PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – He rarely does interviews. Doesn’t talk much around his teammates. What Larry Ogunjobi did was talk with his actions and that has led him to be the Steelers Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for excellence on and off the field.
Ogunjobi doesn’t seek attention about what he does and it’s a lot. He set up his ‘First of Many Foundation’ which directly relates to his upbringing as a first-generation Nigerian American. He credits his parents for having ‘a heart of giving’ and watched them give when they had nothing. He said it’s his responsibility and obligation to help people in need and kind of be a light for people.
He’s worked with the Boys and Girls Club of Western PA and the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh’s Black Male and Female Leadership Development Program. He will partner with ‘Hello Neighbor’ this month that supports over 30 families resettling in Pittsburgh to help with household items, food, clothing and other resources.
“He moves in silence,” said 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year Cam Heyward Thursday. “He’s like a superhero, he’s just trying to get the job done. He helps out so many different people. I love that it didn’t just start during the season, it was the offseason.”
“Honestly he doesn’t really talk about too much,” said defensive lineman Montravius Adams. “Things like that people don’t necessarily talk about because there is no reason to brag when you are doing something like that. It helps you grow and other people grow.”
“Just a great dude and he’s one of those guys who is a little bit quieter,” said defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk. “You see the work he’s out there doing in the community. Always willing to help whatever it is. You just have to go ask him. I know a lot of people are glad he’s getting the recognition he deserves.”
“There is a bigger message, I think it’s about the people you actually touch and help,” Ogunjobi said. “When you actually play a role in their lives and try to help in a pivotal way. I think that’s the most important thing.”
“As somebody who has been a recipient of somebody changing a life, I think it’s everything. The right person believing in you. The right conversation, the right gesture can go a long way and completing change the trajectory of a life. When you can be that light for people. You can be that person for somebody else. It’s an amazing opportunity and obligation.
Heyward said he wishes Ogunjobi would be more vocal about the things he does because a number of guys on the team would like to help him with his work. That’s not who the 30-year-old is. It’s not how he’s wired.
“When you are a guy like Larry O. there is no reason to say anything,” Adams added. “You know you are doing God’s work and it’s a blessing.”
In his second-year, defensive lineman Keeanu Benton has seen their captain and defensive lineman, Heyward, win the award and the guy on the other side, Ogunjobi, be nominated. Those two are not only helping out with their charity work right now, but helping set an example for the younger players.
“Off the field he’s a big role model for me,” Benton said of Ogunjobi. “He’s one of those guys who is really soft-spoken, real quiet. I feel like that goes to show how selfless he is. How humble he is. I plan to walk in those footsteps as well.”
“It definitely wears off on you. It makes you realize how big it is, bigger than just football.”
“I think it’s super-humbling,” Ogunjobi said. “Obviously Cam got to win it last year. I feel like he set that example for so many years prior to winning. Just a tremendous honor, a tremendous blessing. I’m very thankful to represent the Pittsburgh Steelers as the Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.”