First, how is the offseason going – what are you working on?
Right now, I’m just here in Maryland working out and doing weight training. I want to get a couple of pounds heavier – gain some muscle weight – before I start focusing on my position-based workouts.
The coaches tell you anything specific in the exit interviews?
I met with the coaches – it was the same message really. Just hone in on being a great linebacker – they want me to focus on that. Just to improve my all-around game and gain some weight. They said they are very pleased with my game so far.
Who has helped you most with that transition – and how?
Coach T. – he’s the one that put me up to the test. He’s the one that wanted me to go out and play linebacker. I believed in him and what he said. When he told me I said “OK. Let’s go!”
After the switch, Jerry O. and my teammates – Bush, Vince Williams, Robert {Spillane|. They’ve just been there when I had questions. There are things I’m not used to seeing as a linebacker that they help me with and those are the core guys that have helped me so far.
What about you has made it possible – what made you so able to adapt?
I’m a dog! I don’t have any other way to say it – I’m just not scared of anything. They felt comfortable in me to do it. I weigh 198 pounds – they don’t put someone out there like me unless they know that guy can do it and isn’t scared.
Is it hard as a younger guy seeing free agency hit soon knowing a lot of guys you are close to may leave?
I’m not up there yet with making millions and that kind of stuff. I’ll figure out that next step. I know it’s a business, but from my standpoint this is like my family- my brothers. I came in with them and many have helped show me the ropes. When I was down about being on the practice squad they lifted me up.
Seeing them go will be hurtful. I wish it was like college where everyone stays together.
And as a guy with a few years under his belt now, do you find yourself playing the mentor role more?
Anyone who comes in and is in need of help – I never shy away from that. Anything they need I’m here. James Pierre is my locker buddy – I’ve been there for him – anything he needs. He has a bright future on the team. No one means less or more than another person here. We all help each other – after all we may need to rely on them at some point too.
So, whats the one thing you’re looking forward to most next season and how do you get there?
Being on the field more – all four downs. I want to make something big happen for myself and the team – just being on the field more.
I just have to keep on training to get there. It’s still a new thing, playing linebacker. I have to keep learning how to see the game as a linebacker and all of the things that comes with that. Knowing players and formations – that’s the next step.
That come with knowing better how to watch film?
I’ve got a lot of help from Vince with that – he’s the best at it. His head game – his mental approach to the game – he’s just really good at it. He knows offenses inside and out.
Any fun memories stand out most to you so far?
There’s always the locker room stuff. My rookie trip – that was one of the best times. Let’s just say I spent a lot of money I never thought I’d spend in one day! We should leave it at that!
On the field – what was it like stepping onto the field during a regular season game for the first time?
That first time was surreal. Looking up and seeing myself on the Jumbotron – it felt crazy. I knew I was ready to seize the moment.
I told Joe {Haden} how much I wanted this. That I was ready to kill someone – to go at it! You take nothing for granted – that’s why I love this game. I don’t make millions – I just love playing this game.
How do you stay even-keeled and focused when you;’re that fired up?
That’s the preparation under Tomlin. He gets us prepared – maybe more than we need. That way at the end of the day you can be so on point and ready to play mentally in every way.
How does he help with that?
He breaks down the offense every week – inside and out – and puts it back together for us so we all understand it. He dissects other teams and gives us the information in ways we all understand. He’s such an intelligent coach – he makes sure we all understand it and are bought-in.
He does the homework for us and gives us the answers to the tests. If you do your own preparation that helps you test your and his knowledge to make sure what you are seeing is correct. Nine out of 10 times he’s not wrong either.
Anyone else help you as well on the staff?
I love Butts. And T.A. (Teryl Austin} – he helped my mental game – especially when I was on the practice squad. He just keeps testing you, and you never wanted to be wrong. I never wanted to get something wrong and not get off the practice squad as a result.
I’d sit in the front row and take notes. He’d help with assignments and the specific details on routes and angles to take. He would instill those details into you. There was no way I was going to have any mental errors get me cut or keep me on the squad. I wasn’t going out like that. I know the defense inside and out and he told me to make sure I communicated things well. He wanted me to develop – he didn’t see me as just a practice squad guy.
Lastly, I wanted to ask you about your fashion brand – anything you want to let folks know about?
My clothing line – I started it my rookie year when I had time to get it launched. I had more time when I was on the practice squad and have been developing it now for two-and-a-half years. I’m trying to get it into New York fashion shows – stuff like that.
It’s called Vibes by Chico LLC . Check it out!
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
