Steelers' Christian Kuntz Wins Prestigious NFLPA Honor For His Remarkable Work In Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the league's best stories at long snapper, and on Friday, Christian Kuntz was recognized for what he does away from the field. Kuntz was named the NFL Players Association's Community MVP for Week 9, according to Steelers.com.

The NFLPA hands out the award each week of the regular season to a player who has made a positive impact in his hometown or team city. For Kuntz, those are the same place. As part of the honor, the NFLPA will donate $10,000 to his foundation, Kuntz 4 Ki6s, and Kuntz becomes eligible for the Alan Page Community Award, which players vote on at the end of the season.

The award came after a busy stretch for Kuntz and his wife, Heather. Through his foundation, Kuntz donated $10,000 to the new Resource Room and Food Pantry at Pittsburgh Morrow PreK-8 in Brighton Heights, and the couple attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the school.

The room gives students and families access to shoes, coats, clothing and hygiene products, and it also serves as a food pantry. It was created with help from local education groups, including A+ Schools.

"I'm honored to support Pittsburgh Morrow and be part of this special ribbon-cutting ceremony," Kuntz said. "Investing in our community and creating opportunities for the next generation is very important."

Kuntz said he wants the students to know the city is behind them.

"I hope this contribution helps make a lasting impact and reminds students that their community is behind them," Kuntz said. "Pittsburgh has always been home, and I'm proud to give back to a city that means so much to me."

Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Wayne N. Walters said the room "reflects the power of community partnerships to remove barriers" for students.

Steelers Long Snapper Made Halloween Special Too

Kuntz did not stop there. He also hosted a Halloween Bash for kids from several Pittsburgh organizations, where they picked out costumes for trick-or-treating and then enjoyed treats and activities.

The guest list included kids from the Best of the Batch Foundation, the Homeless Children's Education Fund, Light of Life Homeless Shelter, Foster Love Project, the Community Empowerment Association, the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh.

Kuntz 4 Ki6s focuses on youth leadership, mentoring and supporting underserved communities across the Pittsburgh region. The work fits the player, who has never been far from home.

Kuntz grew up in Scott Township and starred at Chartiers Valley High School, where he won a WPIAL basketball title alongside future NBA guard T.J. McConnell. He then stayed in town at Duquesne, where he played linebacker and set the school record with 30.5 sacks. He was a two-time Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year and a two-time second-team All-American.

The road to the NFL was not easy. Kuntz went undrafted in 2017 and was let go by several teams, including the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars. He also spent time with the Dallas Renegades of the XFL before the league shut down in 2020.

He eventually found a home with his hometown team by switching to long snapper. Kuntz won the job in 2021 and has held it ever since, and he is now in his sixth season as the Steelers' snapper.

He has also built a following off the field with The Christian Kuntz Podcast, where teammates and former players regularly stop by. Rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard went on the show last month and explained how Aaron Rodgers prepares him each week.

Long snappers rarely get noticed unless something goes wrong. Kuntz has been steady for the 6-2 Steelers on the field, and this week, the league noticed what he has been doing for the city off of it.

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