First off, what are the plans for the offseason for you?
For now, it’s just an ongoing process to get ready for next year. I’m doing what I do best – figuring out what’s next!
I’m doing my strength and conditioning work, weightlifting and working on that work-life balance. A lot of stuff is going on here for me personally – and of course I’m getting ready for next season in Pittsburgh!
Why did you choose to sign with the Steelers last season?
For me, it was one a few options I had after the Eagles released me. I had a couple of visits with them prior to signing with them – including one during the draft process.
What did they talk to you about when they signed you?
They saw my speed and liked that about my game. As an outside linebacker, they wanted me to learn how to use my hands better. They saw me like a Devon White or Isaiah Simmons as far as my speed goes, but they told me I needed to learn to use my hands better.
How do you improve in that area?
Same stuff as always – you work with the coaches on things like my speed chop and counter chop moves. You just have to learn how to set guys up with the tools you have – you just have to learn how to use those tools and what tools to use when.
The coaches – Denzel Martin and Coach Dunbar – they are hardasses about using your hands. I like that – I need to learn it. I’ve never been coached to do it like this so now I’m getting into the grit and dirt.
Any of the Steelers players helping you as well?
Markus Golden – he’s a veteran guy – and older head, so I connected with him. But it’s mostly up to us to work with the coaches. I’d stay after practice with them and TJ and Highsmith to work on stuff.
So many injuries on the defense this season – how do you and the team and coaches manage through that?
I don’t deal with it – that’s not my problem to be able to manage, to be honest. I can only control myself and stay ready for that next man up.
As for what the team did – I don’t think they changed much. I think they simplified some things a little to not give us too much to take in at once, but most of it didn’t change.
Any good practice matchups stand out to you? How do you manage the lack of reps psychologically?
I went up against number 62 (Ryan McCollum) and 76 (Okorafor) and 77 (Jones). They said I beat some of those guys in one-on-ones. But as far as reps – I just stay close to the coach in case someone gets hurt or tired. I’m right there and ready to step in if needed!
Any funny or meaningful moments stand out from the season?
Oh I don’t know if I should say this! I won’t mention any names, but we had a white elephant and people were giving out gifts. Well, one player gave a coach a p*ssy pocket! I won’t say who it was given to or who gave it but we were all dying, laughing!
Also, getting my first playing time versus the Patriots – just getting on the field. And when they signed me to the 53. That was the time that it felt like they really do want me. I was free to go to work! I felt like I was given another shot, and even if I was still maybe scrapping the bottom trying to make it, that I was at least getting something out of it now!
What did they tell you in the exit interview?
They told me they liked me and wanted me to stay. That they were excited to get a full season and for me to get some playing time. Danny Smith really liked me – he’s a hardass too but I think he liked my speed on special teams. I got my speed to showcase!
Last but not least – what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
I like to play Call of Duty. I’m that dude. I don’t play with any of the guys on the team now. I play with my friends from high school. I played David Perales once but he was sorry! So I figured if he was they all are!
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
