Once a Griffin, Always Gold: SHU Alum Plays Key Role in Pittsburgh's NFL Draft

Once a Griffin, now black and gold! Crystal Joyce Nettles is a two time graduate of Seton Hill University and now a major contributor to the National Football League (NFL) Draft happening in Pittsburgh this spring.

“I am so blessed in my career; I get to do the job I love and most people’s dream job,”

As the Senior Project Manager for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Nettles has had a big hand in The Draft this year. To make this event happen, she’s worked alongside a number of major partners like the NFL, VisitPittsburgh, the state of Pennsylvania, and the City of Pittsburgh. With these partners, she has been helping plan the logistics of the event since May 2023. It is now estimated that as many as one million people will be visiting the City of Pittsburgh to attend the NFL Draft. Outside of The Draft, Nettles’ role with the Steelers includes assisting with government affairs. attending yearly NFL meetings in Washington, D.C., and working with outside partners and executives.

At Seton Hill, Nettles earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration - Human Resources in 2018, then her MBA in Management in 2020. She graduated as the first in her family to earn a 4-year degree. Looking back at her time in college, she remembers Dr. Guinta's classes and the impact they had on her. “... she [Dr. Guinta] always pushed me out of my comfort zone, which helped me learn and grow to become a better professional,” Nettles said. Her freshman year, another professor told Nettles that she had “grit” and she says that’s what has gotten her to the career she has. “I am so blessed in my career; I get to do the job I love and most people’s dream job,” she said.

Nettles also participated in study abroad during her undergrad, visiting Ireland for the first time. She returned to Ireland with the team for the 2025 Steelers-Vikings Game in Dublin.

During Homecoming 2025, Nettles returned to Seton Hill as a GOLD Awardee. Last year, she also received the honor of Pittsburgh Business Times 30 under 30. Though she’s traded crimson for black, Nettle’s heart has remained golden. Outside of work, she continues to carry the Setonian spirit with her through community engagement. She is a member of United Way Women United, a Children's Trust Member of the UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation, a supporter of local and public radio through WYEP, and a fundraising participant of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest.