McKees Rocks, known locally as the Rocks, reached its heyday in the first half of the 20th century, drawing immigrant expertise to work in the iron, steel and railroad industries. Its population peaked just above 18,000 in the 1930s, but has dwindled to fewer than 6,000 today, according to census figures. Its citizens — about half are white, mostly of Italian and Eastern European heritage; and 29 percent are Black — celebrate a mélange of traditions, but more than a quarter live in poverty.
Locals lament the influx of drugs and crime. But Hamlin has purposefully remained connected to the Rocks, which helps explain the outpouring of support for him, such as a sign on the marquee at the Roxian music venue that says, “We Love You Damar!”
His ties to home are evident in the tattoo inside his left biceps that says “Gray St.,” where he lived; in his decision to attend Pitt instead of Penn State or Ohio State so that his family could conveniently watch him play; in the youth football camps he holds; and in the toy drive he started in connection with his mother Nina’s day care center that has grown via a GoFundMe campaign to more than $8 million.
“He never forgot us,” said Archie Brinza, 50, the borough council president. “Now we’re fighting for him.”
On Saturday, Hamlin posted on social media that he had been overwhelmed by public support, asked for continued prayers and wrote that “when you put real love out into the world it comes back to you 3x’s as much.”
Local athletes are not star-struck by Hamlin; they find him approachable and knowable, said Marvin Mills, 44, the football coach at Sto-Rox High School. Before nearly every game, Sto-Rox players call or text Hamlin, and he responds with encouragement, they said. “He’s the hero of the neighborhood,” said Zay Davis, 19, who just completed his senior football season. “We all have the same dream, and he fulfilled it. He’s like a big brother. I see his mother all the time.”