Alex Highsmith and Darius Slay Highlight Steelers' Community Contributions

The NFL announced its nominees for the 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, with Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith being recognized as the team's nominee. Highsmith expressed gratitude for the honor, stating that he feels blessed to have a platform to impact his community positively.

He founded the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation to empower the next generation and strengthen communities in Pittsburgh, Wilmington, North Carolina, and Charlotte, where he played college football. Highsmith emphasized the importance of using his NFL platform to serve others, reflecting on Walter Payton's legacy in community service.

The award is considered the NFL's most prestigious, acknowledging both on-field performance and off-field contributions. The winner will be announced during the 2026 NFL Honors ceremony in February. Additionally, Darius Slay, who had a brief tenure with the Steelers before being waived, also contributed to community efforts during his time with the team.

He maintained a good relationship with the organization and expressed a desire to serve his community, although his playing future remains uncertain following his departure. Slay's time with the Steelers was marked by respect for Coach Mike Tomlin and a focus on family commitments, indicating a strong connection to community values.