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Retired Pro Stuvaints Adds to Museum Collection
Jerseys, photos donated to Heritage Center in Renzie Park
By Vickie Babyak
The Tube City Almanac
February 08, 2025
Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Former Steeler Russell Stuvaints signs his donated Steeler jersey for the sports wall at McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center. (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)
Former Steelers defensive back Russell Stuvaints donated sports memorabilia to the McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center to keep a promise to a longtime friend.
A member of the 2005 Steelers team that defeated the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL, Stuvaints was accompanied by his wife, son and mother. The family was greeted by Heritage Center board chair Jennifer Vertullo.
Vertullo said Stuvaints and State Rep. Matthew Gergely, a member of the heritage center’s board, were lifelong friends. Gergely had arranged for Stuvaints to make the donation prior to Gergely’s untimely death in January.
“The history center is making sure to fulfill Gergely’s wish to give Stuvaints his due honor on the sports wall with the other great McKeesport athletes,” Vertullo said.
Holding up former Steeler Russell Stuvaints’ sports memorabilia is his wife Diane Stuvaints, son Russell Stuvaints III, Russell Stuvaints, and Stuvaints’ mother, Ramona Wilkes. (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)
A graduate of McKeesport Area High School’s class of 1998, Stuvaints played for the Tigers under longtime Coach George Smith, and held several school records.
“Since I was six years old, I dreamed and dreamed of being a football player, working hard, and hoping to make it,” Stuvaints said.
After high school, he attended Youngstown State University and earned a communications degree. He was a letterman in football and was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2003.
Though listed as a defensive back, Stuvaints also had success at safety. He appeared in 15 games for the Steelers in 2004, including two playoff appearances. After leaving the NFL, Stuvaints played for Team Arkansas in the All American Football League and with the Burgh Defenders of the American Arena League.
On Tuesday, Stuvaints said being part of the Steelers’ championship 2005 squad was a great experience, and especially remembers fondly running back Jerome Bettis, who he said treated him very well.
Located in Renziehausen Park, the Heritage Center is putting the finishing touches on a major remodeling project and expansion that will add to its existing sports wall. The center’s sports display includes football, baseball, basketball and Olympics memorabila from athletes born in the Mon-Yough area.
“McKeesport has a lot of history and is rich in sports history. It's humbling and gratifying to be along with some of the great athletes of our area,” Stuvaints said.
Stuvaints donated his McKeesport High School jersey, two Steelers jerseys, two Terrible Towels, and personal photographs to add to the center’s sports collection.
“It is an honor to accept Russell’s donation and the heritage center is beyond happy to have him a part of our sports display,” Vertullo said.
(Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)
Vickie Babyak is a photographer and freelance writer from Dravosburg. She may be reached at vbabyak@yahoo.com.
Originally published February 08, 2025.
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