By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com

PHOTO ALBUM

 

A recent survey proved that Pittsburgh is a hotbed for female NFL fans and that was evident when the Steelers hosted the Annual Dean’s Dairy Football 202 for Women at their practice facility at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex.

 

One of the main attractions was the opportunity to see the team’s five Super Bowl Trophies and they way they are displayed in the team’s library.

 

“It is something different to do,” said participant Kelly Fortuna, taking part in her first Steelers ladies event. “To walk into the facility and see everything is breathtaking. Just to be here seeing things that we might not otherwise be able to see.”

 

The ladies spent time in the team meeting room learning the X’s and O’s of the game from secondary coach Ray Horton and special teams coach Bob Ligashesky.

 

They had the chance to put that knowledge to work when they headed to the indoor practice field where kicker Jeff Reed taught them the finer points of kicking and special teams, wide receiver Nate Washington put them through receiving drills and cornerback Bryant McFadden got them working on their defensive skills.

 

Decked out in their black and gold and favorite player jerseys they made some great catches and showed they aren’t just fans, but they have some talent as well. 

 

Dinner was served in the team cafeteria and there was also a tour of the locker room, which provided everyone a chance to have their picture taken in front of their favorite player’s locker and marvel over how many shoes the players have.

 

“My grandfather held season tickets for 50 years,” said Fortuna. “He took me to my first game when I was eight. It’s just a passion for me because of my grandfather. He brought me into this. There is something inside you just can’t explain.”