classroom, for me it is an important part of the overall learning experience. During my online instruction in the spring, my mom was always looking over my shoulder while I sat at the kitchen table and my dogs were enjoying biting my toes during my endless ZOOMS, but still online learning could not take the place of being at Shady Side Academy for a regular school day with my classmates and teachers.     

Like many people surviving the pandemic here in the United States and around the world we believed by summer COVID-19 would be a thing of the past, this horrific historic disaster, would be brief and just like that life would soon be back to normal, at least by summer, right? Not.  Unfortunately, here we are in the middle of August and the virus still has deadly tentacles that continues to spread ferociously, touching everyone’s lives in unpredictable and sadly harmful ways even for us athletes who dream of playing football. I was excited about participating in summer football camp at SSA that kicked off in June. I envisioned my life as a football player taking off especially since this is the first time I would be practicing on a High School team. I was relieved when football practice for the summer was not cancelled, however while the powers that be sorted out our football destiny, we had a few moments of interruption and uncertainty. When we got the green light to continue practice through the summer most of my teammates and I were relieved and we understood we would have to practice differently under COVID-19, no doubt this would not be your regular football season.    

Your football game strategy and techniques needs to be on point especially with COVID-19 looming over the field,  social distancing with my passionate teammates who are eager to run a cool play and throw a football is a new challenge. You better keep your stride and forget about the fact that we had to wait four long weeks before we could even touch a football. On the long hot 90 degree days, you better make sure you have your own water jug, no sharing sips and stories around the big Gatorade cooler, remember to stand 6-feet apart (this is always on your mind.) Don’t forget your plays and get into formation, run the ball, COVID-19 rules, they exist, they are real and required.  

While COVID-19 has tried to take away everything good this summer, I’m thankful that our team, one of the few in the region is still able to practice and come together. While the politics continue over whether or not we will have a season, I still enjoy my football practice even with the extra safety precautions and the major changes required and necessary. As part of the precautions, every morning our temperature is taken and we are asked questions regarding our travel activities. My teammates diligently wear our masks for most of our practice and we place our items in a small hoop, making sure not to contaminate anything. Overall, everyone is working hard at following the social distancing rules because we understand the importance of why we have the guidelines in the first place is to help keep us safe and alive.   

My favorite part of every practice is when we go to lift weights, in smaller groups, with masks secured, my teammates and I turn up the music and focus on our goals of winning. Moments like this help me escape the harsh reality of COVID-19 and I am thankful that our football camp was not canceled. I appreciate the camaraderie of the players and how important it is for my mental and physical growth overall. I realize so many other players in other school districts have already canceled their football seasons and fall athletics, and I understand the difficult decisions that many people have to make because of COVID-19. These are tough decisions for families, school administrators, coaches, lawmakers, and the athletes but in the face of adversity we are all learning important lessons about life and how precious these moments are sometimes we have to run the most difficult plays to get to the end zone.         

My coach, Chuck DiNardo at Shady Side Academy emphasizes during practice to work hard at everything that you do, and when you show up for practice be ready to do your best. He also tells us to  thank our parents and others who are making sacrifices for us to be able to practice, and more importantly we should not take them for granted especially during this deadly pandemic.  

TO BE OR NOT TO BE, indeed, this is the question that sums up our football season-- whether or not we will have a season come fall is still up in the air and a heated political hot potato, I am not sure who really wins in the end. While the politics about the season continues to be sorted out, I can appreciate that everyone on my football team still comes to work hard every practice and we all have respect for each other, our coaches, and our equipment and stadium. More importantly, our team focuses on respect and trust the most. Coach DiNardo, aka “Coach D” says that he wants to be able to trust us to keep working hard even when we are tired. We are tired of this pandemic, but our spirits are not broken by the desire to continue to play a game that means so much to us young athletes.    

As our social distancing rules continues, for me football is still a great escape from this pandemic, sincere props go out to Coach DiNardo, Coach Charles Calabrese “Breezy,” Coach Dave Havern, Coach Josh Frechette, and Coach Alex Bellinotti for their dedication and leadership throughout the summer practice. Indeed, I am a better player because of their relentless commitment and support through this highly unusual, unpredictable but need I say, worthwhile summer of football. Whether we play football or not will continue to be debated, I hope those marking the decisions understand most of us athletes still care about what actions take place. What resonates with me during these turbulent times, is our SSA football chant after each practice where my teammates and I come together to shout loud and proud: “Family on 3.  1. 2. 3. Family.” Family is what matters the most and sometimes it comes in the form of a football team, and sometimes in a family we learn crucial life long lessons during difficult situations like this dreadful pandemic, these are the moments that you need to be strong, stay focused and keep grinding!    

Isaiah Beckham, PUM Contributor 

August 17, 2020

 Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Charles Johnson has died at age 50. His death was announced by his employer, Heritage High School in Wake Forest, South Carolina. His cause of death has not been released.

 He joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 1999, spending two seasons playing for Andy Reid, who also joined the Eagles in 1999 as a first-time head coach. Johnson started all 16 games in 2000, ending the season with 56 catches and seven touchdowns, tying his career best. He moved on to the New England Patriots in 2001, where he won his first and only Super Bowl alongside young quarterback Tom Brady. Johnson joined the Buffalo Bills in 2002 for what would be his final NFL season.