A Super Bowl hero and Pro Bowl linebacker, yes, but I wondered why so many people would wait three hours to get an autograph from one man.

A man who the national media portrays as being one of the most outspoken players in the National Football League.

I soon learned of the character of that man, Joey Porter of the world champion Pittsburgh Steelers, during Bakersfield’s day held for him Feb. 20.

There were so many stories of how this young man, a two-time all-conference wide receiver and wingback graduate of Foothill High School, did not just pick up and leave town once he gained fame and money. He also has done so much for this community.

With The Urban High Steppers leading the procession, followed by pastor Vernon Kemp with the invocation, the atmosphere even before Porter arrived was festive.

It did not matter what your faith or color of your skin or how much money you had in your bank account. As the Greater Harvest Church Choir performed, you found yourself with a smile all afternoon talking football and family.

“He is doing a lot for the community that people don’t know about,” said Mike Dallas from the Police Activity League center.

“It is well deserved that the community gave him his day. It was overdue.” From the minute Porter showed up to the ceremonies in his honor, you got a feeling for his character.

Porter worked his way to the stage with his son Joey Jr. in his arms and daughter Jayle and wife Christy at his side.

Others in attendance were Porter’s mother; brother Amosis; teacher from Casa Loma Elementary Mayola Beverly; former high school football coach Ned Permenter; Mayor Harvey Hall; councilwoman Irma Carson; state Sen. Dean Florez; and assemblywoman Nicole Parra.

“It was an honor to be part of this day,” said Carson, who along with Hall coordinated Joey Porter Day.

During his speech, Porter stepped back from stage to speak with William Andrews, a member of Stop the Violence, and asked for a hat from Andrews that said Stop the Violence.

Porter’s confidence and leadership shined as he addressed the throng of fans about the increase of violent crime among local urban communities in recent years.

It became obvious why over a thousand people waited for his autograph. Among his achievements, he paid for a knee surgery for Princeton McCarthy, a West High football player, as well as ensuring that Foothill High football players have cleats.

Add to that his involvement in Pittsburgh with Toys for Kids and Click for Cans and it becomes obvious that Porter’s most valuable traits run much further than what we hear sometimes.