Former Steelers take the stage to honor Casey Hampton for charity

Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman, Casey Hampton, had the honor of being recognized by some of his former teammates while raising money for a good cause.

Casey Hampton, otherwise known as the Big Snack, was never anyone people forgot on the football field. He and his ragtag team of dominating defensive linemen created one of the scariest sights for running backs the NFL has ever seen.

The combination of Hampton, Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel was nothing shy of perfection. This time, though, the trio reunited for another Steeler’s charity event.

Mel Blount’s 21st annual Youth Home All-Star Celebrity Roast, held to raise money for his  Youth Leadership Initiative charity, honored Hampton. With plenty of laughs and kind words, Hampton left the event with the appreciation of what he did during his time in Pittsburgh.

"“It’s a great honor in the sense that the things I have done, he would look at me in that light,” Hampton told the team’s site. “It’s humbling. It makes me realize I did things the right way, and I always try to do things the right way. For a guy like that to show me enough respect, to honor me, it’s a huge deal for me. I am really appreciative of it and it means a lot that he thinks that much of me.”"

Everyone certainly remembers the big man in the middle. A part of one of the most dominating defenses in Steeler history, Hampton is engraved in Pittsburgh history. The showing of plenty of former teammates and coaches proved exactly that.

Hampton’s defensive line coach in Pittsburgh, John Mitchell, continued to show the praise the former nose tackle was receiving all night. Mitchell, the only defensive line coach the historic trio ever played under, became more than a business partner with these players. Especially Hampton.

“I got to know Casey on more than a player and coach relationship. It was like a father and son relationship. Casey would come to me at times, and we all had problems. Casey gave everything he had. Everything he had he shared with people he cared about.”

Having players like Hampton still involved in the community is something that makes the Steelers organization so special. The impact these men had on the field was even bigger off it. It’s not something every team has, but when you continue to keep the guys who shaped the franchise involved it keeps the history alive.

In a time when the Steelers are dealing with guys not wanting to wear the black and gold, it’s a reminder that most players that come through Pittsburgh have a lasting impression.