First what are you up to now?
I decided not to return to the CFL for personal reasons. We went to the Grey Cup last year and lost to Winnipeg. I decided not to go back for a while. But now I’m looking forward to going back and re-joining the CFL or XFL and jumpstarting my career.
In the meantime I’m working in law enforcement – doing executive protection and fugitive recovery here in Atlanta. I got my degree in criminal justice so this was a natural fit, and it gives me the flexibility to continue training while I gain experience in the field I want to pursue when I am done with football.
I also have a clothing brand I started with Javon Hargrave’s little brother – we’ve all been friends for a while. I’m embarking on entrepreneurial pursuits and utilizing my degree while I get ready for another season.
Were you surprised to be drafted by the Steelers – what did they say to you?
I had a pre-draft visit to Pittsburgh and met with Kevin Colbert, Coach Tomlin and Coach Porter. My visit with Coach Porter was extensive. We talked a lot about life, football and watched film. He asked me a lot about how I formulated my mindset around my pass rush. How I saw things as a player and prepared for my pass rush.
It wasn’t a big surprise to get drafted knowing my relationship with Javon Hargrave I guess – but nothing was guaranteed. I knew it was an opportunity and that they were high on MAC guys like Harrison, Ben, Ola, Chuks…It was a perfect fit and I was blessed that the stars aligned.
What were some of the things Porter was asking you?
He was really talking to me about my personal development and growth. It was different from other teams who talked to you about how you compared with this guy or that guy who was a first round prospect or something. Working with him provided me with some insight. I had to speak it to realize what I was trying to do – it showed me that I had to focus on details and look at film more to make sure what I said matched what I did.
Who helped mentor you and show you the ropes – and how so?
Me and TJ Watt came in in the same draft class. But he was part of a larger program and knew how to train. He showed me so much even though he was a rookie tzo. He came from that big school and had that Watt family tutelage. And he just knew more about the edge position.
But the whole room really helped. They all took me under their wings. It was a close knit room and we all had different tricks that we took from one another and put in each of our bags. We were tutors and students at the same time.
You were having success when you got injured – how much did that injury set you back and how frustrating was that for you?
It definitely set me back, but the passing of my cousin and best friend happened in the middle of everything there – that set me back more. It was more than physical – the mental aspect was tough for me. I never experienced a death that close to me. I was battling a whole different war then.
You see guys who shine early in camp/preseason – how hard is it to keep that momentum once you do and to maintain expectations?
Realistically, it’s just difficult stepping on to the highest level of our sport every day. Every day is a fight. I don’t think that the early success was hard to carry on. It was just for me, that adversity in the midst of the process. I hadn’t experienced anything like that before and I had difficulty adjusting. Honestly, I feel like I could have done more if I had more opportunities, but my opportunity was cut short. That’s the business side of the game.
What was the toughest part to pick up in that defense – what did you have to work on most?
It was just more about keeping that intensity and showing up each day. You can’t relax – each day you have to grow and get better. It wasn’t hard to pick up the defense – most of it is just the terminology – that changes wherever you go. But it wasn’t really a big problem – you just have to put it all together and learn how to pass rush. I was more of an athlete and less of a pass rusher at the time. I felt I could have played more off-ball, but that wasn’t the Steelers defense.
How do you work on improving your pass rush?
You really have to recognize the set and have a plan. Film is your greatest asset. You don’t have much space on the line. All offensive linemen have tendencies – you just have to identify them and put it all together.
What did coaches say to you after the injury and about your release?
It was just a regular day playing pool. Kevin Colbert came down from the second floor – Ola {Adeniyi} and I were playing pool. He told us before that they weren’t going to draft any edge guys before the draft and let Ola and I battle it out, but they drafted Sutton Smith and that was it. I was released. That’s the business side of the game. It can be cutthroat.
Any good practice squad matchups or memories that stand out to you?
On the practice squad I got to go up against the starting linemen every day. It came to a point that I was so mad at not playing that I wanted to prove a point in practice. One day I came on a blitz and me and Pouncey collided. We scuffled and got into it. I went hard in those practices. I scuffled with Marcus Gilbert too. I had to make them understand that I wasn’t trying to hurt anyone, I just wanted to put my talent on display. I talked to those guys about it.
At the end of the season they gave me a gift card. They told me they appreciated my work. I appreciated them – that they allowed me to do that. They could have easily said enough with this BS. But they respected my hustle and grind. Those interactions with them allowed me to gain more confidence – I needed that.
What was the big difference between the CFL and NFL for you and your position?
You’re one-yard off the ball in the CFL – that’s the biggest difference. It makes the pass rush more difficult. But it’s still football. It’s still your defense trying to stop their offense from scoring. But being one-yard off the ball was an adjustment for me – I was still learning how to pass rush. It adds another thing to adjust to – the steps and moves change. it makes it harder.
What are the best memories that stand out for you over your time playing for the Steelers?
It’s less about specific memories that stand out. One thing I appreciated about the organization was how they just let you be you. You could be yourself. Of course you had to behave a certain way on and off the field. But they let you be yourself.
The rookie party was fun too – I won’t go into too many details! But we went to a place in Pittsburgh – the linebackers all had an amazing time building our comradery and fellowshipping. I still have a lot of good relationships with many of those guys there.
I guess one memory that does stand out is a moment I had on the field with Joe Haden. It was surreal to me – he is a potential Hall of Fame player – if not he was snubbed, in my opinion. Well, I was down and out as a player. He could see that in me. He came up to me and told me that if I saw him I should come with that energy. He lifted me up. He saw me at a low point and stepped in to help and support me. That was a special moment for me.
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