First, can you let me know what was behind the decision to sign with the Steelers?
With a new head coach in Carolina I just felt like it was time to go to a new spot and get a fresh start.
My agent told me the Steelers reached out. With my size and length, I felt like it would be a good fit in Pittsburgh. Mike Tomlin loves those kinds of defensive backs. I felt like it would be a good spot for me – I was all for it.
My mentor is Mike Hawkins – he played for Coach Tomlin in Minnesota and said I’d love playing for him. That he’s a great coach.
Did you look at the free agency situation and depth situation on the team – did that help drive the decision?
I did see a need at cornerback – it looked a little low on depth. But to be honest it didn’t concern me that much. I just have to go in and get to work – I hope I can provide the team with anything it needs so I can make the team – I’ll hold the ball for kicks it that helps! I’ll give it all I got. I can play gunner on special teams as well. I know a lot of guys get discouraged when they don’t play their position but you have to know your role on a team and know it’s all about winning games. I’ll do whatever it takes – whatever they need.
Tell me more about that fit – what about your style of play do you think fits well with the Steelers defense?
The way I play defense is how the Steelers play – blue collar. I grew up in a working class family – my dad had two jobs, my mom worked… We were hard-working people that cared about winning and playing hard.
I’m tall – 6’3″ and can run a 4.38 40. I can press and play man- that’s my strong suit. I can also drop into zone and with my length I can disrupt plays in the zone.
I also love to tackle – I know Coach Tomlin loves guys that like to step up and make tackles. That’s important in today’s NFL – you need cornerback that can come up and make those tackles.
Anyone help mentor you over your career so far – how so?
My big bro Mike Hawkins – he played seven years in the NFL.
In training camp when I was with the Raiders Derek Carr told me that I had it – I had what it took to make it in the NFL. That solidified things for me. I picked him off in practice. He told me I’d have my ups and downs as an undrafted free agent and may have to play for a few different teams before I made it, but that he knew I could make it in the NFL. That gave me confidence.
In New York Logan Ryan, James Bradberry – people like that showed me that I needed to use my mind as well. It was more than just about athleticism – you had to be a student of the game.
Then going to Carolina and learning from Stephon Gilmore – having time with him there was special. I called him “The Matrix” because he knew everything that was going on. He, Josh Norman and A.J. Bouye – having those guys there – I just soaked up their knowledge. Those were Pro Bowl cornerbacks and they showed me that it took more than athleticism. They were always there to answer any questions I had to help me elevate my game.
Also – my dad was a huge influence. He put that dog in me. When everyone else was going to birthday parties and on vacations as a kid, he had me running hills when I was seven years old. We sacrificed a lot for me to be here.
How have you improved since you came into the league?
My knowledge of the game. I played safety, nickel and cornerback. I’ve expanded my vision and understanding of formations and offenses. You have to know how to look for tendencies – even watching film of an offensive coordinator’s prior teams to learn tendencies. Even if it just means you think you’ve identified a few possible tendencies for a play, that can still help you a lot as a cornerback. You have to have that anticipation as a corner to play well – you can’t hesitate. If you have an idea of what the play may be you can jump the pass and make plays on the ball. You need to have a good understanding of the offense.
Also on my technique – I’ve learned to be more consistent. I just started taking up golf and it’s a lot like golf. You have to have the right technique every play – just like in golf with every swing. You’re going up against the top wide receivers in the NFL – you have to be consistent.
Any posiitonal preference?
Corner is my bread and butter, but I know I have to be versatile. I do think as a corner my length and size have really helped in disrupting wide receivers.
Know anyone on the roster in Pittsburgh?
Jason Huntley is my dog – and Kenny Robinson and I played together in Carolina before we were both signed by the Steelers.
Any moments stand out most to you so far over your career?
The top thing was sharing the field with Tom Brady in 2020 I wasn’t starstruck but I watched him play when I was in middle school. Being able to play against him – to talk to him after and shake his hand was special. I have a great amount of respect for guys like that. I thought he was going to retire that season. So that was a cool moment for me – that was my dopest moment so far, for sure.
Lastly, what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
I like taking photographs and managing Airbnbs. Football doesn’t define me – it isn’t the end-all-be-all for me.
I had a moment after the Giants cut me – before I signed with Carolina. I wanted to understand what other talents I had outside of football – I wanted to be on the business side of things. I want to continue to excel at football but at the same time I want to excel in business as well. The same things that help us succeed in football work in business -hard work and being competitive. We just need to learn how to do it. We have time in the offseason – instead of taking vacations and doing other things I want to take the time to understand the business side more – to brand myself more.
Any last thoughts heading into the offseason?
Yeah – I’m just excited to be there and play for Coach Tomlin. I’m ready to go and complete!
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