NFL Films Celebrates Western Pennsylvania's Football Legacy in 'The Football Town'

Exclusive film narrated by Pat McAfee to premiere in Pittsburgh ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Steelers, VisitPITTSBURGH, and U.S. Steel have partnered with NFL Films to produce 'The Football Town', a 50-minute documentary that celebrates the rich football tradition of Western Pennsylvania. Narrated by Pittsburgh native Pat McAfee, the film features interviews with Steelers legends and explores the region's reputation as a 'Cradle of Quarterbacks', producing six Hall of Fame signal callers including Joe Montana, Dan Marino, and Jim Kelly. The film will play exclusively in Pittsburgh in the two months leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft.

Why it matters

Western Pennsylvania's deep connection to football is a point of immense local pride, and this documentary aims to capture and share that passion with a wider audience. As Pittsburgh prepares to host the 2026 NFL Draft, 'The Football Town' provides an opportunity to showcase the region's unparalleled football heritage and inspire future generations of players.

The details

The 50-minute film, produced in partnership between NFL Films, the Pittsburgh Steelers, VisitPITTSBURGH, and U.S. Steel, will play exclusively at the Kamin Science Center in Pittsburgh starting on February 28th. It features interviews with Steelers legends like Bill Cowher as well as other Hall of Famers from the region, exploring why Western Pennsylvania has produced so many elite quarterbacks and football talents over the decades.

  • The film will premiere on February 28, 2026 and play exclusively in Pittsburgh for two months leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in Pittsburgh.

The players

Pat McAfee

A Pittsburgh native who narrates the 'The Football Town' documentary.

Bill Cowher

A Steelers Hall of Fame coach featured in the film.

George Blanda

A Hall of Fame quarterback from Youngwood, Pennsylvania, one of the 'Cradle of Quarterbacks' featured in the film.

Dan Rooney

Co-chair of the 2026 NFL Draft Football Legacy Committee and vice president of business development and strategy for the Steelers.

Joe Montana

A Hall of Fame quarterback from New Eagle, Pennsylvania, one of the 'Cradle of Quarterbacks' featured in the film.

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What they’re saying

“'Twas an absolute honor to be asked to be part of this monumental football doc aboutTHE FOOTBALL THAN. I haven't seen it but just like everything with NFL Films, I think yinz are gonna love it.”

— Pat McAfee (Social media)

“I think it's going to be epic.”

— Pat McAfee (The Pat McAfee Show)

“A must see! You will understand the makeup and culture of those of us who were lucky enough to grow up in the city of Pittsburgh...a football town unlike any other.”

— Bill Cowher, Steelers Hall of Fame Coach (X)

“I don't really have an answer for that other than I think that sports in that area, it's just a blue collar, hard-working (area) where sports really was a thing for people to get away from their everyday life to watch sports on TV, especially football. It was just a fun place to grow up because you knew, even in high school, high school football was big.”

— Joe Montana (The Pat McAfee Show)

“What's in the water that produces such great players?”

— Jerome Bettis, Hall of Famer (The Football Town)

What’s next

Tickets for 'The Football Town' are now on sale for the exclusive Pittsburgh screenings starting on February 28th.

The takeaway

This documentary celebrates the deep-rooted football culture of Western Pennsylvania, showcasing the region's unparalleled legacy of producing elite talent and inspiring future generations of players. As Pittsburgh prepares to host the 2026 NFL Draft, 'The Football Town' provides an opportunity to share this unique football heritage with a wider audience.