So what does the offseason look like for you?
I just signed my futures contact so I’m just focusing now on resting my body for a bit. But then I’ll get the training back up again. I get antsy – I can’t sit around for long. I can’t go too hard in the offseason – I won’t go 24/7 – but I’ll ramp it up as we get closer to the season. I want to be on the 53 next season.
Why did you decide to sign with the Steelers?
During the draft they were interested in me but the cards didn’t fall the way they should have. But it fell into place after – full circle. I’m happy to be a part of the Steelers now. I enjoy the culture – the people in the building make it feel like home for me. The defensive line group was the most connected group I was a part of since college. There are no egos. Those are high caliber players but they talk to you like a regular person. There are no issues going to them for help. That’s big- especially with so many young people in the room.
Are there guys who took you under their wing the most and helped you? How so?
I got close with Keeanu Benton – he’s a three-year starter so picking his brain – how he sees the game and deciphers it – that was really helpful. And of course Cam {Heyward}. Any nugget you get from him is amazing – he’s seen everything.
What makes him so good, from your perspective?
It’s no secret how he brings the juice every day. He doesn’t slack off. He’s 36 years old and gives full effort every play. I hope I can do that at 36!
What was the biggest adjustment for you coming to Pittsburgh?
There weren’t really any big adjustments. The terminology maybe, but not much else. I think I fit the mold of what they wanted – a hard worker who checked the boxes. I felt comfortable in their system.
What did you learn from Coach Tomlin over your time with him?
I loved my time with Coach Tomlin. Growing up, that’s who I saw – he was my favorite coach growing up. It was an honor to be coached by him. He was so good at focusing on not dodging the hard stuff. You have to get through that to be successful – to get to the good stuff on the other side.
Coach Dunbar too – his focus on consistency – doing the little things right every day. That’s what separates the good from the great.
Was it helpful having fellow Minnesota alum Esezi Otomewo there?
I knew Esezi since Minnesota – we weren’t there at the same time but we trained together in the Summer and were tight. Having that connection there – having an instant friend – a face I knew – that was helpful.
How hard is it going from team to team not knowing guys?
At the end of the day it’s a business – it’s not college. You have to make the most of it. When you have familiar faces it does make it easier.
Looking back on your season are there plays that stand out to you that helped you make the team- like the sack of Bryce Perkins?
No – there aren’t specific plays that stand out. I thought during camp I gave it all I had and showed solid technique. I just did my job. I see myself as a super high-motor guy that doesn’t take plays off. Who gives relentless effort. That’s how I’m wired. It doesn’t matter where on the line I play. It’s football – I don’t care. I can play it all.
Any moments just hanging out with teammates that stand out?
Time in the locker room just being with those guys is great. The basketball hoop, just sitting around talking, breaking bread….Those are your fellow brothers. You need to know who you are going to war with. It’s important to know where they come from – what walk of life they come from and how football affected them.
Things like the defensive line dinner. Sitting down and talking to your brothers. Not about football – about their kids, what they do in the offseason….that’s what’s special.
How do you look at the coaching changes to the team now personally? Is there opportunity potentially for you in all of it as well as well as difficulty?
The NFL is a business. This happens all the time. Sometimes the misfortunes of others become opportunities. It’s tough to say but that’s the business we live in. There are consequences and opportunities.
For me, I’ll just work my tail off and see what happens when the smoke clears!
Lastly – what makes you tick outside of football?
Video games. They give me the opportunity to talk to people I haven’t talked to in a while. It’s a good reset for me.