Maurkice Pouncey
CENTER
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Caring. Giving. Community. Three simple words alone, but when combined perfectly describe Maurkice Pouncey. His leadership and contributions on the field can be seen each week, but what he does behind the scenes, what he does for those who need it the most, are where his huge heart shines and his smile is ever present. In collaboration with his brother Mike Pouncey, Maurkice started the Team Pouncey Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to promote the future success of disadvantaged youth by assisting programs that provide leadership and growth opportunities for children at risk. Through their constant giving, they have provided more than $10 million. These funds were used to support at risk youth through grants and programs since its inception. Children need opportunities to grow and learn. The Team Pouncey Foundation strives to make these opportunities available to children who might not otherwise have the chance to participate. The Team Pounce Foundation looks strongly upon abused and neglected children, boys & girls clubs, after-school programs, summer camps and foster children.
In addition to this, for the past three years, Maurkice has been on a mission to improve community and police relations. He wanted to do something to build trust and develop a relationship that will hopefully last and will improve community and police relations long term.
For the past three seasons Pouncey has donated tickets to Steelers home games to the Pittsburgh Police for them to take youth in city neighborhoods to games, as well as enjoy a pregame tailgate party inside of Stage AE. The tickets are distributed to different police zones each week, allowing a wide range of kids the opportunity to not only see a game, but spend quality time interacting with the police and getting to know the men and women who are there to protect them. Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert stated, "When we first got together to see what we could do to build better bridges in the community between the police and especially the youth, he was one of the key ones who said I want to do it". "He has helped out immensely, giving us tickets to the games where we were able to pick kids in the community who wouldn't have an opportunity to go to a game. And they go with our officers. Those four or five hours that they are together helps build that relationship. It wouldn't be possible without Maurkice. He is so humble about it, but he does such an amazing job. He is truly making a difference in the community. We love the partnership we have with him and partnership we have with the Steelers organization."
His giving doesn't stop there. For the past two years, Maurkice has provided Thanksgiving meals to over 400 families in the Pittsburgh area through partnering with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Many families do not have the luxury of a complete Thanksgiving meal and this event provides a welcoming environment for families to gather and make long-lasting memories to take with them throughout the holiday season.
