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Hayden Shock, 33, a Canine Companions hearing dog graduate and a devoted Steelers fan from Virginia, has been named 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers Fan of the Year. Hayden became a Steelers fan after his father, who’s from Indiana, Pennsylvania, introduced him to the team when he was young. Since then, along with his father and five siblings, Hayden has been a fan of the black and gold – even covering up the walls of his childhood bedroom with Steelers memorabilia.
As a Deaf individual, Hayden has always navigated a silent world. Born profoundly deaf due to Goldenhar Syndrome, he’s never known life any other way. But being deaf means missing everyday sounds that most people who can hear take for granted — a doorbell, a knock at the door, or a loved one calling your name.
Hayden’s mom noticed her teenage son didn’t realize how much he was missing and encouraged him to apply for a hearing dog from Canine Companions. When he met his first hearing dog, Remy, Hayden’s world opened up in remarkable ways.
“I used to think I didn’t miss much of what was going on around me, but boy, was I wrong,” Hayden recalls. “I was dropping things without noticing, leaving the water on and missing people knocking on my door. Remy changed that.”
Now, with his current hearing dog, Abby, by his side, Hayden’s independence and confidence have grown even more. Whether he’s commuting on the metro, dining out with his wife, watching the Steelers play, or traveling across the country to compete in the Transplant Games of America as a kidney transplant survivor, Abby keeps him connected to the world around him.
“Having a hearing dog makes a profound difference in my life,” Hayden shares. “Abby helps me notice the world around me. She gives me a level of independence I didn’t even realize I was missing.”
Now, the next step for Hayden is to snag the title of 2025 NFL Fan of the Year! Vote now to help Hayden win. Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on February 4, 2026.
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