First, what’s the offseason plan been for you?
Well, as you already know, we can’t be at the facility now more than ever. So I’m just working out here in Vegas – that’s what I’ve done really since I got into the league. I’m just staying n shape and doing what I need to do to be ready when it’s time to go back.
Last year, the precedent was set early for how we handled Covid – we knew what the deal was. This year we still don’t know yet. It’s a unique situation – we’re just still playing it by ear.
Have the coaches spoken to you much about expectations and what they want you to do in the offseason to get ready?
Not with anything specific to me, personally. Just general stuff for us all.
I’ve been in the league for five years now with enough film on me that they know what type of player I am and hopefully what my capabilities are. Most of it is just about making sure I understand the Steelers way of doing things.
What is that Steelers way from your perspective and how does it change the way you prepare for the season?
Well, the winning culture is different for me. I’m not trying to throw shade at anyone, but let’s call a spade a spade. The Steelers have a history of winning and post-season play that’s different from where I’m coming from.
It doesn’t change how I prepare. I’m always very diligent in my preparation no matter where I am. I can only anticipate me being around those guys yet, but I expect it to change my day-to-day outlook. Pre and post practices, meetings, the weight room….I think all of that will be different. The way I carry myself will be the same – I’m the same type of guys in any environment. But I think how I interact with the guys and our expectations will be different.
What made you decide to sign with the Steelers – besides that culture – and what do you think attracted them to you?
I’d like to think what attracted them was the way I play – I love to tackle. I love football for the sake of the sport. Whether I got paid or not I would still play – I love the game and have fun playing it. I have been lucky to play in the NFL as long as I have so far.
I also think I understand how Coach Tomlin is too – I have a sense of his style – I think we both approach the game in a similar way. And I’ve played for T.A. {Teryl Austin} – I know his style too and I think it’s a good fit.
Do you have any expectations on your role? You’re a stand-out special teams player but any idea on whether you’ll get more defensive snaps as well?
I don’t expect anything really. My eyes an ears are wide open. I’ll put whatever I have to offer out there. I don’t anticipate anything – I’ll do the work and do whatever they need me to do.
Have you spoken to any of the guys on the team yet? I know it’s hard when you’re half-way across the country from the team facilities.
It really is hard. I’ve had a little amount of talks so far. I did speak with Derek Watt – we have similar agency representations – he helped give me some basic information. I also worked before with Rodain Delus on the strength and conditioning staff – I think he’ll have some fun and take some pride in telling me what to do in the weight room.
But I don’t have a lot of expectations yet on how it will be there. I don’t want to spoil the surprise. I want to go in and look around and take it all in without any preconceived notions. It will be fun then to look back later and see if it was what I expected it to be.
What does a “great 2021 season for you” look like?
Well, you alluded to it before. They know what I’ve done on special teams – I think I’ve done enough to show that I can lead in that aspect of the game. I’m one of those guys – maybe I’m overly-optimistic – but I think the sky is the limit. I don’t see why playing more on defense can’t be a possibility.
But either way I do expect to be a leader on special teams – that’s what I’m used to and would expect.
What has made you so effective on special teams?
On special teams, it’s not very different if you’re on offense or defense unless you’re a returner. It’s not about making the one big play – it’s about being dependable. If you do your job right every single play every game – if you don’t mess up all season – that’s what’s expected of you.
As a player and I’m sure as a special teams coach would want – I want to make sure I’m the guy they know won’t miss a block. Blocks don’t get highlighted on ESPN I know, but I take pride in my guy not making a tackle. That’s what separates you on special teams – that dependability. The next level to this is making a big play as well. But that can’t precede the first part.
Lastly, what should fans know about you that has nothing to do with football?
Hopefully we’ll establish a relationship and you’ll learn more about me over the year and say “Oh wow !” I’m a Christian man – I have a newborn – a daughter who’s five months old.
So sleeping well?
Ha yeah. That and a dog equates to no sleep. That’s my role off the field.
Are you planning to all move to Pittsburgh at some point?
With all of this uncertainty it’s hard to know the plan. I’ll probably move out there on my own first. We’re still figuring it all out. But once it all settles down I’d prefer not to have to have a lot of back and forth to go see my wife and little girl.
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