Fashion forward: Steelers walk the runway for charity

Forget about walking the red carpet, for the Pittsburgh Steelers the runway was green, complete with hash marks and yard markers.

The annual Rock Steelers Style fashion event was Friday at Stage AE on Pittsburgh’s North Side. The theme was “Gameday — Fashion Edition.”

More than 40 players and their families definitely brought their “A” game. They showcased their fashion looks for 700 guests, many dressed in black and gold.

There were even some “swag” awards given.

“I love this show because we get to see the players out of their element,” said Greta Rooney, co-chair of the event with her husband, Steelers President Art Rooney II, and head coach Mike Tomlin and his wife, Kiya. “You see them in suits and with their families. You get to see their style and individual personalities. That’s why we call it ‘Rock Steelers Style.’ ”

Greta Rooney said the hype has grown over the years for this event.

“The fans love it because they get to see the players without their helmets and uniform and wearing clothes that reflect their off-the-field style,” she said.

Greta and Art Rooney II, along with Mike Tomlin, welcomed the guests. Kiya Tomlin was out of the country with their daughter who competes in gymnastics.

Art Rooney thanked the crowd for helping the team get ready for actual game day. The Steelers host rival Baltimore Ravens at 1 p.m. Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.

The fashion event benefits the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program, Cancer Bridges and the Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research.

The event has raised millions.

Former Steeler Merril Hoge gave a video presentation for his support of the event and raising money for concussion research — which he knows first-hand from experiencing head trauma. He said it is about the journey of life and overcoming those challenges along the way. He talked about the Rooney family being woven into the fabric of Pittsburgh.

Art Rooney II said it is important to continue to support these charities that are doing a great job keeping the athletes and people of Pittsburgh healthy.

“What’s up Steeler Nation? It’s Ravens … I mean it’s the Steeler fashion show,” Mike Tomlin said. “My wife is the fashionista. I thank you all for being here and supporting these good causes.”

Tomlin introduced linebacker Alex Highsmith and running back Najee Harris, the evening’s co-captains.

Highsmith said it is such a cool event for great causes.

“It is awesome to be a part of it,” Highsmith said.

Harris thanked his teammates for being there, knowing it’s a busy week because the Ravens are coming to town.

The event was divided into four quarters and a halftime just like games in the National Football League. It is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser. Sponsors were the Neighborhood Ford Store, PNC, UPMC and UPMC Health Plan.

Wide receiver Allen Robinson II and cornerback Patrick Peterson and family won swag awards voted on by Highsmith and Harris and the applause from the crowd.

The event opened with the playing of the song “Black and Yellow” by Pittsburgh’s own Wiz Khalifa. The game-day tune “Renegade,” often heard at Acrisure Stadium, got the crowd hyped. There were performances by hip-hop dancers.

Star disc jockey Selecta was spinning the tunes.

There were sideline reporters and a halftime show. Players got to choose their music to walk the runway.

Kiya Tomlin, a fashion designer, created several looks for her National Football League line, including T-shirts with sayings inspired by her husband.

Demeatria Boccella, creative director for the show, said it’s a full-on multimedia production. Boccella said fashion is huge among professional athletes as a way to express themselves.

This year featured a family connection with brothers Cam and Connor Heyward, Nick and Nate Herbig and father and son Joey Porter and Joey Porter Jr.

“The Rooney family embraces family,” Boccella said. “Everyone who is part of this organization is part of the Rooney family. And tonight we celebrated that family.”

A silent auction goes through Oct. 13. Details can be found here.