First off, why did you choose to sign with the Steelers?
Ultimately it was a real simple decision for me to make. I wanted to go where I could have the biggest impact for my team. There were multiple factors on why I chose the Steelers. I talked to my family and prayed on it. The depth chart and scheme were big reasons. I was also just excited about getting s fresh start. My family was on board and it was just the right fit.
What’s in store for you this offseason?
Work, work, work! The past two years with the Colts – I’m super grateful for the opportunity they gave me and for drafting me. It was motivating though not to see the field last season, knowing what I can bring to a team. I’m getting to work on my weaknesses and want to come back better and stronger.
Know anyone on the Steelers roster?
I do – I know Ben Skowronek – he and I played together at Northwestern. I didn’t realize that he was on the team until I looked at the roster.
What was the biggest adjustment year one for you with the Colts?
Realizing that all you do now to prepare is on you – you don’t have coaches telling you how to prepare all the time anymore. No one is dictating that to you. It’sa freedom but you have to find out what works for you – to look at what has worked for you in the past and recreate it. You have to create your own routine and that can be difficult if you haven’t had one.
Best NFL memory so far?
The times in training camp. The rookie singing – I sang “Don’t” by Bryson Tiller. The key is to sing a song everyone knows so they all sing along with you – you are only on the spot then for a few seconds! Those kinds of memories – those bonding experiences are pretty cool. And it was cool the next season clapping for the new guys.
Anyone take you under their wing there and show you how to make it in the NFL?
Oh for sure – Jonathan Taylor was a big one. Foer example after OTAs he let me go down to Florida with him and train with him. I weanted to see what a Pro Bowl back did to prepare for a season. I took a risk and texted him and he said “Sure come on down.” It was really cool for him to be open to that.
What did you learn from that experience?
He was always consistent with his body work – he had a body specialist and a chiropractor – he kept those areas of his body strong. He had a team around him of people giving him feedback and helping him to stay healthy. He’s knowledgeable of the science of the weight room and training room too. He asks a lot of questions – he wants to know why they have him doing certain things.
You were a good track & field athlete and wrestler as well in high school – how did those two sports help you as a running back?
Track – that’s self-explanatory. It helped me to run faster and hit home runs over 200 meters at full speed. Training for track correlates directly to football. You work on short and top end speed. Jonatan Taylor did track in college – and you can see those runs he hits. It’s not a coincidence. This offseason I want to get back to strapping those spikes on and run on the track to emulate that work again.
Wrestling – that’s different. There are two aspects it helps with. The physical aspect – it helps you to balance your body and to increase your strength as someone is pushing against you – to fight against that. So that balance and flexibility is helpful. It also helps you to be strong in vulnerable positions – to increase your strength when you’re being contested.
Mentally – wrestling is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Workouts are two hours long with no breaks. It’s always go-go-go. And it’s gritty. That has helped build mental toughness.
How do you feel your skillset fits in with this Steelers offense? You’ve really looked good coming out of the backfield as a receiver – did the team discuss that with you and your role?
I think I can make an impact anywhere. Being able to catch well and run good routes – I know I can do that. I think people overlook that I can run well. Even though catching is a strength I can run between the tackles well and am excited to show that in OTAs and camp.
What’s the one area you really want to improve on most?
Being able to make an impact on special teams- that will help me abundantly to make the team. I just need to learn the nuances and improve on winning those one-one-ones. In OTAs I plan on getting with the special teams coach and work with him. I did that with the Colts- I worked with the special teams coach after practices to watch film and talk through the details. I just want to learn more so I can have an impact there.
What should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
What makes me tick is that I am a follower of Jesus Christ. Football has helped me to get closer to God. Its taxing physically, emotionally and spiritually. Leaning on God has helped me – just getting back to Christ was best decision I ever made.
My identity growing up was wrapped up in football. It came to a point when football wasn’t going great. That struggle – it made me realize that I couldn’t lay the foundation of my identity on football. I needed something greater and put my identity in Christ and it was the greatest decision I made. I don’t play for anyone but God now – I want to please Him with this gift of athleticism he gave me. Now I play for an audience of one.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book: