First off, what made you decide to sign with Pittsburgh?
Man – Pittsburgh is an historic franchise. Legends have played there. I want to be part of something special there.
And, I know lots of the guys there personally. Cam and I worked out together with Chuck Smith when I first got started in the league. I saw Cam going through those drills and learned from him – we did some of those drills together.
Devin Bush – when he came out in 2019 we trained together in the offseason and he asked me a lot of questions about the league. Levi Wallace – he and I were in the same draft class and we know each other from training together.
Arthur Maulet and Anthony Miller – we were college teammates at Memphis. And TJ Watt – everyone knows TJ! I’m just happy to play with all of those guys!
What did those guys tell you about Pittsburgh?
It’s exciting to be there – I spoke to Joe Schobert as well – he was there last year and he and I were in Cleveland together. I communicate a lot with him and he told me a lot of positive things about the culture and fanbase.
The football world is so small – we all know each other!
And in Memphis – Mike Tomlin was there as a graduate assistant and a lot of folks there still talk about him and what he brings. He’s a legend.
Did you notice any interest at draft time by Pittsburgh?
I talked to some of the scouts and they told me I reminded them of James Harrison because of my lower base and power – and because I was aggressive and had a quick twitch and was versatile.
Me and Harrison trained together in Arizona recently and I picked his brain – he’s a future Hall of Fame. I tried to learn about his tools to out them in my arsenal and to learn how to be the best player I can be.
What did the coaching staff tell you so far – what have they said about your role, etc?
When Tomlin called me he told me I was playing outside linebacker. He said he loved my leverage and wanted me coming out of the draft but Cleveland took me first. He liked my effort to the ball – that I didn’t stop and ran to the ball every play. I heard from Flores and the defensive coordinator too – I think they’ll be using me in different packages due to my versatility.
That’s what Javon Hargrave told me Pittsburgh was like too when I was in Philly with him. He said the team breeds effort and players run to the ball every snap. That’s how I like to play.
Lots of new faces on an already good defense – you, Jack, Wallace….what are you most excited about?
It’s very exciting. I think it makes for a great culture – we’re all in it together. The new and old faces – there are a lot o great vets there like TJ and Cam. I’m just excited to be a part of something special – to build something special. I feel like a rookie again – the visit to Pittsburgh felt like home.
Any reason why?
After my physical I met with John Norway and we got something to eat. We just sat there telling jokes – Devin Bush joined us. All the people there were welcoming. When I was at the airport some people recognized me there and told me I should be a Steeler!
Did the signing of Mitch Trubisky influence you at all in signing with Pittsburgh?
He’s our quarterback – I think he’s going to do great things. He’s still proving himself and has got a lot of hunger to do so!
You were originally drafted by Cleveland before being traded – was the trade a surprise? Are you looking forward to facing the team that drafted you twice this season?
My God yeah! The trade wasn’t a surprise – my rookie year I was inactive a couple of games but did some things there too. It all happens for a reason – I learned by sitting behind some good vets – I learned about the business side of the game – how to be a pro. A lot of situations may not be fair but you have to put for best self forward. Gregg Williams used to say “Every day is an interview.” That’s how I carry myself every day.
So, the trade wasn’t a surprise. I knew something would happen. When new coaches come in you often end up going somewhere else where you’re really wanted.
Before your Senior year Memphis worked out with some NFL All Pros – who across your career helped mentor you most and how?
I learned that pass rush is more of an art. It has to be natural. It’s easy to learn how to do something but it’s harder to do it. The one big thing I learned was that everyone has a different way of learning and playing the game. My skills are different than other players’. I can’t cross chop like a 6’3″ or 6’4″ guy. I’m a power and speed guy. I have to use things like spins and moves that fit my characteristics.
As for who has helped – that’s a loaded question. There are so many. Brandon Graham and Joe Schobert, Myles Garrett – they showed me things that fit my game. You can always have a signature move but offensive linemen change things up. So you have to be able to adapt.
I’ve gone to Von Miller’s summits – learned from guys like Bud Dupree and Chandler Jones. You take things from what they know and use them depending on what an offensive lineman shows you.
You were a state champion powerlifter as well – how does that translate to linebacker for you and how do you manage to balance that emphasis on strength without losing that speed/agility?
It’s crazy! People talk about the powerlifting but I ran track as well. I did everything I could to benefit myself and my ability to play football. I take training very seriously – and that has helped me a lot against bigger guys. To be able to use those power moves. If I didn’t have that I’d get knocked out!
I treat my body like a temple though. I play hard and fast and don’t just focus on power. I do pilates to work on my balance and agility. I run and lift but I want to stay flexible as well – that’s why I do pilates – and yoga too.
I learned that it’s not about just working harder – it’s about working smarter too. Many of the vets taught me that – to do that other stuff to help stay injury-free.
What does success look like to you this season?
Winning ball games and being the best player I can be to contribute to the team. On special teams, defense…winning is success. And the Super Bowl is the main goal always.
Lastly, what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
It’s crazy! What makes me happy is cutting grass – looking at the lines on the field when I’m done. And just being around my family – the people I love and trust. Those are the things that make me happy. That and the Good Lord! You have to keep the faith!
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