Nick Eason shows some love

The Neuro ICU at Savannah's Memorial University Medical Center is Pittsburgh Steeler territory.

It might seem odd to see a bunch of physicians and staff at a South Georgia hospital wearing the famed black and gold, but the folks down there have a strong alliance to the Steelers thanks in large part to a recent experience with former Clemson Tiger Nick Eason.

Last fall, Eason's father was going through a tough time and ended up in the ICU for several days. He ended up turning out OK, and through the experience the hospital staff developed a relationship with the Eason family.

Before going to Clemson, Eason played high school football at Toombs County in Lyons, Ga. His father lives in Glennville.

Eason made a trip to Savannah during the fall and made a strong impression on the folks he came across at the hospital. He spent time with the kids at Backus Children's Hospital. He had lunch with other families in the ICU.

Basically, he came across as a big 'ole teddy bear.

Eason ended up thanking the staff by sending them replica jerseys bearing his No. 93. So when the Steelers beat the Jets nine days ago in the AFC Championship to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl, they had quite the cheering section in Savannah.

This news comes to us via a distant cousin of mine named Will Thompson. Will is a Clemson grad, a huge Tigers fan, a TI subscriber, and an accomplished neurosurgeon.

At the top right of the above picture, you can see someone wearing a Clemson cap. That's Will.

Here's what he had to say about the experience with the Eason family:

"The image I have of Nick Eason – the Clemson grad and NFL player – has always been positive. For me, meeting some of his family and how they deal with tragedy confirmed to me the integrity of Nick Eason, and his family. Nick sending 14+ jerseys to the medical staff was well beyond his duty - a thrill for me - and a day of celebration for the hospital staff."

They'll be celebrating down in Savannah again if the Steelers take care of Green Bay in that little exhibition taking place Sunday night in Dallas.

LW