4 for Friday: Steelers in country’s service
Steel City Underground presents “4 for Friday,” an off-season series of articles focused on four related Pittsburgh Steelers topics and commentary for fans and members of Steelers Nation.
This Independence Day weekend, we thought fans might enjoy a look at members of the Pittsburgh Steelers who’ve served the United States in various roles. Whether they served in a branch of the military or in another government agency, these men’s service also had an effect on the type of person they were. We look at four special members of this group.
Dwayne Woodruff
Most Steelers fans likely remember Woodruff for his jersey no. 49, the way he roamed in the defensive backfield, and the fact he is one of only three cornerbacks to win MVP for Pittsburgh, along with Mel Blount and Rod Woodson.
During his NFL career, Woodruff attended the Duquesne University School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor degree in 1988, and had the unprecedented distinction of practicing law and playing in the NFL simultaneously for 3 years. Woodruff was elected in 2005 to be a Judge in the Court of Common Pleas in Allegheny County, (Pennsylvania) and presided primarily in the Family Court Division. Woodruff ran twice for the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
Bill Dudley
Nicknamed “Bullet Bill,” Dudley played halfback, safety, and return specialist in the NFL spent three years with the Steelers, at least partially. During the 1942 season, the United States called on able-bodied men to join in service due to World War II. Dudley enlisted originally into the Naval Air Corps, but he was not yet 21 years of age. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in September, but a delay in training availability allowed him to complete the season with Pittsburgh.
Following basic training, Dudley attended flight school and played for Army’s football team. He was named MVP of the 1944 Army squad. Dudley served in the Pacific theater later that year, but was sent to Hawaii and allowed to play in three games against All-Star teams. He returned to Pittsburgh at the end of 1945.
After his Hall of Fame career, Dudley
served four terms in the Virginia House of Delegates.
Byron White
Nicknamed “Whizzer,” White was a runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in 1937 as a halfback at the University of Colorado. Selected in 1938’s NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates (that became the Steelers), White led the league in rushing yards his rookie season.
At the time, the Rhodes Scholar was invited to attend Oxford, but the school deferred his entrance due to his acquisition by the NFL. Due to World War II, White attended Yale while playing for the Detroit Lions (1940-41). White then joined and served as an officer in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater.
When he returned from service, White finished law school and became an advisor to John F. Kennedy, and once Kennedy became United States President, White was U.S. Deputy Attorney in 1961. In 1962, White was nominated to serve on the United States Supreme Court. White was confirmed and served as an associate justice until June 1993. President Kennedy said of White, “He has excelled at everything. And I know that he will excel on the highest court in the land.”
Alejandro Villanueva
Villanueva played college football for the Army Black Knights at several positions, including left tackle, defensive lineman, and wide receiver. Originally slated to be a tight end, his size was prized on the end of the offensive line.
After graduation, Villanueva was commissioned into the United States Army on May 22, 2010, as a second lieutenant in the Infantry. He was then sent to various military schools, including the Infantry, Airborne, and Ranger Schools; all located at Fort Benning, Georgia. After completing the three courses, he was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York. It was with the 10th Mountain Division he deployed for the first time for 12 months to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As a result of his actions during this deployment he was awarded a Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for rescuing wounded soldiers while under enemy fire.
Villanueva had tryouts with the Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears after going undrafted in the 2010 NFL Draft, but was not signed for the season. That led Villanueva to return to the military with the 75th Ranger Regiment’s Ranger Orientation Program in 2013. He was assigned to the 1st Ranger Battalion. After two subsequent tours, Villanueva left the military, highly decorated, at the rank of Captain.
Eight days after being waved by the Philadelphia Eagles, the Steelers signed Villanueva to their practice squad in August 2014. He played in Pittsburgh through the 2020 season.
These four men were not the only Steelers to serve their country. Andy Russell and Rocky Bleier both served in foreign countries. Other players have served in government, including Lynn Swann. Dan Rooney served as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland for four years (2009-12).
The Rooney family had long believed in the values of faith and family, and that included hard work and service. That their organization developed individuals who served and continue to serve their communities meets a moral standard that is both patriotic and admirable.
