PITTSBURGH -- Off the field, a Pittsburgh Steeler and his family have been through so much. Tuesday, a luncheon honored his courage.

Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith was the big star at Heinz Field on Tuesday.

Although he’s out for the season with an injury, it’s what he’s been through off the field that has earned him the Ed Block Courage Award.

“Last Oct. my 4-year-old son was diagnosed with Leukemia, and we’ve been dealing with that since,” said Smith. “And he’s doing well now. Throughout a stretch, back and forth from Children’s Hospital, in and out of the hospital periodically and weekly treatments of chemo, it takes a toll on the family.”

Smith is recognized as one of the best defensive ends in the NFL, and he received the award on Tuesday for his courage off the field.

His fellow teammates voted and decided Smith should receive the honor.

Proceeds from the event on Tuesday went to the Holy Family Institute, which helps local families with problems.