The state of the country has been out of whack since the coronavirus pandemic began in early March. After being told to stay inside for the foreseeable future, the United States now is dealing with not only COVID-19, but social unrest after the death of George Floyd.
Professional athletes, teams and leagues have pledged to do more. To be better. And ultimately, to stand up for what is right and ethical. But doing so comes with challenges. Athletes who perform on a regular basis for fans are not just placed on a pedestal, but also have a platform from which they can speak their minds and reach thousands, sometimes millions, of people.
The athlete, and who employs them, might not matter much to many, but to the athlete, it makes a difference. In a recent interview with local reporters, Steven Nelson spoke about how the Steelers organization has been a blessing for him as he approaches his sixth year in the league.
When asked if the team had cancelled any meetings, or broached the subject of race with the team, Nelson was more than candid with his response.
"We didn’t cancel any meetings." Nelson said. "That doesn’t mean our coaches aren’t sensitive to what’s going on. It just means we didn’t cancel any meetings."
Nelson was drafted by the Chiefs, and has only known two organizations during his NFL tenure, but he knows what separates the Steelers from other teams.
"They just let you be yourself. It’s not walking on egg shells around there. You see Mr. Rooney and his family. They always come down. You talk about ownership, he’s always in the building speaking to us. It feels at home from top to bottom. Coach Tomlin is a very down-to-earth guy. He’s a player’s coach. That whole locker room, the whole organization, from the janitors to the lunch staff, the training staff, it’s one big family. I felt I should shine some light on that. I just wanted to show appreciation. I felt that energy in my first year in Pittsburgh."
The quote at the end refers to a tweet he posted on his verified Twitter account shortly before jumping on the conference call with reporters.
So glad I’m in Pittsburgh man y’all don’t even know the half the bond between owner coach players and staff is second to none best place for a player to be a lot of places can’t say that and trust me I know I seen it
— Steve Nelson (@Nelson_Island) June 4, 2020
Nelson was open about the locker room, and how it is a sacred place. As NFL teams anxiously await the 2020 regular season and being back with teammates, he doesn't foresee there being any issues or divide within the team.
"I’ve always felt that the locker room is a place for unity because you have all types of races that you’re around and you feel that brotherhood. We don’t really feel racism that much inside the locker room. We can can joke around with each other and nobody gets offended. That’s what you want to have. With our platform, yes we have a voice, we can try to spread that love we have in our locker room to the whole world."
For the Steelers players who have spoken publicly, the message is about being positive. Shining light during a very dark time.
"I’m all for positivity and trying to do things the right way." Nelson said. "That’s just me. This isn’t just in America. There are protests across the world. It’s a big deal. I think if it doesn’t change all of it, I think it changes a great amount of it."
During an interview last week, James Conner echoed Nelson's sentiments.
"I’m trying to promote togetherness and unity. Obviously, what’s going on is very wrong. For me, I’m going to continue to promote togetherness and unity. We need change and that starts with hope with the younger generation coming up. It’s on us and young parents. I’m not a parent, but it’s on parents to teach their kids about unity and togetherness and how we’re stronger together."
Issues which are being discussed aren't going away anytime soon, and players knowing their coach, teammates and owner have their back is paramount for players looking to be supported.
The Steelers organization has long been known as more than just a family-operated business. It has been called a family for decades. Under Art Rooney II's leadership, that continues to be the narrative, and one which helps players to navigate these waters.
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