Top 10 reasons for Steeler fans to be Catholic:

You don't have to be Catholic, or a Steelers fan to appreciate this ethnographic look at some of the icons embraced by Steeler fans who are also Catholic, such as myself.  


10. The Immaculate Conception, and the Immaculate Reception

Just as Catholics take as an article of faith that Holy Mary was saved from original sin at the moment of her conception by the grace of God, Steeler fans accept that Franco Harris rescued Pittsburgh when he caught the football out of the air on a deflected pass attempt and took the reception all the way for a touchdown on the game's final play to give the Steelers their first playoff win on December 23, 1972 against the Oakland Raiders.  Although, television cameras didn't capture the precise image of Franco catching the ball above the turf, nor Holy Mary's immaculate conception, to say otherwise about either account to a Catholic Steeler fan is heresy.

9.  The Creation of Adam; and Big Ben Godsend

Just as faithful Catholic, Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam" adorns the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, Steeler fan Fred Carrow's "Big Ben Godsend" is often displayed at Heinz Field during Steeler games.  Steelers fans suffered for over two decades through quarterbacks Cliff Stoudt, David Woodley, Mark Malone, Scott Campbell, Bubby Brister, Neil O'Donnell, Mike Tomczak, Kordell Stewart, and Tommy Maddox.  However, as depicted in Farrow's work, another faithful Catholic, and Steeler patriarch, Art Rooney whispers to God that the Steelers need a good quarterback . . .  a franchise quarterback. In just 7 seasons, straight out of Miami University of Ohio, Big Ben has led the Steelers to 4 AFC Championship Games, 3 Super Bowls, and delivered 2 Championships.

8.  Art Rooney, the entire Rooney family, Rocky Bleier, and Polamalu, Troy Polamalu*

You can share the same faith as some of the most famous Steelers of all time, including The Chief, the entire Rooney family, Rocky Bleier and Polamalu, Troy Polamalu.  The Steelers patriarch, Art Rooney, was a staple of the Catholic community in Pittsburgh, which is a tradition carried on by his successors, son Dan Rooney, and grandson Art Rooney II.  Rocky Bleier, who played running back for the Steelers during the hey-days of the 1970s, went to Catholic schools, played college football at the Catholic university, Notre Dame, and he speaks frequently about how his Catholic faith helped him through the most difficult times of his life.

Bleier's remarkable recovery from injuries he sustained on the battlefield as a U.S. solider in Vietnam before launching a successful career with the Steelers has been a source of inspiration for many.  Bleier earned the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his Army service, and helped the Steelers win four Super Bowls during the 1970s.

*Technically, current Steeler superstar, Polamalu, Troy Polamalu is an an Orthodox Catholic, and not a Roman Catholic like the Rooney's and Bleier.  However, most non-Catholics don't know the difference and don't care to know the difference.

And, being Catholic means you can cross yourself as Polamalu, Troy Polamalu does like a compulsive tick throughout Steeler games.  Think about how you'll impress fellow Steeler fans who aren't Catholic, with your Catholic skills, or how you might even help covert some (to Catholicism). 

7.  The Terrible Towel, and the rosary

If you find comfort in a waving a Terrible Towel in celebration during Steeler games, or clutching it during times of crisis, then you’re sure to love praying the rosary.

While the Terrible Towell comforts you during Steelers games, the rosary will help you establish a prayer life that will help you deal with everything else.  In fact, its not uncommon to see Catholic Steeler fans clutching a Terrible Towel in one hand and a rosary in the other.  "Hail Mary, full of grace . . . " and "Here we go Steelers, here we go!"

6.  Steeler rosaries  

Once you've established a regular devotional prayer with the rosary, you're going to want a Steelers rosary.  No, I'm not kidding.  Black-and-gold Steeler rosaries are made and sold at the Sacred Heart of Jesus store in Pittsburgh.  The sisters can't keep enough of them on the shelves.  I wonder why?

5.  Super Bowl XL

And speaking of rosaries, while standing on the podium after the Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks, 21-10 to win Super Bowl XL, Coach Bill Cowher told Dan Rooney: “I had those rosary beads in my pocket during the second half.  I may turn Catholic yet.”

I don’t know if Cowher has converted to Catholicism since then, but the Steelers did win Super Bowl XL, ending a 26-year championship drought, and bringing that long-coveted "one-for-the-thumb" to Pittsburgh.

4.  Steeler bar across the street from the Vatican

There is a Steeler bar right across the street from the Vatican in Rome.  A great way to cap off your Confirmation or RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation for Adults) experience would be a trip to the Vatican, and mass at St. Peter's Basilica.

For the neophyte Catholic, who is also a Steeler fan, this journey would HAVE to include a trip across the street to the Steeler bar, La Botticella.  Steeler fans packed La Botticella to watch Super Bowl XLIII, even though kickoff was 12:30 a.m. local time, and witnessed the Steelers 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals to capture their NFL record 6th title.

3. Bret Michaels is NOT Catholic

Although Bret (one 't') Michaels is a Steelers fan, he’s not Catholic.**  This is a good way to distinguish yourself from Bret Michaels.  Is Brett Michaels a Steeler fan, yes.  But, is he Catholic, no.

(**This is based on extensive Google searches by the Steeler Face.  Although, the Steeler Face cannot confirm what, if any, religious faith Michaels practices, there is no evidence that he is Catholic.)

2.  You can still drink alcohol


 As a Catholic you can still drink alcohol and be a Christian.  This isn't an option with some Christian faiths, and is a perk that cannot be overstated if you are a Steelers fan.

Of course, if you are a Steelers fan, you know that drinking alcohol is a necessity for coping with Steelers games.  As one fellow Steeler fan always reminds me, "the Steelers never make it easy."  Thank God for Iron City beer, which is brewed in Pittsburgh.

1.  Saturday night mass

Seriously, Catholics can attend the vigil mass on Saturday evening, which usually runs from 5-6 p.m.  For you non-Catholics, 'mass' is the equivalent of a Sunday service and it counts just the same as going to church on Sunday morning.  However, if you go to church on Sunday morning, you have to rush home immediately afterwards to watch noon games.  For Steeler fans who are Christian,

this is the spiritual equivalent of taking a shower and then going mud wresting.  Rather, for Catholic Steeler fans that attend the Saturday vigil mass, you will enjoy God’s grace for at least 18 hours before all of that holiness vanishes in the throes of drinking and cussing that occurs during a Steelers game.  Remember, the Steelers never make it easy, and you'll need as much of God's grace as you can get before kickoff.