First, I spoke with you before camp started about trying to make the team. What are your thoughts now after year one with the Steelers?
I think it went pretty good. It obviously started off tough – on IR. It was a tough situation. But when I got back I did what I had to do to get back on the field. I could do more I know but it was a good start to my career, especially coming in as an undrafted free agent.
What did the coaches tell you you need to work on to take that next step and get more playing time?
Basically, I just need to perform better. Come in with the same mindset and especially – get better on special teams. Me, just being used to the system now and knowing what’s going on. That will help me develop from where I am now.
They also told me to add more weight and work on my pass coverage. It’s all of those little things.
Lots of guys in that outside linebacker mix with you, Dupree, Chickillo, Keion Adams and of course TJ. How do you guys work together yet compete?
We all have a brotherhood. I go to Chicks’ and Bud’s house and we hang out together. We’re definitely competitive though. The outside linebacker room is always the most competitive. We always have fun together though. It’s never about being selfish. We all make each other better. That competition helps us all get better.
How much did Joey Porter help you – and how much of a surprise was his being let go for you and your teammates?
It was a shock. He helped me a lot. I absolutely would not be in this situation now if not for him. It was sad to see him leave. He helped me in each and every area- especially from the pass coverage aspect. I didn’t do much dropping back in college. He helped me understand the system.
What are your thoughts on Coach Butler just having been announced as taking on the coaching duties for the outside linebackers?
I think it’s great to have someone that knows so much and has coached it before.
Where do you see yourself next season with the team – and how good did it feel to get some action near the end of the season?
My mindset is what is was last year. Now I want to get more in the rotation, instead of being inactive. Now I know what I need to do to put myself in that position.
It felt good to finally get in. I got to live out my dream. But I’m not carried away with it. Obviously you want to go into the game and contribute and have an affect on the game. It felt great. Now I want to build on that in my second year.
Were the AB and other off-field issues real distractions for the team – or were those overblown?
The media does what the media does. I don’t really think about that stuff though. AB was one of the best guys to be around. He’s my brother. We just FaceTimed the other day – I introduced him to my mother and will probably go work out with him soon in Miami.
The media doesn’t know what happens in the locker room. It wasn’t to the point of being dysfunctional. We all could do what we had to do. I didn’t care for all the media talk on it. I just wanted to get better and get on the field.
Are people getting it wrong about AB?
I couldn’t tell you. I tend not to talk to him about that. We talk about other things – positive energy. More of that kind of stuff.
The media though tends to make little things big.. I just can’t tell you … I mean, I know AB. In the locker room, the love and support he gave me as an undrafted free agent. That friendship and brotherhood he gave me is because of the person he is. We’d go out to eat together every Friday. A guy of that caliber – he’s going to be competitive and want the ball. Every person would. But that’s not my business.
Any last fun experiences of your first season you can share?
The funniest thing is playing credit card roulette. I never did that before. We’d go to a restaurant and put our cards in a hat or bucket and have a server or waitress pick one card to pay for dinner, It was a fun experience, It’s a great time when it’s not your card! But that one time it’s yours – it sucks. But we all have fun.
Sign up today for:
*Over 600 Exclusive Steelers player, coach, and front office interviews from the 50’s through today’s players – With new ones every week!
*Subscriber-only player chats
*Articles by dozens of former Steelers on their NFL and post-NFL experiences
*Weekly exclusive Game-to-Go Video breakdowns of past Steelers games
Check it out today – Only $7.95 for 6 months – or $12.95 a year!