First off, what’s the offseason plan for you?
Honestly, I just hope to be up in Pittsburgh most of the time during the offseason. It depends on the next couple of steps with the contract discussions. Just some little things. Hopefully it all goes well and is done soon.
I just expect to be working out with Cam, TJ, Tyson and those guys. Working with all of them hopefully.
Any hangups with the contract?
It just takes time. I’m just sitting back and watching. I just want to be back in Pittsburgh. I’m a free agent but I’m not really reaching out to anyone else. I’m just waiting on one call.
Did you get any good feedback from the coaches in the exit interview on what to work on?
It’s hard to say there was any one thing they wanted me to work on. It was a great interview and we just talked about what I was able to do and what I was able to help with when I got here. There are some little things that I want to keep working on with Cam though.
Anything specific?
Cam is such a great technician – I heard from coaches and players around the league about how good of a technician he is before I got to Pittsburgh. I just want to follow in his direction and learn more technique from him on stuff like hand placement and things like that.
How surprised were you to get picked up from the Saints practice squad? Were you hesitant to say yes?
I was hesitant at first, but I wasn’t surprised that it happened. Just maybe when it happened. Pittsburgh was the first team that wanted to sign me when I was a free agent, but I went to Boston and signed with the Patriots first. But I was happy they signed me off the practice squad. It was familiar to me – like family. I remember meeting Coach Tomlin at a restaurant when they were down in Auburn. I always felt that family vibe with him.
Did anyone help you most when you got to Pittsburgh – how so? Even just stuff like where to shop for groceries?
Oh it was cold in Pittsburgh! No one was going to the grocery store! My lady told me Walmart can bring those groceries to the house!
The whole defensive line was helpful to me – I can’t leave nobody out – from the top and most veteran guys to the rookies. They all helped me do what I needed to do. They were all happy to help and there was no drama. They were all happy with what I could bring to the table.
Anything that helped you most though?
Really it was just helping me fit in. I felt like – it’s something you can’t explain. It’s a feeling. But you don’t get that feeling with a lot of teams. Just that feeling of family and feeling like you were appreciated and fit in.
I think what I am most appreciative of really is the whole journey I was on throughout these five years, Last year I was in Green Bay and had the foot injury. New England gave me a chance and I didn’t cut it there. Then New Orleans and Pittsburgh. Every destination taught me a lot, up to this final one. I’m not the player I am now if I didn’t learn from everything around me.
What was different about Pittsburgh for you that helped you to jump in so quickly?
It’s funny – I didn’t play nosetackle since I was a Senior in college. Credit to the Steelers scouting department that scouted me and saw that in me. I always felt like I could play nosetackle in this league.
And Pittsburgh handles the nosetackle spot differently than most teams which made it a great fit for me.
How so?
Pittsburgh uses their defensive linemen differently than most 3-4 teams. They have us play more aggressively. Most 3-4 nosetackles and linemen are read and react – not as vertical. For me, to be able to play more aggressively like that – to be able to do a mixture of both – that fits me perfectly.
Any fun/good experiences stand out most to you from your time there so far?
It’s not a funny thing – but the team building and respectful moments. When I came in, I came in later in the season. Them helping me fit in and seeing the things Cam does. Cam does things for his defensive linemen that I haven’t seen anyone else in the league do.
Anything specific?
A lot of defensive linemen go out and eat together and do stuff. But he helps us – gets us extra treatment. There’s a place he takes us all. He gets food ordered for us, massages, rollouts. There’s opportunities for religious meetings. It’s just a game changer. I haven’t seen anyone else do that.
What does success look like next season for you?
Honestly, I have to say for me, it just is about getting back to having fun. Putting the past in the rear view. I’m just looking to have fun playing and enjoying being in the moment. That’s the best thing mentally for me. I feel like I can do that with the Steelers and be a good player for them.
How does Coach Tomlin help with that from what you’ve seen?
It’s just that relationship. Some coaches – you can be around them and get that vibe and energy that makes you want to be great. Some coaches make you want to leave! Coach Tomlin is that first guy. I’d do whatever for him. You can’t beat that – he’s a great people person.
Oh – and I know a lot of fans seem to like my number – 57! I hope they get to see 57 back next year. I hope I see fans out there with 57 on!
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