The concept of teamwork doesn't wear off of NFL players once their playing days are over.

Just ask Todd Kalis.

The former NFL offensive lineman, who now lives in Cranberry Township with his wife and two children, is in his fifth year as president of the Pittsburgh Chapter of NFL Alumni, an organization that concentrates most of its attention on helping children's charities.

The Pittsburgh chapter has between 125 and 150 members, including former Steelers Mel Blount and Andy Russell.

After an eight-year career spent with the Vikings, Steelers and Bengals, Kalis retired from the league in 1997.

That same year, he joined NFL Alumni and soon after moved his family to Butler County.

"I grew up in Minnesota before my family moved to Arizona when I was in high school," said Kalis. "The one year I spent with the Steelers (1994), I realized I really liked this area. Minnesota has the country's worst winters and Arizona has the worst summers; but around Pittsburgh, the weather wasn't too extreme either way."

In 2000, Kalis was nominated by former Steelers linebacker Craig Bingham to take over as chapter president.

"Andy Russell had been involved for a long time, and he talked to me about his experiences and what to expect," Kalis said.

"When I first took over, the Pittsburgh chapter was not in good shape," he added. "We were in debt, but I was able to get us on the plus side within a year."

NFL Alumni, whose motto is "Caring for Kids," includes 31 other chapters.

Last December, Kalis delivered 10 $1,000 checks to Butler-based organizations in need of the money.

"There will be times when I round up a few of the other members of the chapter - Blount, Russell, (Randy) Grossman, (Robin) Cole - and we'll go to an area children's hospital with a bag full of toys for the kids."

It is while they visit the children that Kalis and other former players are reminded why they are members of NFL Alumni.

"Giving the kids a toy is important," said Kalis. "But I think the most important thing is just the time you spend with them, paying attention to what they're doing, whether it's drawing a picture or whatever."

"I think I can speak for the other guys … when you see that smile on (the child's face), that's what drives us to do what we do. You know you've created a moment that the kids will hopefully remember for years to come."

Kalis knows that a successful chapter depends on the commitment of many former players. Fortunately, that is not a problem in this area.

"Of the players who played (in Pittsburgh), the number of them who decide to live here after retiring is very high," said Kalis. "And they give back to the community.

"I consider myself very lucky to be president of a chapter that has such a great group of guys."