First, tell me what you’re working on this offseason to get ready for the new season?
Yeah – the mental aspect of the game. I was lacking a bit of the mental side of the game so I’m digging into the playbook now and making sure I understand what I’m doing on every play – and that I know what the other positions are doing to.
Tomlin talked to me. I have to be in the right place at all times – I have to be on it every play and show them I can be more consistent. I’m in the film room constantly now getting better at it.
And of course, always working on the physical part of the game.
Are you working with anyone to help in that department?
Just myself right now – the regulations don’t let you work with coaches in the offseason – you can’t even talk to them. But of course when I can I’ll be working with Coach Butts {Butler} when the time comes. It’s his defense and he can show me a lot I know.
And of course I talk to TJ. Bud, Ola – the outside linebacker guys all the time. For the interior play I talk to Cam and Tyson and Tuitt. We all talk about what we could have done better – what we should have done differently – those types of conversations.
It was a bit of a crazy season for you – going back and forth from Pittsburgh, Were you aware of the fan uproar when you were let go?
Ha – a little bit. I was tagged a lot on social media so yeah, I got some of that! I was just like wow, those guys really like me. The fans really like me. That’s a good start in this business when fans like you off the jump!
Internally, I wasn’t confused about the moves. Coach Tomlin said it in black and white. He told me they wanted to do business with me again in the future. That the door wasn’t closed for me – that it was a long season and things always happen and I may see them again.
And you did…
I did yes! He told me before I left that I was a wonderful player and that I came in and took care of business. And he told me I should continue to work on my pass rush – that’s always something teams need. And to work more on special teams – that will give me a chance to make a team first before teams can look at me to do more on defense.
Danny Smith can certainly help you there right?
For sure – I love Danny. I got better on special teams even when I was in New York. Now I won’t be the most obvious one out of order on special teams anymore!
What’s the goal for 2020 for you?
I just want to have a job again this season. To dominate in camp starting with OTAs through camp and preseason. To be a solid contributor on special teams and when I get the chance, to make plays on defense.
Any talk between the guys on how free agency and the cap will all shake out at a potentially deep linebacker position?
Nobody knows – or if they do they sure aren’t saying it out loud! We talk about what ifs – what could happen and how we have to be prepared – we talk about that some.
The team stuck together through so much adversity last year. What was behind that?
As a person who came from a lot of adversity in my background, I can say they handled it really well. My hats off to everyone – they did a wonderful job. No one complained. They all stuck together. It really was a brotherhood. It was one helluva job by everyone. The vets – all of them – the whole team really kept things together.
Anything about the season stands out most to you looking back on it?
JV and varsity football! Tomlin tells us he doesn’t want JV players – he wants varsity players here. JV players aren’t tolerated here. He wants players that work hard and are willing to take to coaching.