Suisham becomes U.S. citizen

PITTSBURGH (AP) – Pittsburgh Steelers placekicker Shaun Suisham (SWEEZ’-ham) has become an American citizen.

Shaun Suisham

Shaun Suisham

The kicker took the oath of allegiance Wednesday with 31 other new citizens from 14 countries. The ceremony was held at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field office in the suburb of Wilkins Township.

The 34-year-old was born in Wallaceburg, Ontario, which is about 90 minutes from Detroit.

He came to the United States to kick for Bowling Green University and joined the NFL in 2005. He signed with the Steelers in 2010, but spent last year on the disabled list.

Suisham has married and had two daughters since coming to the U.S. He says that was the catalyst for seeking citizenship.

Suisham says he “has grown to love the United States of America” and, specifically, Pittsburgh.