May 19, 2009 4:21 pm US/Eastern
Steelers Honored To Meet President At White House
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
The Pittsburgh Steelers were talking about their big trip to the White House after practice Tuesday.
It's always been a tradition that the team that wins the Super Bowl is invited to the White House.
Thursday will be visit No. 6 for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it will be the first one for 26-year-old running back Mewelde Moore.
"Just from my background and the things I knew my grandpa did as far as the Civil Rights movement, for President Obama to be a leader and an inspiration to an individual like myself, an African American – it's just overwhelming," he said. "I am going to be really happy to meet him and it's just an honor."
Moore's grandfather, the late M.C. Moore, was a civil rights leader in Hammond, Louisiana.
Every player has his own reason for wanting to take part in this historic moment.
"I thank God for it. It's my second time going there and each step is a big stepping stone for us for this organization as well," says Tyrone Carter, "and for African Americans, like myself, to be a part of history as well, having the first black American president, I think that is a great honor as well and to be there and to shake his hand and to be a part of that history as well, I think that is great."
"It's gonna be a tremendous opportunity just to get down there and to meet everybody," Willie Parker said. "It was great when we did it a couple of years back and I am sure it's going to be the same this time."
Daniel Sepulveda bought a new suit for the occasion.
"I got one after we won the Super Bowl, knowing we were going to make that visit. I got a nice blue sharkskin custom-made – it's going to be pretty neat," he said.
Will Jeff Reed have a special hairdo for the occasion?
"No, this is it – short, clean cut. To meet the president - I don't want to look like an idiot – I can look like an idiot for the playoffs," he said.
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