The City of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania are preparing to host the 2026 National Football League Draft from April 23 to 25, with local excitement growing for the event that will highlight the region’s football heritage. Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz, a native of Pittsburgh, announced on March 11 a new podcast series focused on sharing stories from Western Pennsylvania’s football community in anticipation of the draft.
Kuntz’s podcast aims to feature interviews with former and current players, coaches, and scouts connected to Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. The initiative seeks to showcase the area’s longstanding impact on football culture as the city prepares for national attention during the draft. “This is a dream come true,” said Kuntz, who attended Duquesne University. “To interview some of Western Pennsylvania’s greatest football players, some active guys, some former guys, and former Steelers, it’s special.”
Upcoming guests include Curtis Martin, a Pro Football Hall of Fame running back who attended Taylor Allderdice High School and the University of Pittsburgh. Kuntz said he was inspired by seeing how many notable names have roots in the area: “I knew this area was loaded with talent from the past and current and into the future. But when you see the names who are from here, it’s amazing. And to do this along with the NFL Draft coming to Pittsburgh, and what the Draft is going to do for the city, it’s awesome.” He added: “Being from Pittsburgh, this is what I call the Mecca, this is the capital of football, Pittsburgh. And I don’t know if people outside of here realize how many players, let alone Hall of Famers, have come from this area. Pittsburgh people are proud the Draft is coming here.”
The Steelers organization has honored figures such as Terry Bradshaw and Joe Greene in their Hall of Honor for their contributions according to their official website. The team has also achieved six Super Bowl championships throughout its history as reported by its official website. Community engagement remains important for the franchise through historical celebrations and fan experiences outlined on its official website, while fans can visit artifacts at Acrisure Stadium’s Hall of Honor Museum according to its official website.
Kuntz hopes his podcast will show that football in Western Pennsylvania represents more than just a sport but an integral part of local identity. “I had the opportunity to see the premiere of ‘The Football Town’ and that will solidify all your thoughts about Pittsburgh being the capital of the football world,” said Kuntz. The film ‘The Football Town,’ produced by NFL Films in partnership with local organizations ahead of the draft and narrated by Pat McAfee, explores regional passion for football.
“This is a special place, and football is a part of who we are,” said Kuntz. “It’s not what people do here. It’s part of who people are here.”
