With every kid he comes in contact [with through his organization in Homestead], [Charlie] Batch hands out the number to his cell phone, telling youngsters if there is anything they ever need or if they just need, just to call. …

The creation of Batch’s community footprint hasn’t been without effort. During the past 10 years and inspired by his sister’s death, Batch has found a way [to] built trust with the kids who find their way into his foundation’s headquarters.

The center also houses an alternative school program that reaches out to at-risk middle school and high school students, providing educational services to those who without assistance may find the trouble the streets offer.

And at every event, in every program, Batch is a willing and active participant.

“If his name is on it, he’s there - it’s not just that people use his name,” principal Walsh says. “Charlie’s a hands-on person and he’s been very good for this district.”

Batch routinely visits schools, checking report cards, making certain that the kids who play in his basketball camp are holding up their end of the bargain.

From the 26 computer labs at his foundation to the basketball leagues and football camp Batch runs, the foundation is offering kids a place to go that didn’t exist back when [his sister] Danyl was shot.

This article demonstrates why Charlie Batch, at 38, is still my favorite QB in the NFL (and has been for years), even if he has “only” been a Steelers backup for the past decade. Plus, when he does get the chance to get it, he’s still got it. It’s impossible not to love this guy.

If every professional sports player were as selfless and philanthropic as Batch, could you imagine how much better of a place the world would be?

The end of an era: Steelers released one of the all time great wide receivers and certainly my favorite player ever to watch in the NFL since he joined Pittsburgh when I was 12 years old.

Damn, Hines, your play both with and without the ball, leadership, and grin will be missed at Heinz Field.

To answer your question, misterpeace - can both New England and Denver lose? But really, if I have to choose, I find myself in the rare position where I’d find pleasure in a New England win. Or rather, a Tim Tebow loss. 

Since Pittsburgh’s loss, I was rooting for New Orleans to win it all (it’s impossible not to like Drew Brees), but now I think I am going to hop on the San Francisco bandwagon for the rest of the season.

This New Orleans and San Fran game is probably the best game I’ve seen all season. Wow.

Pregame celebrations.

It’s always fun, if not a little silly, to see what the analysts at ESPN come up with for their preseason NFL picks.

In the Power Rankings, Pittsburgh sits comfortably at five, behind only Green Bay, New England, Philadelphia (really?), and New Orleans. I like the placement. The ranking demonstrates enough respect, yet doesn’t place absurdly high expectations from the get go (us Steelers fans do that enough ourselves, thank you).

In their top ten ranked players, Pittsburgh is the only team to have two players - Troy Polamalu (5) and Ben Roethlisberger (7). Polamalu also is the only defensive player in that top ten. 

Then this is where Pittsburgh ranks in their other categories:

• Toughest venues: Heniz Field (2)
• NFL Owners: The Rooney Family (1)
• Head Coaches: Mike Tomlin (2)
• Running Backs: R. Mendenhall (9)
• Linebackers: J. Harrison (2), L. Woodley (8)
• Pass Rushers: J. Harrison (6), L. Woodley (9)

I’m loving the respect for Tomlim, who makes me miss Bill Cowher less than I would otherwise, as well as the Rooney family, who are just great, no-nonsense owners - hell, even President Obama loves them and named Dan Rooney U.S. Ambassador to Ireland when he assumed office.

It should be a fun season to watch. It seems like it’s been forever since I’ve watched football, so it can’t get here soon enough. I love football season and the anticipation for Sundays with friends, beer, wings, and laughs.