First off, what prompted you to sign with the Steelers – why Pittsburgh?
To be honest I didn’t have that many choices. I was on the practice squad in Atlanta and they grabbed me. I’m thankful they did – all the teammates I met around the league that played for Pittsburgh spoke highly of the team. When my agent hit me up and told me Pittsburgh wanted to sign me I was super-excited.
Did the 2021 Lions game where you had success against the Steelers play into it?
You’re 100% right – it definitely was a big factor I think in why I’m here. Mike T. harps on it all the time: “Own your film. You never know where it will take you.” We were struggling in Detroit that year but I played with grit and was fortunate to make plays against Pittsburgh. The conversations I had with Mike T. – I think that’s a big reason why I’m here. They have a long memory and I am happy I got their attention.
Did the team give you any good natured grief about that game?
Some guys did – some knew who I was right away were like “You’re that guy that had that big run against us!” For some it was a slow burn – they realized it a few months later, which was funny.
You’ve played for what, eight teams so far over your six-year career. How do you navigate that stress and persevere, and how does your faith help you in that?
It’s not for the weary, that’s for sure. It’s not for everyone. For a time I was bitter – I felt I earned a long-term stay and got the short end of the stick. But you have to take ownership of your journey and story. It hasn’t been a smooth journey but that adversity transformed me as a person and with my relationship with God. If I had my way from the beginning I wouldn’t be the man I am today. So it gives you perspective. Football is just a small part of your life. How you approach the game is how you learn to approach life.
I’ve played for eight teams now. I can share my story now with other players and help them. It’s not always easy but it’s worthwhile. You have to own your journey and own your film. You have to work hard to own it even as you go through uncertainty. Even when you’re picked up off the practice squad you only have four weeks that are guaranteed. So you just have to focus on what you can control.
Has anyone taken you under their wing at all so far and showed you the ropes and “Steelers way”? What have they shown you?
I feel like all the guys in the locker room have been great. The running backs room is awesome – McFarland and Najee and my guy Warren. It’s been a blessing.
I’m a safety from the beginning – I moved to running back when I got to the NFL. So I vibe with Minkah and Elijah Riley. There are a lot of great dudes there and they’ve helped me most just by being so welcoming. Me and Elijah and his fiancé and my wife all went out for dinner and did some virtual reality. Jaylen Elliott and I are close too. All the running backs will go out tomorrow to some place for dinner too.
Your story is so interesting in that you were a safety up until recently transitioning to running back. How were you able to make that transition and why did it happen?
Long story short, I was out of the league for two years and was holding on to the promise from The Lord to get another shot. I went to the XFL but it shut down, then the Lions signed me in 2021.
I was playing safety and we were doing drills and I made some great plays with the ball – I had good feet and made people miss. Anthony Lynn was the offensive coordinator and he called me over and asked if I played running back. I told him that I did in high school but that was it. They had some conversations upstairs and two weeks before camp they called me and asked if I’d come in and play running back.
That’s the short story – there are a lot more details to it. I have a YouTube documentary about it called The Long Way that details the intricacies of the story more – how it all came about. On how God works miracles and how far a positive mindset can take us.
With all of the injuries in the secondary did the Steelers ever approach you about playing in the secondary?
Ha no but my teammates who knew my history joked about it with me. Especially in the one game where we lost so many guys in the third quarter – they joked that they might throw me out there!
You’ve excelled a lot in the return game so far – what makes you a good return man?
I think I’m a good athlete and versatile. I have the speed and the skillset. I didn’t think about it at first – but others told me about my return style. I hit the hole fast and am fearless – I hit it at full speed and am a hard runner. I don’t have any wasted movements or steps. I pride myself in that – on my speed and downhill running style. Others really explained that to me.
It’s been a crazy season for the team – injuries and lots of ups and downs. How have you seen Coach Tomlin and the staff and players navigate it all?
Any time you have a lot of players come in and out it can make team chemistry difficult. Even the Bengals game as an example – no matter who jumps in it just goes to show that the guys in the locker room are committed to the Steelers way. They all show up and trust each other. Mason – all the guys told him they had his back. It wasn’t like they felt like he was a third string quarterback and they would have to wait and see what he did. They were committed to him and winning and that showed – that has allowed us to thrive.
You’re also a musician correct – is that still a big driving force for you?
Music is something I continue to develop as a passion. It’s allowed me to become a better person and player. A lot of players struggle with their identity since we commit so much of our lives to getting to this level. It’s allowed us to get to this point. But having other passions allows us to put our energy into other things as well and express ourselves in another sphere. It’s given me more confidence and security to show up as my best self no matter where I’m at – on the field, with my wife….I think the more we see ourselves outside of our profession the more it leads to more positive mental health. Music does that for me.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
