Steelers Alejandro Villanueva Wears Military Veteran's Name On Helmet, Covering Antwon Rose Jr.
By: KDKA-TV News Staff
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- During the Steelers' game against the Giants on Monday night, left tackle Alejandro Villanueva chose to cover up the name of Antwon Rose Jr. on the back of his helmet, displaying the name of a military veteran instead.
The name Alwyn Cashe could be seen written on Villanueva's helmet as the Steelers played the Giants on Monday Night Football.
According to the Military Times, Cashe was killed in 2005 while serving in the Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Cashe, a Sgt. 1st Class died while rescuing fellow soldiers from a burning vehicle. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star.
After debate whether his actions warranted an upgrade, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has agreed that he would endorse upgrading Cashe's award to a posthumous Medal of Honor.
Before the game, the Steelers announced that the team would all wear Rose's name on their helmets for the entirety of the 2020 season.
Rose was 17 when he was shot and killed by a police officer in 2018.
The Steelers say this year, the NFL is allowing players to wear helmet decals honoring victims of systemic racism, so they chose Antwon Rose.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin says he supports Villanueva's decision, just like he supports any other decision his players would make.
"As an organization, and myself as the head coach of the organization, we're going to support our players however they chose to participate and express themselves, or to not participate or not express themselves, as long as they do so thoughtfully and with class," said Tomlin Tuesday during a press conference.
He went on to say that was a "blanket approach" so he didn't think Villanueva's decision needed any further explanation. Tomlin said this summer that it was the team's intention to support players in what they decide to do -- like kneeling.
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Reactions to Villanueva's decision were mixed.
Some mentioned that this isn't the first time Villanueva has gone against a team decision.
Others said that Cashe was a hero and Villanueva should not have to defend his decision.
Anthropologist Dr. Abagail Adams told KDKA that she commends Villanueva's decision to honor the fallen hero but says there could have been a better time.
"I would imagine some people interpret his choice as a rejection of the Black Lives Matter movement," said Adams.
And while some believe politics and players are not in the same league, Dr. Adams said the symbolism fans see on the field is helping people have impactful conversations.
"There also has to be a response to try and change racism within our culture," said Adams.
It's unclear if Villanueva will continue to display Cashe's name moving forward.
