First, can you let us know what you’ve been doing this offseason?
I’ve been training every day – focusing on position work. I trained a lot at WIN Performance in Illinois – working on ways to get stronger and more flexible.
How did the signing happen with the Steelers – what do you think brought that on?
My agents called me earlier in the day and told me they had no deals for me but that they may try and talk to Pittsburgh. I didn’t know what to say then. But then they called me back and told me they were just playing – that Pittsburgh offered me a deal. They were so childish – playing games with me!
Why do you think Pittsburgh brought you in?
I think they scouted me when I was a defensive tackle in college. I jumped on the Chicago offer when I was an undrafted free agent. But I’ve gone to Mike Tomlin’s camps in Virginia the last two years and he told me to stick with it. That I was a very versatile player and that I should keep growing.
Things happen for a reason. I had guys I played with tell me how great it was to play there – that it was like a family. So when they made the offer that made it easy.
What helped you to make that transition from defensive line to offensive line at the NFL level?
Having our daughter made me focus up – that’s the honest truth. I wanted to help provide for her so she didn’t have to go through what I went through. I did what I had to do for her.
Any players or coaches help?
The coaches instilled hard work in me in Chicago. Players like James Daniels, Sam Mustipher – they taught me the ins and outs of playing offensive line- guard and tackle. What to do and what not to do and how to stay calm when things aren’t going your way.
I wasn’t used to playing every play either. Defensive linemen sub out a lot. I gained more respect for offensive linemen – they play every play and don’t get the recognition. But without them the team doesn’t do anything.
What are some of the things you still want to improve on in your game?
Consistency – I do some things well but I need to be more consistent with my technique. I also need to see the whole picture – what everyone is doing on offense – not just my job. To understand why everyone is doing what they do. That will help my game as well.
You know any of the guys on the Steelers roster?
I know Coach Tomlin from the camps, and Eric Ebron talked to me a lot about how good the culture is here – how much of a family atmosphere it is. I knew him a little but too.
I just got here yesterday and all of the guys showed me a lot of love – it really showed me how much of a family it is.
You know what your role will be in Pittsburgh this season? Aiming to start?
I’ll work at offensive guard and tackle. I think everyone competes for a starting job.
Your family staying out or moving here with you?
We’re getting ready to move into a new house in New York so my wife and kids will stay there and I’ll move to Pittsburgh for the season.
What does a perfect season look like for you?
I just want to help the team win. I just want to have fun, compete, and help the team win.
Lastly, what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
I like playing video games with my wife of course – I stream to support her work but she’s the real streamer!
I’m very family-oriented – I enjoy their presence. I don’t get to be home a lot so I want to spend time with them whenever I can.
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