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Michael Keaton Shakes Up the Steelers Draft Night
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USAMonday, April 27, 2026
The night of the NFL draft in Pittsburgh was turned on its head when Michael Keaton, a lifelong supporter of the local team, appeared on stage to announce the Steelers’ pick.
- Keaton’s Roots
- Grew up in Kennedy Township near Pittsburgh before moving to Los Angeles.
Career spans film, television, and hosting memorials for the late Fred Rogers.
- Steagles’ Surprise Choice
- In the fifth round, Keaton revealed Pittsburgh selected tight end Riley Nowakowski from Indiana University as their 169th overall pick.
- Record‑Breaking Attendance
The draft drew a record crowd of 805,000 fans over three days, surpassing the 2024 Detroit high.
- Star‑Studded Performances
Local icons Wiz Khalifa and Bret Michaels performed together on the second night.
- Top Picks Overview
- Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza went first overall, expected to energize the struggling Las Vegas Raiders.
- The Los Angeles Rams surprised many by selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at number 13, positioning him as a potential successor to veteran Matthew Stafford.
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