First off, what’s the offseason plan for you?
I’ve just been in the weight room, consistently. And just taking in the year. This was my rookie year and it was long one. It’s just cool looking back on things and what I was able to duo in Pittsburgh. Playing my first game and finishing the season in the playoffs….Looking back on how far I’ve come since the Senior Bowl and combine and what it took to get here – it’s been amazing.
Anyone take you under their wing at all in Pittsburgh and help with the NFL adjustment – on or off the field? How so?
Pat P. – I talked to him a lot and look up to him. I was around him a lot, learning from him and what it takes to have longevity in the league. How to take care of my body – he showed me his routine. And on the field he taught me what to watch for on the sideline to get a good perspective on what to anticipate when I’m on the field. How to understand different situations and what to expect.
Why did you decide to agree to sign with the Steelers when they approached you while you were on the Chiefs practice squad?
It was an opportunity to be on an active roster and play in a game. I actually had a great Top 30 visit before the draft and saw their interest in me then. They were straightforward then and told me they liked my profile and the player I was, even though I had a small resume at corner – I only played there for two years in college.
I enjoyed talking to Coach Grady – I met mostly with him. We went over the playbook – they wanted to see how quickly I could pick up things. I actually met Coach Grady in 2020 – he came to South Carolina pre-draft and I met him then.
What is Coach Grady’s approach like – what did he do to help you and that defense the most?
He allows you to make mistakes and uses those to coach you up on them afterwards. You have to mess up sometimes to learn. He uses those mistakes to give you tips and detailed analysis. He shows you how to anticipate plays coming up, and had us focus a lot on division games especially. You have to learn your division rivals – hone in on what they do and how they play. He showed us how to study film and taught us the techniques and mental aspects of the game.
What did the team tell you after the season ended in your exit interview? Interested in returning?
They were straightforward. There wasn’t much to say – it was a short stint there. They made it clear that I had a smaller resume at cornerback. And that is a good thing. That gives them the opportunity to mold me into the player they want me to be so I can execute for them. I’m just grateful to be here and excited for the year coming up. With me, Joey and Cory coming off IR – we can be like the Big Three there with us, and Pat P and Minkah.
Any areas you want to work on most?
Being new to the position, I’m still learning. I’m always working on perfecting my technique and learning the mental aspect of the game.
How would you describe your style of play – and where do you think you excel most?
I’m a special teams demon for sure, dude! That’s another aspect of my game. On defense I’m a physical cornerback and can play zone or man. and have good speed.
There were so many injuries in that secondary and linebacker spot – how did the defense adjust to those – what did you see the team do differently?
I never saw the team panic at all. It was unfortunate to lose our starting linebackers and those other guys, but no one panicked. I know most teams have that next man up mentality, but it’s different in Pittsburgh. And it gave me the opportunity to play in dime packages. I never panicked – I was prepared and learned the playbook quickly. Coach Grady helped me there too..
What was the biggest challenge for you in picking up the Steelers defense?
They want you to play fast so they keep the playbook simple. It’s not over-complicated. I leaned on Pat P. as well to learn things as quickly as I can. The playbook wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t too complicated. They stress less thinking and playing with more speed.
What’s the best fun/poignant memory that stands out to you from the season?
The Seattle and Rams games – those two cross-country trips. I never thought about playing on the West Coast in college – the furthest West I played was Texas A&M. I enjoyed traveling out West and coming away with wins and partying on the plane.
And the Tennessee game – that was my first ever time playing in an official NFL game. I still have the jersey from that game and will frame it when I get home. It represents all of the hard work I put in to get there and am so grateful for the opportunity.
Lastly, what should fans know about you – what makes you tick that’s not football related?
A couple. First of all I like to stream a lot and engage with fans. I want them to get to know me as a human being outside of football. Just as normal person – I like that fan engagement.
I also love scenic views – I go to Instagram a lot to look at sunsets and views. I love standing and looking at the skyline.
You go to Mt. Washington yet or the incline?
Yeah I was just going to say that! I have a new hobby – aerial drone photography. Going up to Mt. Washington helped with that. I was going to use the incline but it was down.
What about the views coming into the city at night?
Dude, that view is amazing! Driving into the city from the tunnels and then you see the sky light up – I love doing that!