Pittsburgh is already buzzing with anticipation for the 2026 NFL Draft, and now the city is adding another layer to the celebration - one that dives deep into its rich football roots. A new documentary, The Football Town, is set to premiere later this month, and it’s shaping up to be more than just a film - it’s a love letter to Western Pennsylvania’s place in football history.
The 50-minute feature, produced through a collaboration between VisitPITTSBURGH, the Steelers, U.S. Steel, and NFL Films, will debut at the Rangos Giant Cinema inside the Carnegie Science Center on Saturday, February 28. And it’s not just a highlight reel of gridiron glory - this is an immersive experience that brings the region’s football legacy to life.
From the steel mills to the stadium lights, Western Pennsylvania has long been a cradle of football greatness. The Football Town captures that spirit, spotlighting the stories and people who helped shape the game from the ground up. Steelers legends like Bill Cowher, Jerome Bettis, Joey Porter Sr., and James Harrison make appearances, sharing their memories and perspectives on what makes Pittsburgh such a special place for football.
Adding a bit of hometown flair, the documentary is narrated by Pittsburgh native and former NFL punter Pat McAfee, whose larger-than-life personality and deep ties to the game bring an extra layer of energy to the project.
“This film sets the tone for everything that’s to come as we build toward the 2026 NFL Draft,” said Jerad Bachar, President and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. “By launching this in February, we’re kicking off the celebration early - sharing the stories, pride, and football legacy that define Western Pennsylvania.”
And that legacy runs deep. From high school Friday nights to Super Bowl Sundays, football is woven into the fabric of the region. The documentary aims to showcase not just the big names, but the broader community and culture that has made Pittsburgh a football town through and through.
After its premiere, The Football Town will continue playing exclusively at the Rangos Giant Cinema for two months leading up to the NFL Draft, which takes place April 23-25. It’s a fitting lead-in to what promises to be a landmark moment for the city.
Dan Rooney, Co-chair of the 2026 NFL Draft Football Legacy Committee and Vice President of Business Development and Strategy for the Steelers, emphasized the significance of the project: “The 2026 NFL Draft gives our region an unprecedented opportunity to share Pittsburgh’s football history and the legendary athletes who have shaped it. We were honored to work with NFL Films to celebrate the contributions of Hall of Famers and local football icons from our region.”
As the countdown to April continues, The Football Town offers fans a chance to reflect on where Pittsburgh football has been - and where it’s going. It’s more than just a documentary. It’s a celebration of a city that doesn’t just play football - it lives it.