originally seen on ESPN
Before he became the starting left tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Alejandro Villanueva served three tours of duty in Afghanistan.
While there, he forged a bond with his Afghan interpreter, Mohammad Arif Azimi.
After U.S. troops left Afghanistan, Azimi’s life was in danger as Taliban forces were seeking retribution for his role in assisting the American soldiers.
Villanueva helped Azimi immigrate to the United States 16 months ago on a special immigrant visa. Last weekend, SC Featured was with Villanueva as he reconnected with an old and trusted friend he had not seen since 2012.