First off, why sign with the Steelers last season – and what did they tell you when they signed you?
I was with the Chargers for one-and-a-half years and learned so much there from the coaches and players. I was seven-to-eight weeks out of the league when the Steelers’ front office called. I had a workout for the Packers before that. I thought the Steelers wanted me to come in for a workout first, but my agent said “No.” They wanted to sign me outright.
I’ll be honest, I’ve been blown away ever since. When I signed there one guy helped me right away – we had related journeys. John Leglue asked me if I needed help and we got to know each other. He’s a genuine guy that helped me.
I really mean this. Every team does things their own way – they do things differently. But there are so many great people in this organization – Kevin and Tomlin and now a new GM in Omar. They are all first class people and know how to treat players even though I’m not a quarterback or first round pick.
How did that transition work, coming in so late?
For real, it was a tryout in a way. I was there for a week because someone was out due to Covid. I knew the situation. I soaked up every moment and took advantage of every rep and practice. That’s what you have to do when you’re in a position like mine.
Coach T. told me he didn’t care how I got there. Its what you do when you’re there that matters most.
Tell us a bit about camps and OTAs – how they went for you and what you learned so far?
It’s my third year in the league and I have a lot more expectations for myself. I’m constantly learning and trying to get better. You can always learn – the NFL requires so much of us. I was proud of how I did at the OTAs and thankful for what I learned. Camp now is the most important next precess for me. I’m training now, getting my body and my mind in shape for camp.
What made OTAs great for you?
In my rookie year I was just learning how things worked – where the meeting rooms were and things like that. Now in my third year I’m really looking to show the team who I am. Especially being new to the team still.
Consistency is the biggest thing in life and football and that’s what I am expecting from myself and to show the coaches. I’m expecting more from myself and I think I showed well in the OTAs. I was happy with what I learned – getting a new playbook down and new offensive linemen to learn to gel with.
What have you noticed about new offensive line coach Pat Meyer in terms of what he’s looking for from you guys? I spoke to J.C. who talked about his stress on aggressiveness.
The moment Coach Meyer started talking about football he stressed trust and communication. That that was the most important thing. Gelling with your teammates on the line – knowing what to expect from the guard or tackle next to you will enable you to play at a higher level.
He’s different from other coaches I’ve been around too in this way. In pass protection, he does stress aggressiveness, like J.C. said – that is interesting. He talked to us about not stepping backwards in pass pro – taking the flight to them instead. He said you shouldn’t always back up in pass pro, which isn’t what most coaches tell you.
What did they tell you after last season about returning and your role and what to work on?
I came in at the end of the season and I think they just wanted to get their eyes on me. I was let go after a week then brought back. They needed a center and I was available – they wanted to see what I could do and were impressed with how I handled the situation.
Now they want to see me in full pads and at full go. How do I handle playing center and guard – how do I handle the offense? I think they just want to see me and get to know my playing style more and for me to show them that I can be trusted.
The biggest thing for me is consistency. Every player has a different style and uses different techniques and ways they do things. They want to see me operate at a high level and to be consistent.
Sounds like they care less about dictating how you do it as long as you do so?
One-thousand percent. They don’t care how you do it – they trust you to find your own way. You just need to get the job done and meet their basic requirements. They look for a certain caliber of guy at offensive line and if they trust you they’ll put you out there.
What are your strengths and things to work on for you coming into this season?
I’ll start with my weakness first. Being able to process what’s going on on defense in a quick scan of time and communicate that as a center – that is something I want to work on. As a center I want to be able to see things coming before the quarterback does. There are two leaders of the offense – quarterbacks and centers.
I say this in part because Corey Linsley when I was with the Chargers did this at a high level. I know he learned it over years of playing, but he operates that offense as a center at such a quick rate. He sees more than most centers do and more quickly. I would really love to get better at that.
As for my strength – I’d say I’m athletic but not freakishly so. But I get the job done by any means necessary. Even if it means recovering from a bad position to still make the block.
Any fun/interesting stories from last season?
Every team has different personalities and types of players in their locker rooms. Right when I showed up, it wasn’t how I expected it to be. There’s so much competition in this league, but Leglue just helped me every day. He’d ask me questions to make sure I understood things. I was alluding to the culture earlier and this is what I mean. It’s a top-down thing. I know it’s a business but the team truly cares about you as a person. It’s first class.
Lastly, what should we know about you that’s not football-related?
I’m a huge UFC fan! If you want to go to a UFC event let me know!
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
