STEELERS NOTEBOOK

Running back Willie Parker took part in his second parade in just over a month when he was in Pittsburgh's St. Patrick's Day Parade. Parker rode in the back of a pickup truck during the parade and was welcomed with plenty of cheers by Steelers fans along the route, who for this day were wearing green instead of black and gold.   

Parker has held several autograph sessions since the Super Bowl and has received a warm welcome by Steelers fans whenever he is out and about in the community.

 

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Offensive tackle Max Starks will be signing autographs at PNC Bank at the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills on Saturday, March 18 from 12 noon – 1 p.m.

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Former Steelers defensive lineman Jeremy Staat just completed a training camp different from anything he faced in the NFL. Staat, who played for the Steelers from 1998-2000, graduated from the San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depot.

 

"Enlisting is probably one of the best decisions I've made in my life," said Staat after the ceremony.

 

Staat was inspired to join because of his former roommate at Arizona State, Pat Tillman. Tillman was killed in April of 2004 while serving as an Army Ranger.

 

Staat dropped from 310 to 260 pounds before enlisting.

 

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Terry Bradshaw was among those who watched the Steelers win Super Bowl XL, but there were a lot of tense moments for him during the game.

 

"The first half scared me to death," said Bradshaw. "I felt that Ben (Roethlisberger) was pressing and pushing, yet the game was close. I couldn't sit still. I was up and around, in and out of the kitchen. I would light another cigar. It drove me crazy."

 

But when all was said and done, Bradshaw was proud of his former team.

 

"When they won it, it was the coolest thing in the world," said Bradshaw. "They got one for the thumb. Young Ben got one. Jerome (Bettis) got his ring. Bill Cowher got his ring. The Rooney family and the city got it's fifth and we are now one of three teams to have five. I am very proud."

 

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Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh reaped the benefits of the Steelers victory over the Seahawks in Super Bowl XL. On Monday Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onarato donated a Microsoft Xbox 360 Core System, seven video games and accessories to the hospital.

Onarato won the video package in a bet with Ron Sims, executive of King County, Washington.

Onorato also won four dozen Washington apples and several pounds of smoked salmon and cheese, which he donated to the Rainbow Kitchen Community Services, Homestead.