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Steelers' new 'buddy,' a cancer survivor, addresses team and ribs Bengals

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers received a post-practice message last week from an unlikely source, courtesy of defensive tackle Stephon Tuitt.

Tuitt brought his neighbor’s friend to practice, who according to Tuitt is a 21-year-old brain tumor survivor named Ryan. Coach Mike Tomlin introduced Ryan, who walked into a circle of players and coaches.

Smartly, Ryan played to the crowd.

“He said, 'If we all pass away, in heaven, there’s no Cincinnati, there’s no Cleveland -- it’s all Pittsburgh Steelers fans,’” Tuitt recalled with a smile.