Steelers notes: T.J. Watt presents Super Bowl trip to army vet, former exec let go by Panthers

An Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient was chosen to receive a trip to the Super Bowl as part of a promotion involving Pittsburgh Steelers star outside linebacker T.J. Watt.

Wounded in 2011 while serving in Afghanistan, Army reservist Adam Alexander — like Watt — is a Wisconsin native. According to a release, Alexander was given a 5% chance of survival after being struck in the head by sniper fire during an insurgent attack on his base stationed in province of Paktya. Part of Provincial Reconstruction Team, Alexander had achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant when his service career ended due to the injuries he sustained.

Army vet SSGT Adam Alexander is living proof that those from the heartland have huge hearts! Along with @USAA and @DAVHQ, I’m honored to send a Purple Heart recipient and fellow Wisconsinite to #SuperBowlLVIII in Las Vegas #SaluteToService #ad pic.twitter.com/obMDuOgkKE

— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) January 23, 2024

Now the father of a 1-year-old daughter, Alexander serves as a member of Disabled American Veterans. The DAV and USAA sponsor Super Bowl recognition for veterans across the league in conjunction with players such as Watt. Watt will meet with Alexander and his father-in-law in Las Vegas before the Feb. 11 Super Bowl.

“Being a professional football player requires strength, resiliency, and selflessness — all inspiring characteristics that Staff Sergeant Adam Alexander embodies,” Watt said in a statement.

In addition to the Purple Heart, Alexander has been decorated with the Combat Action badge and the Army Commendation Medal with Valor.

Also Tuesday, Watt was named the AFC defensive player of the year by an organization of 101 national media members called the ‘Committee of 101.’

Suleiman let go by Panthers

A day after hiring Dan Morgan as general manager, the Carolina Panthers parted ways with former Steelers executive Samir Suleiman. Suleiman worked for the Steelers for eight years before being hired away in 2020. Initially that team’s director of player negotiations and salary cap manager, Suleiman’s most recent title was vice president of football administration.

Kiper mocks CB to Steelers

Longtime ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. released a mock draft Tuesday, and with it he projected Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter to the Steelers.

Lassiter was part of national championship-winning teams at Georgia in 2021 and 2022 and last season emerged as the Bulldogs’ top cornerback. According to Kiper, Lassieter (6-0, 180) allowed a total of nine receptions for 91 yards as the nearest defender in coverage this past season.

The Steelers sit at the No. 20 overall pick.

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