Pittsburgh Steelers

T.J. Watt helping raise money for children through knit hats

PITTSBURGH — When he’s on the field, TJ Watt electrifies the crowd with his elite play. Off the field, he’s electrifying young hearts and families, and lending a helping hand, all through knit hats, or beanies.

“Beanies are something I love wearing. I probably bring them out too early in the season, and I love to wear them,” said Watt.

Watt teamed up with UPMC Children’s Hospital and New Era to sell Steelers knit hats to benefit Children’s Hospital. Watt, and his fiancé, attended a kickoff event at Children’s Hospital, passing out hats to the children in attendance.

Five dollars from the sale of each of the hats goes to Children’s Hospital, helping children who are fighting cancer.

Nursing officer Diane Hupp said, “We are so very grateful, it’s the little things that mean so much to our patients.”

Rachel Petrucelli of the Children’s Hospital Foundation added, “TJ Watt is a great champion of Children’s and it really inspires the kids we serve, and the families that support them, to keep doing what they’re doing at the hospital to get well.”

Watt himself gets a lot from giving back. He said, “It’s hard to believe a little kid from Wisconsin brightens up people’s days. Anything I can do in this community, when it comes to children and children in need of brightening their day, I’m willing to do it, and that’s why I love doing stuff like this. Delivering a hat and a smile goes a long way.”

The knit hats are available at the Steelers Shop at Heinz Field and online through the Steelers Shop.