First off, what has the offseason been like for you – what have you been doing to keep busy?
I was coming off of my injury last year- I tore my pectoral tendon and had to have surgery around Thanksgiving last year. I was rehabbing this offseason in Minneapolis before I signed with the Steelers.
I live in Indianapolis, but I’ve been in Pittsburgh now training with the team – meeting the players and coaches. Spending time in the meeting rooms and learning what the coaches expect from us.
What have they taught you so far about the system and team?
It’s still early – Coach Dunbar is one of the best defensive line coaches in the NFL. He’s the standard for NFL coaches – he’s been in the NFL for 20-plus years – that’s a lot of experience.
Right now it’s just phase one. Conditioning and working with the strength coaches. When we get to the third week here we’ll get on the field more. Right now it’s more about technique and fundamentals.
What made you decide to sign with the Steelers?
Overall, it’s just an iconic franchise that really values football. The culture they built here over the years is impressive.
And I like the defense. It’s a versatile defense and I’ve played and had success in a 3-4 base before – I’ve done well in that in the past.
What was the free agency/recruiting process like? Was it at all fun going back to being recruited or did it suck at first?
Early on it sucked. Week one, not having a team was tough. I signed around the third week. That was hard to wait that long – there were some questions I think with my health and when I went to Pittsburgh they had to make sure I was healthy.
But, once I signed it was exciting. It was like a prolonged draft – but once you sign it makes it all worth it.
Do you know anyone on the Steelers well? I know they don’t have any Northwestern guys.
I played with Montravius Adams for four years in Green Bay – it was nice to see how well he’s been doing here. But I didn’t know any of the other guys.
Who are some of the guys who helped mentor you and got you to this point?
The guys who helped me the most were the ones that taught me how to be a pro. Your body is your job and you need to take care of it 24/7. You can’t turn it off. You have to be at the facility, learning and taking care of yourself. It can’t be a part-time job. There were great vets in Green Bay that showed me the way.
This is year nine for me and my third team. I’ve been able to take a look at how teams do things and learn different approaches. I’m always learning.
As a dedicated learner of the game, would you want to get into coaching some day?
I’d like to be involved in the game after I’m done playing, yeah. I’m not sure in what capacity. I love the game and the competition. I love gameplanning and watching film – that whole process. It’s rewarding to see how it all comes together. But right now I’m just excited to start this new season.
How do you see yourself fitting in on this defensive line – what are the strengths you feel you bring to the line?
I’m versatile and experienced. I can play every technique on the line – even nosetackle. As a depth guy that’s important to know each spot.
And my experience – I’ve started a lot of games in the NFL. I know what it takes to play defensive line in the NFL.
What was your biggest adjustment to playing in the NFL and who helped you most to make it?
Mike Daniels in Green Bay – he was an undersized lineman from Iowa and he brought it every play. I learned a lot watching him. He was a great effort guy and I learned how important that is.
Kenny Clarke too – we came into the league together and he led by example. He showed everyone what the standard was and how to keep it.
Lastly, what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
I’m really excited to explore the city. I’ve only been here a little more than a week – but I love the feel of the city. It’s a blue-collar mindset and that plays well into how I like to play the game. I’m a dirty work kind of guy.
So I’m looking forward to exploring the city and going to some sporting events. I know the Penguins just wrapped up their season but I’m looking forward to going to some Pirates games. When you drive over those bridges and see the different stadiums, it really makes you want to go to those games.
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