‘You recognize that calling’: Mel Blount discusses his dedication to youth

During a playing career that rates among the finest in National Football League history, Mel Blount often would visit his family home in Georgia.

“All the kids who knew my nieces and nephews, they would come out to the farm, and they wanted pictures taken. They’d want autographs. They’d want you to throw them the football,” the Pittsburgh Steelers legend recalled. “It’s like the Lord spoke to me and said, you know what? These kids are craving more than autographs and footballs, and you can do more than just sign autographs.

“And out of that experience, the youth home was born.”