First, tell us a bit about your health right now-  you at 90%? 100%?

I’m healthy – looking forward to going into camp healthy this year. That’s where I’m at right now.

Last year of course you started of strong but there were some struggles the second half of the season. Can you talk a bit about what portion of the struggles were due to injury and how the struggles and injuries affected you?

All players play hurt. The downfalls get to you, but it was more mental, the mistakes. The injuries don’t play into it. You just have to play through them is all.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers WR Sammie Coates”

First, as a guy in his second round of OTAs and mini-camp with the Steelers, noticing anything different with the team and schemes this season?

Not really – it’s the same thing as last year – pretty much the same stuff. Same coaches…same players…

Your story is an interesting one – very similar to Alejandro Villanueva’s. You came out of college two years ago as a defensive lineman and are not playing offensive tackle. Talk a bit about how that happened.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers OT Brian Mihalik”

With @SteelNationAssc , Steelers tight end Scott Orndoff discusses making the roster, mentors (including his father who played professional football), skill development and more.

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Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades.  To order, just click on the book:

First, tell us a bit about how this offseason differs from last one for you?

Well it’s not so much new just more competition. It’s been more competitive as a team this year versus last year. We had great attendance in OTAs and mini-camp – they key players showed up besides Bell.

Any concern amongst teammates about Bell?

Well many of the players around the league don’t show up to OTAs and mini-camp. I don’t know Le’Veon’s situation but I don’t think it’s about money, just knowing him as a person. I think it’s more about the surgery he had and coming off of it. I know what that’s like. Once he’s back we all know what he’ll give us. I don’t think anyone has any concerns. And it helps because the guys behind him get more reps and that’s huge for us. You don’t get those once the season starts. And that’s chances for receivers in the passing game not just backs.

Continue reading “Interview with Steelers WR Demarcus Ayers”

First, you were a good basketball player in high school and college. Why chose football?

I was too short for my position – I was a center. I took on football but I was new to it – it was  a challenge.

Happy about the decision?

I’m definitely happy. I mean, I’m definitely not content though with where I’m at.

Continue reading “Interview with Steelers DL Lavon Hooks”

Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) takes us around the horn on the Steelers squad to discuss depth and roster questions/issues early in the offseason.

First, let’s start with defense and the scheme  – inn speaking with some of the players this week it seems like the one common theme on defense is improved communication and some changes in scheme. Thoughts?

Well – if you consider that 40% of the starters (I consider five defensive backs with the slot corner to be starters) are entering their second year in the secondary, that’s big. The Steelers were not hiding their communication issues last year. It was the rallying cry all off season – fix the communication issues. Which makes sense since they started two rookies – one of which was out of position early on.

In terms of scheme, testing things is routine now. They have the whole off season to get it together, especially with this part as an emphasis.

Continue reading “Interview with Tribune-Review Steelers Reporter Chris Adamski”

First, I know you’re in between OTA’s and camp. What are you doing with yourself now?

Well, I’m in New York and just took my finals – I happy – I did really well. I know I have  rookie development soon. Then camp after that.

You just wrapped up OTA’s a short while ago. What were the things you took away from there that you realized you need to work on most?

Staying low in my run blocking.  More power in my legs to get more leverage, I’m taking extra time working on the agility shoot and working on the blocking bags.

Continue reading “Interview with Steelers TE Phazahn Odom”

With SteelCityUnderground, I interview former Steelers LB Carlos Emmons on making the transition  as a rookie outside linebacker to the NFL, pass rush techniques, frustrations of dropping into coverage, mentors and more.

CARLOS EMMONS

Read more interviews by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades.  To order, just click on the book: