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Villanueva shares personal experiences on life, death after Drake’s passing

LATROBE, Pa. -- Alejandro Villanueva is painfully familiar with death.

Before making his way to the NFL, the Steelers starting left tackle Villanueva served three tours in Afghanistan as an Army Ranger, earning a Bronze Star for valor in the process. That is awarded for "either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone." Unfortunately, such a distinction comes with sacrifices, sadness and, yes, death along the way.

Now, as the Steelers mourn the death of receivers coach Darryl Drake and attempt to move on in Latrobe, Pa.