JESSE JACKSON ATTENDS STEELERS WALK-THROUGH

Nearly a year to the day after a major dust-up arose regarding whether a final Super Bowl walk-through practice had been videotaped in early 2002, a final Super Bowl walk-through practice is in the news for different reasons. According to Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe, who covered the Steelers’ final session as pool reporter Peter King attended the Hall of Fame selection meeting, Reverend Jesse Jackson was present for Pittsburgh’s last Super Bowl practice. Jackson watched the 38-minute session from the end zone with roughly 250 other of the team’s friends and family members. “We had some people who have been special to us come to practice today – family members and high school coaches,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “It’s not a big deal to us, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them. We wanted to show our appreciation for what they’ve done for us by allowing them to be a part of it.” As to Jackson, the second-year coach who’s getting ready for his first Super Bowl said, “I got to know him recently. He’s a fan of football, a supporter of us, and we appreciate it.” Also present, per Reiss, were Florida State defensive back and Rhodes Scholar Myron Rolle, and former Detroit Lions offensive lineman Mike Utley, who lost the use of his legs due to a football injury suffered in the 1990s.