First off, what’s the plan now?
Right now I’m just still rehabbing. My situation with the Steelers – I tore my hamstring in OTAs and had to sit out camp. That’s why I was cut.
I got an opportunity to play in the CFL for B.C. – they were looking at me since I was in college at Tulane. I went up there for 30 days but to be honest my hamstring still wasn’t there yet. I decided to wait for an opportunity in the Spring in the NFL or USFL so I can come back in full health for those workouts in the Spring.
Did the Steelers say anything to you about coming back?
After my last day Mike T. told me to stay ready and get healthy. I had a great time there and made some great relationships. But at the end of the day it’s a business. My agent is talking to teams and we’ll see who signs me. We won’t know until the Spring.
What brought you to Pittsburgh after your time in Green Bay?
I went to the Hula Bowl after college – Omar Khan was there – he graduated form Tulane as well. He flew out and saw me practice – I thought I was the best player there. The Steelers offered me a free agent deal but my agent had me sign with Green Bay – he thought I’d have a better chance there.
After the third week when Green Bay let me go the Steelers worked me out and signed me to the practice squad.
What worked for you in Pittsburgh?
I think my playing style and work ethic. From day one when I got there I worked hard every day and kept my head down. I never complained and did whatever they asked me to do. The Omar connection probably helped too.
I was always good at giving great looks for the defense when I was on the practice squad. Me and Joey Porter went one-on-one every practice. Mike T. liked that matchup.
Did anyone take you under their wing when you got there?
I can say it was more gradual. Me, Denzel Mims, Dez Fitzpatrick, Calvin Austin – we all hung out in the city together. It wasn’t one person – they were all there before me and showed me things.
Did anyone show you something that helped most?
Diontae Johnson helped me a lot. He taught me a lot and actually bought me cleats. He helped me with my technique – we have similar games, he’s just quicker and I’m bigger. He helped me to fix my stance and showed me some drills to help me with my routes.
What did the coaches tell you?
It was a whole new staff there the second season so it was all new. Mike T. wanted me to have better hands for competitive catches but that was the only negative.
What was it like going up against Joey Porter?
Me and Joey – whatever team we were going to play they had me emulate their number one receiver. We came in the same class and helped each other out. If I ran a route he’d tell me what I could do better and he would ask me what he could do too.
Joey is a raw talent – he has the size and build as a prototype defensive back. He uses those long arms well to his advantage. If you’re a guy like that, with his size, once you get your hands on a guy and can mirror them, that’s big. There aren’t many guys who can get off of his press and he can run too. He’s an all-around athlete and is a smart player – he can disguise his coverages well. Right before the “Hut” he’ll switch sides on the receiver and play mind games with them. He’s a good shit-talker!
No – not Joey Porter’s son!
Ha exactly!
Minkah and Kazee and Trice were helpful too. Minkah can do it all. I see people complaining about him not making as many plays on Twitter but teams scheme away from him now. If there’s a play he’ll make it.
Trice wasn’t ready to practice yet but he watched and gave me some tips.
Who were the guys in the locker room that kept things light and were more of the “dads”?
Darnell Washington may have been the funniest person in the locker room. Me, George Pickens, Calvin Austin – Rodney Williams and Kazee – we would play all day.
Russ and Cam were the dads – but Cam played too. TJ was serious all the time in the locker room but he had fun in his group. Elandon Roberts was a jokester.
How did Russ integrate himself so quickly as a leader on the team?
Day one he let everyone know he was there to work. He wanted to work with guys before and after practice and asked us how we liked things to be done too. Justin just communicated less than Russ did. Russ would come up to guys when we were talking and ask to get extra work in. He let us know he was there to lead and take over the job.
How was Pittsburgh different from other teams you’ve been on?
It’s home there, for sure. Mike T. keeps everything in-house. It’s always the Steelers versus everyone else. Everyone there makes you feel welcome. It’s not too tense -it’s not chill but you can let loose. Mike T. is always joking and he never changes – he’s always the same guy every day. I have nothing but respect for him and the organization.
What’s the dream moving forward?
Hopefully, I’d love to come back to Pittsburgh – but I know it’s a business. I just want another opportunity at this point. Before the changes in the staff in Pittsburgh I was going to make it on the active roster I think. I think that changed things for me when the staff changed. I just want to go somewhere where there’s stability and a fair opportunity to make the team.