Charlie Batch still giving back after solid career as NFL QB
DETROIT (BVM) — Former Detroit Lions quarterback Charlie Batch played four seasons in Honolulu blue and silver before spending 11 seasons as a backup for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He went on to become a key player in the NFL community and show why it’s about so much more than a game. His efforts extend far past the line of scrimmage. Where is he now?
Eastern Michigan University
The 6-foot-2 Homestead, Pennsylvania-born Batch made his bones at Steel Valley High School then Eastern Michigan University from 1994-97. In 1994, he saw action in eight games and recorded solid stats. Batch connected on 62.8% of his passes for seven TDs against just one interception.
The next year, he led the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in completions with 244. Plus he topped the MAC in passing yards (3,177) and passing efficiency rating (PER) as well. He also finished second in completion percentage in 1995.
1996 was filled with tragedy and adversity. In February, Charlie’s sister was tragically shot and killed — in a case of mistaken identity. To add, he sat out a year of college ball after being accidentally poisoned while working as a painter over the summer.
Batch bounced back with a strong season in 1997. He threw for 3,280 yards and 23 TDs in 11 games. He was on his way to the NFL.
NFL career
The Detroit Lions picked him in the second round (60th overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft. In four years with the Lions, he passed for 9,016 yards with 49 TDs. From there, he moved on to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers. From 2002 until 2012 he suited up for the Steelers, mainly as a reserve behind starting QB Ben Roethlisberger.
Friday Flashback: QB Charlie Batch throws 21-yard touchdown pass to WR Herman Moore against the #Steelers on Thanksgiving in 1998 with Carnell Lake in coverage. Yes, this was the infamous OT coin-flip game. @CharlieBatch16 pic.twitter.com/mrfAUhreVZ
— BlitzburghUSAVideos (@sdextrasmedia) January 10, 2020
Charity work
Away from the field, Batch is well-known for his philanthropic side. In 2000, Charlie established Best of the Batch Foundation to serve underprivileged youth in the Pittsburgh area. That is the main vehicle for a variety of his charitable endeavors. In addition, he created Project C.H.U.C.K. (Continuously Helping Uplift Community Kids) which serves his hometown of Homestead.
He has received a great deal of recognition for such efforts. Batch won the Steelers’ 2006 Walter Payton Man of the Year. Additionally, he earned 2007’s Boys and Girls Club Outstanding Service Award as well as a Pittsburgh Pirates Community Service Award. Plus No. 16 bagged the 2012 NFL NFLPA Alan Page Community Award.
In 2018, he was inducted into the MAC Hall of Fame.
Where is he today?
Batch smoothly transitioned to the broadcast booth. These days, he represents KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh doing pregame analysis for his former team. And Batch even does commentary for the Steelers during the preseason. He also remains involved as a respected figure in the NFL Players’ Association.
