First off, how has the offseason been for you so far?
A lot of training – I’ve stayed down here in Ft. Lauderdale, working hard and spending time with my girlfriend and family and friends. Just recharging before the season.
Why did you decide to sign with the Steelers last season?
When I was let go by Denver -as soon as the opportunity came up to play for Pittsburgh I jumped on it. A couple of teams contacted my agent but my familiarity with Russell Wilson from Denver and Coach Azzanni made it easy. Coach Azzanni was my rookie year coach in Denver. I figured it was good to go where you know people and of course it’s a great organization.
Was it fun being there with Russell Wilson after the big Hail Mary touchdown you shared in Denver?
It was great being there with Russ. He’s a great human and great person as well as a great player. I know he’s moved on after last year but he had a great season and it was good to spend time with him.
What makes him special from your perspective
His resiliency. Knowing what he’s been through since Seattle. He caught some of the most heat of anyone in sports. It’s crazy. But the criticism never seemed to bother him. He was the same every day. He came with that go-to-work mentality
What do you like most about Coach Azzanni and how he’s worked with you?
He’s probably the greatest coach I ever had. He’s no-nonsense – he’ll coach the mess out of you. That’s how I like to be coached. You look at his resume and all of the receivers he’s coached – it speaks for itself. A lot of guys don’t like demanding coaches like him, but I’ve just seen myself get better under him.
What was that feeling like for you catching your first pass as a Steeler last season?
It was super cool. It was a lot to go through in the offseason – I didn’t expect to be let go by Denver. It was a great moment for me. My family and friends were there so it was great.
I know your dad was a major league catcher and Chad Johnson is a cousin of yours – how did they both help you on your NFL journey?
For sure, Chad was one of my favorite receivers growing up. I connected with him a few times about wide receiver stuff and what to work on.
My dad – he taught me how to be a pro. He didn’t play football but he knew what it took to be a professional. He taught me to work hard and to be the same guy every day when you step between the white lines. I learned that from my dad since I was a toddler.
Did Chad give you any grief signing with a division rival like the Steelers?
Ha! Nah – he didn’t give me any grief!
How about in Pittsburgh – who helped you most there to adjust to the team?
A bunch of guys really. The whole wide receivers corps – I took what I could from each of them. I took bits and pieces from them all. Van, Calvin, Mike Williams, Ben Skrowronek – all of them.
Is it difficult competing for playing time and still having that kind of supportive room?
It’s not difficult at all. We’re all competitive but they are all good dudes. Everyone is happy for each other’s success. We may not get the rock but we’re happy for the next person that does.
What are you looking forward to most for next season?
For myself – like anyone else – I want to make the 53 and contribute any way I can. It’s a great team and I want to help any way I can. We just have to see where it all falls.
What are your thoughts on the Art Smith offense and what it needs to do to take that next step?
I like Art’s offense a lot. I fit in well with it. It’ll be better with a full season under our belt. Now we won’t be learning it from scratch. I don’t know how they installed the offense from the start last season to know how they ramped it up – I signed late and wasn’t there for OTAs. I had to hit the ground running when I got there – I was learning as the season progressed.
What fun/poignant memories stand out most to you from your time on the team so far?
A bunch of things – the success of the wide receivers, seeing Calvin doing his thing, George making his big plays and Van Jefferson getting some plays when he was given the chance. And seeing Mike Williams get his first catch – that touchdown – that was great.
You may notice it on Hard Knocks I don’t know – but being in those meetings with Coach Tomlin – he says the funniest things in those meetings. He cracks me up. He reminds me of my uncle. I probably laugh more than I should!
Lastly, what should we know about you that isn’t football related – what else makes you tick?
Aside from my faith in Jesus Christ….I love playing basketball. I’ve been slacking lately though and haven’t played a lot lately!