PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – One could argue that the strongest thing about Pittsburgh is the connection between the Steelers and Steeler Nation, the countless fans who cheer the team on by both triumph and defeat.
It’s just the Pittsburgh route.
Regardless of Sunday’s disappointing playoff loss to the Cleveland Browns, a man from Irwin has never been more proud to be a fan.
“I was very disappointed,” said 68-year-old Billy Gradischeck.
(Photo credit: KDKA)
Despite the loss, the love this season ticket holder and lifelong superfan has for the Steelers will never let up.
“This man puts all his heart, soul, and energy into everything Steeler’s nation has to offer,” said Zoey Bromwell, Gradischeck’s granddaughter.
In the 1990s Gradischeck spent an entire summer painting a Steelers mural on the roof of his house.
“I spent the whole summer up there, probably five or six hours a day, painting everything with a hand brush,” he said.
“I got Bill Cowher to sign it, Art Rooney,” Gradischeck added.
But right now, amid an exhausting battle with stage four cancer of the liver and lungs, perhaps none of his favorite Steelers moments will ever match what happened Monday morning.
His granddaughter shared his cancer journey on social media, hoping the team he supports would cheer him on. And less than 24 hours later, some words of encouragement were shared by some household names.
“I wish you the best pap! Keep fighting and stay strong … thank you for being a fan !!! “Former Steelers punter Jeff Reed said in a Facebook comment.
“Hey brother, I know it’s hard, but you’re not alone in it,” former Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier said on Instagram.
“I know he won’t always be here, and if I can give him something this special, I will,” said Bromwell.
For Gradischeck, this was just the inspiration he needed to keep fighting.
The retired Army veteran and former volunteer firefighter told KDKA, “James Connor has cancer. I’m sure it wasn’t the same guy, but I want to be like him. I want to come back and be healthy. ”
The family plans to post the players’ comments on the wall near a framed picture of the mural.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.