Chairman Art Rooney II presents a signed Aaron Rodgers jersey along with the entire Steelers team's autographs and a priceless gift to the brave female reporter—who ignited the black-and-gold spirit amid a severe illness at Paycor Stadium.
Chairman Art Rooney II presents a signed Aaron Rodgers jersey along with the entire Steelers team's autographs and a priceless gift to the brave female reporter—who ignited the black-and-gold spirit amid a severe illness at Paycor Stadium.
October 23, 2025
A heartwarming story has swept across the NFL this week, as Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II surprised Charissa Thompson — the Thursday Night Football host who battled through illness during the Steelers–Bengals game — with a team-signed jersey featuring the autograph of QB Aaron Rodgers and an invitation to attend a private team practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
During last week’s matchup at Paycor Stadium, Thompson — who leads Amazon Prime Video’s TNF coverage — was reportedly feverish and vomiting just hours before going on air. Yet she still took her place behind the desk, smiling through the pain and delivering a composed, passionate broadcast that resonated with fans — especially those in Pittsburgh.
Moved by her resilience and dedication, Art Rooney II decided to honor her spirit with a personal gesture: a black home Steelers jersey signed by Aaron Rodgers, T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Najee Harris, and Cameron Heyward, along with an official invitation to join the team for a private practice session — as a symbolic “member of the Steelers family.”
“She could have easily stepped away to rest, but instead, she stayed and gave her all,” Rooney said in a statement. “That kind of spirit is exactly what the Steelers stand for — toughness, dedication, and never giving up.”
He continued, “We’ve always said that black and gold aren’t just colors — they’re a way of life. Charissa embodied that in a way few ever could. She may not wear the helmet, but that night, she fought like one of us.”
“Stories like hers remind us why we love this game,” Rooney added. “It’s not about wins or trophies — it’s about people. The ones who stand tall, even when their bodies tell them to sit down, just to share the spirit of the Steelers.”
After receiving the gift, Charissa Thompson expressed her gratitude on social media:
“I don’t even know what to say — thank you doesn’t feel enough. The Steelers aren’t just a team I admire; they’re my inspiration. That night, I didn’t stand because I was strong — I stood because of the spirit Pittsburgh gave me.”
The story quickly went viral, shared thousands of times by fans who praised both Rooney’s gesture and Thompson’s unshakable professionalism. For many, it was a reminder of what defines Pittsburgh football — heart, loyalty, and resilience.
And in a season filled with adversity, Art Rooney II and the Steelers once again proved that in Pittsburgh, football isn’t just a sport — it’s a way of life.
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