Steelers Nation: A Fanbase, A Lifestyle, A Religion?

If you live in Pittsburgh, you know that Steelers football can take on a religious tone at times. Especially since most spend at least eight Sunday's in parking lots along the North Shore before home games.

Along Ridge Avenue, in a lot two doors down from Art Rooney's original home, a tailgate conducts a sacred ritual in which virgins (Those who have never attended a live Steelers game before) are summoned to be baptized into Steelers Nation.

The ritual has grown over the years. This isn't the first time I've seen or taped this infamous event, mainly because the tailgate happens right across from ours.

It's evolved into a full Steelers Pope hat, and to be politically correct, the Rabbi Dave who dons a black and gold yamaka. The newest addition for 2013: An altar boy (Get those inappropriate thoughts out of your head right now).

A quick sermon, somewhat accurate quotes from Steeler greats and a blessing leads to the baptism of the "virgins" with holy water (Iron City Light: Pittsburgh's champagne beer). After the ceremony, you will walk out of the tailgate as members of Steelers Nation, while smelling of beer, just like most of the 65,000 in attendance.

It's all in fun. Although I think they were trying to sacrifice a Titans fan toward the end of the video. It might've helped in retrospect.