Stephon Tuitt is teaming up with Pittsburgh Police to continue a tradition that was started by retired center Maurkice Pouncey.
The Steelers defensive end who is currently on the team’s reserve/injured list will be donated 25 tickets to each home game to the Pittsburgh Police who will then take youths in various police zones to the games, “allowing them to build a relationship based on trust, as both sides can get to know each other better in a relaxed environment.”
The Police and kids will also go to a tailgate at Stage AE before going into the game.
"It's an honor to continue this program after having Maurkice build it to what it has become. The opportunity to follow his path as a great representative for our organization is special," said Tuitt. "This is huge from a community standpoint. To be able to have the police interact with the city is a great way to show a unified front. It's a great way for the city and the community to come together all while enjoying a football game, eating together and fellowshipping.
"If you can get a mentor from this program, that's great, because you never know where the next one may come from.
I see these officers as contributors to society and the young people can get the opportunity to see people that are trying to do good in the community to keep it safe."
Pouncey began the program in 2017.
At the beginning of the month, defensive coordinator Keith Butler revealed that Tuitt is dealing with a knee injury and has put on some extra weight.
On top of that, Tuitt and his family are still trying to cope with the tragic death of his brother in a hit-and-run accident, one that his mother witnessed.
There is no telling when Tuitt will be back on the field, but his first opportunity will be in Week Four when they travel to Green Bay.
Defensive captain Cam Heyward said earlier this week that everyone thinks Tuitt will play this season, they’re just not sure when.