By Joe Bendel
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, June 2, 2006
Casey Hampton was going about his business in the University of Texas weight room one afternoon when the future president of the United States approached.
"He asked about an article that was written about me and my mom," Hampton said. "He was interested."
Hampton's conversation with George W. Bush -- governor of the Lone Star State while Hampton was starring at UT -- was no different from the many previous chats they'd had.
Bush was a big UT fan. Hampton was a big-time UT performer.
"He was cool, down to earth," Hampton said. "It was funny, because we always used to say, 'One day, that man's gonna be our president -- and we know him.' It's pretty wild."
At about 1:45 today, Hampton, along with the rest of the Steelers, will join Bush on the White House lawn to celebrate the team's Super Bowl victory over the Seattle Seahawks last February.
Former Steelers Antwaan Randle El, Kimo von Oelhoffen and Chris Hope, all of whom signed elsewhere after the season, are expected to be on hand, along with scouts, coaches and front-office personnel.
This marks the franchise's second White House visit, 27 years after the 1978 squad was honored by President Carter. The '74, '75 and '79 teams did not make the trek.
"The White House ..." backup center Chukky Okobi said, shaking his head. "This is when you start to realize how special winning the Super Bowl is."
Asked what he would say to the president, Okobi revealed a huge smile.
"What's up, George? How's it going?" he said, laughing. "Where are your daughters?"
Okobi paused.
"Just kidding," he said.
Okobi probably didn't want to stir up controversy, like the Northwestern women's lacrosse team did last summer when several players wore flip-flop sandals with their dresses and skirts. Critics believed the look was too casual for the White House.
A few weeks ago, Steelers linebacker Joey Porter elicited some reaction when he jokingly told media members that he had "something to say" to Bush. He didn't like the way the quotes came across in print and sent out a statement clarifying them.
The usually loquacious Porter has barely spoken with the media since.
"Joey was talking all crazy, just having fun," fellow outside linebacker Clark Haggans said. "That's all."
The Steelers were scheduled to touch down in Washington late this morning, tour the White House, then congregate on the lawn to be honored by the president. Most team members were anxiously awaiting the opportunity to celebrate their Super Bowl win with the commander in chief.
"I'll have my camcorder, so I can always remember it and show it to my kids," left tackle Marvel Smith said. "Just to be able to be a part of this, to be a part of a place with so much history, is an honor."
Indeed, Mr. Smith is going to Washington.
"I'm really looking forward to this," the big lineman said.
In recent years, Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel watched as other championship teams -- the New England Patriots, the Boston Red Sox, the Detroit Pistons -- celebrated on the White House lawn for all the world to see.
Now, it's his turn.
"When you see those other guys there, you think, 'Hey, they go there and get their picture taken, that's all it is,'" Keisel said. "But that's not right. It's one of the things that comes with being a champion, one of the things that make it special. I've been on the other side of the fence a few times, just checking things out. But to actually be in there, and being honored, it's going to be awesome. It really is."
Veteran center Jeff Hartings has experienced plenty during his 10 NFL seasons, and a trip to the White House will add one more powerful memory.
"I think it's a great privilege," Hartings said. "Politics aside, I think the opportunity to go to the White House is special. No. 1, we're going there because we're world champs. And whether you agree or disagree with the politics of the White House right now, I would hope everybody goes there with the feeling that it's a great privilege and honor that few get to experience."
As for Hampton, somebody asked if he expected Bush to single him out because of their history together.
"Probably not," Hampton said. "We'll see."
Joe Bendel can be reached at joecbendel@aol.com or (412) 320-7811.
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