WEST SUNBURY— Moniteau's midget football program had a need for officials and Matt Grossman answered the call.

Eight years later, the NFL has a need for helmet monitor officials — and Grossman answered the call again.

Grossman, 33, of West Sunbury will be one of the defensive helmet sideline officials at Pittsburgh Steelers home games this season.

This is the first season a defensive player can have a radio monitor inside his helmet on the field, just like the quarterback uses.

"Each team can designate only two defensive players per game to wear that helmet and only one of them can wear it on the field,"Grossman said. "My job is to be at the 50-yard line on the Steelers sideline at Heinz Field, making sure only one player is using that helmet.

"If the Steelers switch to their secondary player during the game, they have to come to me to get the helmet."

Grossman said someone from the NFLcalled him recently and offered him the position.

"I have no idea how they got my name. I'm assuming someone recommended me," he said.

So far, Grossman has worked one game: the Steelers' preseason opener Aug. 8.

"The league is still trying to clarify everything," he said "This is a totally new thing.'

Grossman began officiating football eight years ago, after his now deceased father-in-law, Neal James, told him midget football needed officials. James had coached Moniteau's midget football team for a number of years.

After he got involved in officiating, Grossman quickly climbed the ladder. Once a member of the Butler association, he now is with the Pittsburgh association and works WPIALhigh school games on Friday nights, as well as Presidents' Athletic Conference Division IIIcollege games on Saturdays.

Now the NFL has become part of his schedule.

"I've got some nice full football weekends ahead,"he said.

Steve Ward, a fellow official in the Pittsburgh association, lauds Grossman officiating.

"He's going to be big time some day,"Ward said. "Matt is very dedicated to this craft and has some lofty goals. He's biding his time and making the right contacts."

Grossman, who works construction for his father's business during the week, doesn't believe this sideline job is a steppingstone to becoming an NFLgame official.

"Not at all," he said. "They hired 64 of us around the league. I'm treating this as an opportunity for a nice experience, nothing more."

He credits his late father-in-law for getting him started.

"He really encouraged me and I've enjoyed the people I met through officiating,"Grossman said. "There's still an urgent need for high school football officials."

Those interested in becoming a football official can visit piaa.org.