CANTON, Ohio — Another ‘70s Steeler was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August, and for Donnie Shell, it is the culmination of life’s work that started with humble beginnings in Whitmire, South Carolina.
“We materially were poor, but from a love standpoint, we have a lot of love,” Shell said of his early days.
Shell sees his induction as a reflection of more than just Super Bowl championships or stellar play on the field.
“I think it’s more about their (Steelers’) character, the character of the players,” Shell told Channel 11. “We are good people. We are good players that are good people and good owners that were good people.”
While Shell was on the field delivering hard hits and climbing to the near top of the team’s all-time list of interceptions, he also learned the Steeler way. It’s a stand-up, giving spirit that he started to learn even before he hit the Steel City.
“Both my parents, my dad, I mean he was a stickler for finishing work and doing it right and keeping your word,” Shell said. “And my mom made us go to church all the time, but I appreciate that now.”
That upbringing is one driving force behind the Donnie Shell Scholarship Foundation. The second force behind it came from Mr. Rooney himself.
“Mr. Rooney was always in the community giving back,” Shell said. “It wasn’t about football, it was about family. He had Christmas gatherings. It was the image he set for us.”
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