3S.OFF THE FIELD, STILL MAKING PLAYS: Pittsburgh knows Alex Highsmith for his sacks, speed, and heart on defense — but his latest move might be his most powerful yet.
Alex Highsmith Trades the Gridiron for the Kitchen: Launches “Weekend Pantry” to Feed Pittsburgh Families
Pittsburgh knows Alex Highsmith for his relentless pursuit of quarterbacks — the speed, the ferocity, the precision that turns every third down into a highlight reel. But this weekend, his biggest play didn’t happen at Acrisure Stadium. It unfolded quietly in a North Side community center, where the Steelers linebacker swapped his helmet for a black-and-gold apron.
Standing among tables stacked with soup pots, canned goods, and smiling volunteers, Highsmith officially launched “The Weekend Pantry,” a new initiative dedicated to providing hot meals and essential groceries to families in need throughout the city.
“This is home,” Highsmith said, stirring a pot of chili alongside a local church volunteer. “The same people who fill our stadium every Sunday — they’re the heartbeat of this city. I just want to give something back.”
A Mission Born from Pittsburgh Grit
The idea for The Weekend Pantry was sparked earlier this year when Highsmith learned how many families in Allegheny County rely on school meal programs — and how weekends can become an anxious gap for parents trying to make ends meet.
“Football gives you a platform,” Highsmith explained. “But if you’re not using it to lift others, then what’s the point?”
The program, launched in partnership with local nonprofits and food suppliers, will operate every Saturday, offering families access to fresh produce, pantry staples, and warm, home-cooked meals. Volunteers will rotate weekly, with Steelers staff and even teammates already lining up to take shifts.
One of the first to sign up? Fellow pass rusher T.J. Watt.
“Alex has the biggest heart,” Watt said. “He attacks everything — football, life, and giving back — with the same intensity. I’m proud to stand with him on this.”
More Than Football
Inside the community kitchen, laughter filled the air as children helped pack meal kits, each bag adorned with a small Steelers sticker. For many, it wasn’t about who Highsmith was on the field — it was about who he showed up as off it.
“He didn’t just come to shake hands or take pictures,” said Marilyn Ortega, a longtime community organizer. “He’s here cooking, lifting boxes, talking with families. That means everything.”
Highsmith’s efforts reflect a larger spirit that runs deep in Pittsburgh’s DNA — a city defined by resilience, teamwork, and heart.
“The Steelers have always represented more than just football,” Ortega added. “From Franco Harris to Troy Polamalu, there’s this tradition of service. Alex is carrying that forward in a new generation.”
Feeding Hope, One Family at a Time
For Highsmith, The Weekend Pantry is only the beginning. He plans to expand the initiative to other neighborhoods by next spring, with goals of partnering with schools to send meal boxes home with children on Fridays.
He’s also creating a mentorship component, connecting young volunteers with role models in sports, business, and the arts — turning each weekend into not just a meal, but a message of hope.
“When people show up for each other, everything changes,” Highsmith said. “You don’t have to be a pro athlete to make an impact. You just have to care.”
As the afternoon drew to a close, Highsmith helped load the final bags into waiting cars, waving to families as they drove off. There were no cameras, no cheers — just quiet gratitude and the unmistakable warmth of a city taking care of its own.
And for Pittsburgh, that’s the kind of win that means more than any Sunday scoreboard ever could.
