steelersThe Pittsburgh Steelers' PR staff won the coveted Pete Rozelle Award from the Professional Football Writers of America, the group's annual honor for the NFL's best PR unit.

Burt Lauten (pictured), who took over Steelers communications in 2011, heads a four-person PR operation as communications coordinator for the team. He joined the Steelers in 2005 as PR manager.

"He understands the jobs we have and helps in the kinds of ways some of the best in his business know how to do -- by working with the reporters and columnists and TV men on their stories and offering guidance when asked or even when not," said Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sports reporter Ed Bouchette.

The PR award is named after former NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, who started out in NFL PR with the Los Angeles Rams.

The Denver Broncos' communications unit won the award last year.