First, what is the offseason plan for you – how’s your health?
My health is good! I’m just thankful to God for helping keep me in good health so I can still do what I love to do. I have no complaints.
The offseason has been good. I’m just starting to get back into doing some light workouts this early in the offseason. It’s been busy – taking kids to school and going to their games. That’s what my offseason’s looked like.
Did the coaches talk to you/ask anything of you heading into next season?
Yeah – the exit meeting went pretty good. They are interested in bringing me back and seem to be happy with the four seasons I’ve played there. You never know for sure what the plan entails though. I’m excited about the journey and to be able to continue to do what makes me happy.
How hard was it moving to nosetackle and what made you so effective there.
It’s not that much more difficult – just an adjustment from playing nose once in a while to playing it full-time. Sometimes teams slide their lines and you end up playing nose but it’s not the same as playing in the middle every play.
When you play the nose you have less space to work in. You have more space when you’re further away from the ball. When you’re over the ball guys are on you faster. My knowledge and experience helped me with that. I’ve known how to play different positions since I came into the league as a hybrid lineman. I could play anywhere on the line in college so that helped.
It seemed like the “asks” for the position have changed a bit over the past few years -first with Hargrave and then with you. Is that accurate? How so?
I think overall the game has changed. When I first came into the league we had more balanced offenses – I think teams are getting back to that again now. But it changed the way the nosetackle position was used. It went from big 320-to-350 pound guys to guys that are 300-to-315 pounds. Now you have to not just be able to hold up double teams, you have to be able to get after the passer in base fronts. Even against the run, more teams are using zone schemes where the ball stays outside, You have to be light on your feet and be able to run side-to-side. Defenses notice that and adjust.
With the cap situation, and guys like Pouncey just retiring, there will be guys on both sides of the ball that may not be there next season. I know it’s a business, but how hard is it seeing guys you are close to leave and are you worried at all about what the team makeup may look like next season?
It’s always hard. You never get used to the turnaround that happens each year. You build relationships and it’s hard to see guys go when they retire or go to other teams.
For me, being a vet, I’ve learned to appreciate each relationship I’ve built in the locker room. Especially with the leaders of the team – I value those relationships I’ve built. They are the biggest thing you can take away from the game.
And losing a guy like Pouncey – a Hall of Fame player – it’s tough. I’m just grateful to have had the chance to play with him.
Does that affect how you look at signing back with the team?
It all plays into it- it’s all a factor. Especially when you’re getting on in your career. As a player you want to get to a Super Bowl – you want to be a part of that special group. I thought we might have had that in 2020 but it didn’t go as we hoped.
It all depends on how things play out. I just want to do what’s best for me and my family.
Who were some of the mentors that helped you along your career?
Coming in as a rookie Aaron Kampmann had just come in from Green Bay. He took me under his wing and showed me what it meant to be a pro. He was a great mentor and teammate.
I’ve played for 11 years now so there are so many people that had input – every player and team I played for. Terrance Knighton was another guy – he was only one year older than me but he was a great mentor – he showed me the ins and outs of being a rookie – how to prepare.
And Paul Poluszny – everyone looked up to him. He was a pro’s pro – he did everything the right way on and off the field.
Anyone help in Pittsburgh?
He is a year younger than me but Cam Heyward – he was definitely one of those guys. He was a leader on and off the field – I have so much respect for him for the things he does.
It’s tough being a leader. You have to do things to please both sides – players and coaches. He does a great job of keeping that balance and trust of both sides. He helps keep the team together and knows when to talk to coaches on the players’ behalf.
Any specific instances when that was needed?
Not anything specific- just in general. I mean, some guys steer away from captains and leaders because they aren’t sure if they are really there for them – if they are there more for the coaches maybe. But he’s done a great job with both sides and that’s a tough thing to do.
John Mitchell – what has he meant to you there?
I love Coach Mitch. He was the first coach I met with when I took the visit to Pittsburgh. His knowledge of the game – I know it’s tough love – but you just knew he had your back. You always knew what you were going to get with him – day in and day out. You never wanted to let him down.
What made him so effective?
He’s been around the game for so long. He’s seen so much – he knows what works at this level and he keeps it real. I’d go into meetings nervous – thinking I practiced or played well. But then you get the gray sheet and while you thought you did a good job, he humbles you real quick! He makes you want to play better for him.
Why did you sign with Steelers in free agency?
To be honest I didn’t want to take a trip to Pittsburgh. My agent told me they were interested in at least a two-year deal, and I was in my eighth year. I wanted a one-year deal – a chance to prove myself again. My agent talked me into taking the trip though and the rest is history.
What sold you on the team?
Hearing and seeing what they were about. When I got there I could feel the family atmosphere. Talking to Coach Mitch, Mike T. and Kevin {Colbert}- I knew I wanted to be a part of it. It was about the work there – not about how nice the locker rooms were. It was about putting in the work to be world champions.
I loved that mindset. I thought that this was what the NFL was supposed to look like. I knew I wanted to be a part of that.
Coach T. – on the outside looking in you always knew he’d be a great coach to play for. Talking to him and playing for him – he’s a great leader of men. He makes you want to play for him.
There was rumored interested by Pittsburgh in you in the draft. Were you aware of that at all?’
You always hear things in interviews. I know the Colts tried to trade to get me on draft day. But I never heard anything about the Steelers. Looking back I wish I had gotten here earlier! Not that I have bad feelings about Jacksonville, but it would have been exciting to have played for Pittsburgh then too.
Lastly, what are some of the best experiences/funniest moments you’ve had as a pro?
I think the funniest was my rookie season. They were doing some rookie hazing and shaving the heads of the rookies, Well, I had hair down to the middle of my back and I wasn’t letting anyone cut my hair. No way. I told them that so they decided to shave my eyebrows instead! The whole time it was happening I just kept thinking of how I was going to explain this to my wife and kids!
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
