First, tell me how the season went for you?
It was a great one – no complaints. I am grateful to be blessed to have stayed with the team the whole season. With free agency and the way the crazy season has gone, a lot of guys are released and go all over the country. I was blessed to be able to stay in Pittsburgh the whole season.
Did anyone help you most as a rookie – how so?
Cam – he’s been here for a decade now – he was playing when I was in middle school. Most of all, he – and TJ, Tyson – they all helped most by just showing who they are as leaders. They are vets – some guys would take plays off a bit in practice and take it easy – but they are such great leaders – they don’t take plays off. I told my girlfriend – I want to be just like them. If I’m lucky enough to be in the league 8-to-10 years, I want to bring that hard work every day and not take plays off – like them.
Anything specific they helped show you as you developed over the year?
The biggest thing was just being comfortable. There are a lot of nerves as a young guy – there’s a lot of uncertainty. Their biggest role for me was just helping me feel comfortable. To help me learn the plays and if I was confused, to make sure I knew I needed to speak up and ask questions.
Not to try and pretend you know things to look better?
Exactly – to speak up. That they’d be there to answer any questions. That’s how they were – that’s been the biggest takeaway for me this season.
What made you decide to sign with the Steelers in the first place as a free agent?
I really looked at roster depth – and I wanted to go to someplace where there was an opportunity for advancement. My agent and I felt the Steelers were the best place for me. I also felt it was one of the best places for sticking with and developing guys. I wanted to be somewhere where they would see my potential and take time to develop me.
Was there something specific the coaches were asking you to focus on most to improve upon in order to take that next step?
That’s a good question. There wasn’t one thing, per se. They signed me for a specific role on the practice squad. I don’t think they expected me to play this year. My role was to develop and and “work while you wait” for that chance. And to be as ready as I could be if someone got hurt, which obviously happened.
What was that feeling like when you went on the field for the first time in the regular season?
When I ended up playing, I was ready for it – it was an awesome feeling. It was nervewracking, but once you’re out there playing the nerves go away – you’re playing football.
But I do remember one play – I was looking around and was amazed at it all. It was Sunday Night Football so there was extra hype around the game. I just remember looking around – it was electric.
Any funny or poignant memories from that first season stand out most to you?
Being around the NFL, you realize it’s a job – more of a business. But in the end these are just big kids playing football. Cam, Tyson – they are older guys in the football sense and know when to take things seriously, but in a sense they are still just big kids.
I just remember laughing a lot with the other defensive linemen and Coach Dunbar. He’s surprisingly easy to joke around with too – he has his jokes and we make fun of each other.
Have you had your exit interview yet – do you know if you’re coming back?
I just did yeah and I will be back next season – I signed a futures contract. I met with Coach Dunbar and we’re both excited about the future and what I can do next year. I’m ready to work. I’ve been in the NFL for a year now and am ready to prove I should get more opportunities.
How from your perspective has the team handled the playoff loss and the likely retirement of Ben?
Everyone is bummed. No one likes losing – you put so much into the game – to fall short sucks. But Coach Tomlin does an excellent job of keeping people optimistic. He keeps people focused. Honestly, being around some not-so-great coaches, seeing them really helps you appreciate Coach Tomlin.
How did he help keep the team focused in a year with so much craziness with Covid, injuries, Ben’s looming retirement….?
In multiple ways. This season – I think we’re all used to change at this point. We didn’t even know if we’d be playing last year. The whole world has been hit with adversity. But Tomlin did a great job of ensuring we had set plans. He addressed issues head-on. There was never any gossiping with players and coaches – never any wondering what was going on with anything, He left nothing to chance and handles things with transparency and honesty. I’m not just saying that because he’s my coach. He really made sure we were all focused.
Were there guys you faced in practice that you really enjoyed going up against?
Going up against Trai Turner got me better. He’s had a great career – the Pro Bowls and all. He helped me – it’s really true that iron sharpens iron. I could visibly see how I got better from week one to the end of the season. Trai helped with that – he brought it every practice. He went up to me – me as a rookie – and thanked me for the looks I was able to give him in practice. He told me that I made him better. When a veteran player like that says that to you as a rookie, you can’t ask for anything else.
How did he help you?
He showed me things I had never seen before. The way offensive linemen play the game – it’s very personal. The things he did I had never seen other players do – that helped me to grow.
Lastly, what are you hoping for for next season?
I’m hoping to play more – to be a part of the rotation. I know I can do that. Anything else is a failure. I’m grateful for this season, don’t get me wrong. I’m just happy to have a paycheck! But next year I’m going for it all. I’m trying to make a name for myself in Pittsburgh. But it starts in the offseason with hard work. Nothing comes from talking!
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