First, what’s the plan for you moving forward? Are you looking to re-sign with Arizona or another team if not? Do you think/plan at all about life after football yet?
I’m always planning and working on life outside of football, but still feel like I have a lot of football to play.
You are a big supporter of Bread for the World, Feeding America, and World Vision and other causes- what about those causes appeal so strongly to you and how can people get involved and help?
I connected with all of those organizations because they aligned with my missions to end hunger, provide clean water access, and support education. I connected with Bread for the World and have been able to address these problems from the policy side. I’ve been able to meet with elected officials on Capitol Hill to advocate for summer lunch programs and successfully lobby for the Global Food Security Act.
Feeding America has been instrumental in connecting me with community food banks at the local/domestic level and my partnership with World Vision extends internationally. It’s great because these partnerships have afforded me the opportunity to make a footprint in every market and continue the work no matter where I am playing.
Were you surprised to be drafted by the Steelers – did they show interest in you pre-draft and how did you find out you were drafted (who called/what did they say?)
Being drafted is something you dream about and hope for. I informally met with the Steelers at the combine among other teams and Joe Greene was at my SMU Pro Day because he was the scout for that area. I was alone at my apartment for the last part of the draft. I think the first person I spoke with was (scout) Phil Kreidler and from there it was Coach Tomlin, Coach Haley, Coach Kugler, Mr. Rooney and then the media. Being drafted was a blessing, but I also felt a responsibility to prove myself because of when I was drafted.
Who helped mentor you as a rookie in Pittsburgh – on and off the field – and how did they do so? What made a big impact for you?
There were a lot of great guys in that locker room that I learned from. Ramon Foster was like a big brother to me and Brett Keisel was always a great leader. I was there to work and just learn as much as possible from everyone who had been there longer than me.
As a more veteran player now, how do you adjust to being the mentor and does it help you to appreciate even more the help other veterans offered up to you?
I always try to be a good teammate and a good leader. Heading into my tenth season, I have the routine down and know what to expect. I’ve been blessed to play with so many great guys across the league and learn from so many of them. If I can open doors or help guide new guys in the locker room or in their off-field pursuits, I’m happy to do so.
You ended up starting that first season after a couple of injuries to the line and played well. What enabled you to adapt so quickly and successfully to the NFL?
I had great teammates and coaches around me. I entered the NFL after being drafted four picks away from Mr. Irrelevant. Whenever I got my shot, I wanted to prove myself.
Who are some of the guys you enjoyed going up against most in practices and on gamedays and what makes those matchups so much fun for you?
In Pittsburgh I went up against Cam Heyward in practice a lot which was always competitive. Playing for different teams, it’s always fun to face off against former teammates and friends across the league.
I know some memories stay in the locker room, but can you offer up a couple of your most fun and favorite memories of your time in Pittsburgh and the NFL so far and what makes those memories so fun for you?
Winning games make for the best memories. Like I said, I’ve played with a lot of great guys, so the friendships are always good memories. I’ve hosted teammates to my camp in Mexia every year and it’s always a good time to host those guys where I grew up and around family while bringing something impactful to my hometown.
Playing with Ben – what made him so special from your point of view and do you think he gets enough appreciation for how good he’s been across the NFL?
Ben is going to be in the Hall of Fame. No one can dispute his talent or legacy. He’s a two time champ and a tough competitor and has earned that respect.
After four seasons, you had the ACL injury that put you on IR. How hard was that for you – especially in your contract year – and what did the Steelers tell you when you talked to them about coming back and when you ultimately left in free agency?
At the end of the day, this is a business. The team has to do what they think is best and players have to make decisions based on what feels right for them. I had a great run with the Steelers and will forever be grateful for the opportunity to start my career there. Injuries are part of the game. They are definitely a challenge but I’m still playing and I’m blessed that my journey is still going.
When you look at the Steelers and other organizations you played for, what are the organizational traits that you have come to appreciate most – that made the places you played more positive and competitive?
There has to be a winning mindset from top to bottom. You want to see strong leadership, and adjustments to ensure success. You need to recruit to your culture and always look to the next challenge. Each week, you have to be focused on going 1-0.
As a past nominee of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, what does winning that award mean to you, and do you think NFL players get enough attention for all of the positive work and impact they have on their communities?
I was a nominee, but didn’t ultimately win the award. Being nominated was a definite highlight of my career thus far. The WPMOY Award is regarded as the highest NFL honor, so being acknowledged alongside so many high-performing guys doing great work in their communities was an honor.
Lastly, as you look at the NFL over the eight years you’ve played, do you like the way the game has changed over the years? Anything you like or that concerns you most about the direction of the NFL?
My job is to play the game and to execute to the best of my ability. I just focus on competing and winning. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
