Steelers new head coach, Greenfield native Mike McCarthy got immediately choked up as he took the microphone.
The former head coach of the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys was unable to hold back his emotions as he takes over the most high-profile job in Pittsburgh, his hometown.
"Often times coaches and players, you know, you put on new team colors and it takes a minute to feel comfortable in those new colors, but to be blessed beyond any measure, one day to put on the colors you wore since you were brought home…,” McCarthy said before getting emotional and jokingly blaming it on his family being in the front row.
Steelers president Art Rooney, who introduced McCarthy, mentioned today is his grandfather's birthday (The Chief) and he would love to have had a man from Greenfield. Art then said being from Pittsburgh had little to do with the hire.
“I understand the weight that comes with this opportunity, this fan base means the world to me. It's just awesome to be back here.” McCarthy said fighting back tears.
He also said his family is thankful they can pull out their Steelers gears gear away.
He said the ultimate goal is to put a 7th Lombardi trophy in the Steelers case, and when they do, he says the parade will begin in at his childhood home, 1137 Greenfield Avenue.
McCarthy now will need to build his coaching staff.
He also talked about being out of the NFL for a year and said he was grateful to spend that time with family.