It has never been my intention to use this column as a sounding board in referencing the Pittsburgh Steelers. Apologies if you see it that way.
Yes, I understand my last two columns have dealt with the Steelers, namely the situations surrounding Aaron Rodgers and T.J. Watt. However, the following is a storyline that received minimal media attention and a splattering of social media posts. My feelings are that it needs to be presented in a column.
Approaching the start of NFL Training Camp 2025, the way the Steelers brain trust handled the George Pickens ordeal by trading him to the Dallas Cowboys is resemblant of Albert Einstein. Pure genius.
There was never a doubt about the athletic ability of Pickens; unfortunately, his on-field, sideline, locker room and off-field antics ultimately lead to his demise and signaled the end of his career as a Steeler.
Pickens, it seems, saved the best for last as his coup de grace was basically dumping on a group of 6- to 16-year-old aspiring football campers. Even though he said he wouldn’t, even after his trade to Dallas, Pickens once again showed his true colors when he bailed on his commitment to host the TruEdge Sports Football Camp.
The camp was to have been held earlier this month at Highmark Stadium on Pittsburgh’s South Side and was subsequently canceled. The cancellation left the parents of all pre-registered campers wondering if it would be rescheduled or if a refund was forthcoming.
Although the camp was not directly related to the Steelers, Pickens agreed to host the event as (at the time) a member of the Steelers and the camp’s PR department promoted it as such.
Word quickly spread throughout Western Pennsylvania like a wildfire scorching acres of timber in its path. It would only be a matter of time before word of this camp failure would reach the right set of ears.
Enter current Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth, who along with his teammates and the organization jumped into action to seemingly save the day — or in this case, the camp. Freiermuth agreed to step in and use his name and face, serving as the player role model/sponsor of the camp that was put on hold. Camp will now take place Sunday, July 20, at the same venue, Highmark Stadium.
TruEdge Sports hosts youth football camps throughout the United States in markets that have professional football teams, relying on players from those markets to step up and agree to host the camps as a sort of a drawing card.
Freiermuth, when made aware of the situation, jumped on board to ensure the camp would proceed. The organization pledged its support by whatever means necessary to further ensure a successful experience and camp for all in attendance.
The TruEdge mission statement is: “We provide more than just football camps; we create unforgettable experiences that empower young athletes.” Campers learn from their role models, forge lasting friendships and develop essential skills to reach their full potential both on and off the field.
For their admission fee, campers will receive a one-on-one photo opportunity, hands-on instruction, free camp T-shirt and guaranteed athlete interaction.
A short time after Freiermuth agreed to host the camp, teammate Alex Highsmith checked his availability and agreed to join the camp staff. The Steelers organization agreed to supply an autograph to each camper along with any other Steelers who may stop on the day of the camp.
During the camp, Freiermuth, Highsmith and the camp coaching staff will lead campers through a series of drills in a structured, competitive and positive environment. Athletes will be grouped by age to maintain a 15:1 camper-to-coach ratio, ensuring personalized instruction and meaningful interactions with Freiermuth and Highsmith. The camp is designed to accommodate all skill levels.
I can tell you from personal experience and meeting Pat and Alex numerous times at charity events, you would be hard pressed to find two men who are so willing to give of their spare time to lend a helping hand. Especially if those charities involve youths of any age. That was very evident the first time I met both at the Cam Heyward Three Rivers Celebrity Softball Classic years ago.
Both were polite and professional, and they spent as much time as they could interacting with an abundance of people of all ages. They joked and had fun with as many fans as possible, solidifying themselves as black & gold fan favorites. Freiermuth and Highsmith are class acts both on and off the field, both humbled that they are professional athletes. They’re always mindful of where they came from and how hard the road was for each of them to attain their dream of playing in the NFL.
I’ve never had the opportunity to meet Freiermuth’s parents but from our conversations I firmly believe many of his characteristics and qualities came from them.
On the other hand, I have had the pleasure of meeting Highsmith’s parents, Sam and Pamela Highsmith, on several occasions. They are both caring, loving, God-fearing people firmly rooted in their beliefs and have passed the aforementioned along to their son as well as their daughter Lauryn.
Members of the Highsmith family have always made time to interact with me, leading to pleasant, insightful, informative conversations. In today’s world that may seem unthinkable as I will always be thankful and honored for their time and friendship.
To Pat and Alex, thank you for swooping in and saving the day — in this case the camp — like the “Supermen” you are. You both epitomize the saying of the 1970s, “Super Steelers.” You both are the epitome of that slogan.
Photos by Mike Longo Jr.
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