Dignity alert — the mayor of Pittsburgh held a press conference to pretend to change his name from Ravenstahl to Steelerstahl:

To understand the depth of feeling here for the Steelers, consider the news conference Wednesday morning at the Allegheny County Department of Court Records.

There, Pittsburgh’s mayor, Luke Ravenstahl, filled out a Verified Petition for a Name Change in a ceremonial effort to convert his surname to Steelerstahl. It would be that way, he said, until the Steelers and the Ravens played Sunday for the American Football Conference title.

“We got a call yesterday from Star 100.7’s morning show D. J., who suggested that I take Ravens out of my name and insert Steelers,” said Ravenstahl, who is a rabid Steelers fan. “Of course I thought it was a great idea. I guess it’s the least I can do for Steeler Nation to try to show them support they deserve.”

Yes, it is all in good fun, and Mayor Luke, as many refer to the boyish-looking mayor of 28, laughed as he filled out the forms.

I don’t know anything about Ravenstahl or Pittsburgh politics, but when you’re a 28-year-old elected official, making a joke of yourself is pretty much never a good idea.