EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The Steelers have been quiet about their plans in terms of addressing social justice issues leading into their regular season opener Monday night against the Giants here at MetLife Stadium, saying only that whatever they do, they will do as a team.
But we now know that the team plans to honor a hometown African-American teen who was the victim of a police shooting.
The NFL allowed its players to use their helmets to honor the victims of police shootings or systematic racism. Players could either use the initials of the victim or the full name.
The Steelers chose Antwon Rose Jr., a Pittsburgh teen shot when he ran from East Pittsburgh police during a traffic stop in a suspected drive-by shooting in 2018. The 17-year-old, who was found to be unarmed though two handguns were found in the vehicle, was later pronounced dead at McKeesport Hospital.
We don’t want him to be forgotten.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 14, 2020
For the 2020 season, we unite as one and will wear a single name on the back of our helmets – Antwon Rose Jr.https://t.co/Li8ovGgKa7
East Pittsburgh officer Michael Rosfeld, who shot the fleeing Rose three times, was placed on administrative leave and was charged with and later acquitted of criminal homicide. Rose's family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against East Pittsburgh that resulted in a $2 million settlement.
The shooting and verdicts touched off protests across the Pittsburgh area in the weeks that followed.
The only player not to wear Rose's name on the back of his helmet was left tackle Alejandro Villanueva, who instead wore Sgt. Alwyn Cashe's name on his decal. Cash was killed in combat in Irag in 2005.
Prior to the game, several Steelers wore T-shirts with social justice messages. But when the song, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was played about a half and hour before game time, the Steelers had already exited the field to go back into the locker room for final game preparations. The Giants lined up along the goal line for the song, which has been called "the Black national anthem."
During the playing of the national anthem, a number of Giants players knelt. But the Steelers stood along their sideline, holding a sign that read "Steelers Against Racism."
Tight end Eric Ebron and wide receiver Chase Claypool, a Canadian, stood with their teammates, their fists raised in the air.