PITTSBURGH -- Duquesne University defensive backs coach Darnel Richardson will attend Pittsburgh Steelers training camp from July 27th through August 5th as part of the 2017 NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship.

Established in 1987, the Fellowship program provides NFL coaching experience to a diverse group of coaches every year. The program, which was named after the man who conceived the idea -- late Pro Football Hall of Fame head coach Bill Walsh -- exposes talented minority college coaches, high school coaches, and former players to the methods and philosophies of NFL coaching staffs. Walsh introduced the concept to the league in 1987 when he brought a group of minority coaches into his San Francisco 49ers' training camp.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Richardson, who will be immersed in all aspects of camp ranging from meetings and film work to on-field coaching. "To have the chance to get a first-hand look at how one of the most-respected franchises in the NFL goes about its work will be a great experience."

Richardson, who is in his eighth season at Duquesne, plans to work extensively with Steelers defensive backs coach Carnell Lake. "I'm looking forward learning at the highest level," said Richardson. "I'm hoping to bring some things back and incorporate them into what we do here at Duquesne."

The program has tutored more than 1,800 minority coaches through the years and has grown to the point that now every NFL team participates during offseason workout programs, minicamps and training camp.

Several current NFL head coaches, including Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, are graduates of the program.

Richardson's selection is a continuation of Duquesne football's long relationship with the Steelers.

Steelers founder Art Rooney, for whom DU's home field is named, was a quarterback/kicker for the Dukes in 1920. His son, Dan Rooney, the Steelers late chairman, graduated from Duquesne and Dan's son, Art Rooney II, the current Steelers president, earned a law degree from DU.

Junior receiver Nehari Crawford is the cousin of Steelers LB Ryan Shazier, who attends DU home games when it fits the Steelers schedule. In addition, defensive assistant Luke Smith is the nephew of Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Smith.

The Steelers regularly practiced on Rooney Field in the 1990s under a bubble that covered 80 yards of the field during the winter months. The team moved off campus following construction of its South Side practice facility.