First off, what is the offseason looking like for you – what have you been up to?
Right now I’m here in Dallas training every day, five days week. Just getting ready for when I go to camp in April – staying in shape.
I also like to do dog training – it helps keep my mind off of things at times.
Why did you decide to sign with the Steelers – and have you spoken to the coaches yet about what they are looking from from you and your role there?
I met Coach Tomlin years ago at the Senior Bowl – I felt like he was a coach I could see myself playing for. And my first year with the Chargers, Alfredo Roberts was my tight ends coach. I really liked him. When I knew he was in Pittsburgh it was a done deal for me – I had no hesitation. I am looking forward to playing for both coaches.
Did they talk to you about where they see you fit on the team?
They just said they see me as that middle guy. Between Darnell and Pat – and to be a special teams guy. I’m there do do everything at the position – bloc and catch.
Know anyone on the team?
I know Brandon Fehoko and Mike Williams – I know they were there last year but not now. I’m not sure if there’s anyone there I know now – I guess I’ll see when I get there.
You didn’t start until you were a Senior in high school – how did that impact you, and how did playing basketball in high school help you as a football player?
I played since I was eight years old but didn’t start until I was a Senior. That’s why I ended up at a smaller school like Stetson – there just wasn’t much film on me.
After breaking their all-time receiving records and making it to the NFL, do you see yourself as a bit of an ambassador for Stetson since its football program just recently restarted?
What’s been the toughest part of that transition to the NFL and who has helped you most in making it?
All along the journey I had people who helped me. My parents – and just making sure I met the right people at the right time. Coach Roberts – he made me feel like I belonged in the NFL. Once I made the decision that I did belong, I made something out of nothing really, coming from a smaller school.
How did he help you the most?
He and others taught me to spend more time in the film room and understand the game better. To break down film and scouting reports. We’d get those in college but they were less important then.
Learning how to do that – it helped me to understand that the game starts before you lace up on Sundays. Guys like Keenan Allen, Jared Cook, Hunter Henry, Mike Williams – they helped me to make the transition overall to the NFL. Those guys were in it for a long time – they helped shape my mind on what it took to be a pro.
Having come into the NFL raw as a tight end prospect, do you find yourself now at a time where you’re hitting our stride? You had a solid 2023 season with the Chargers.
After my first year really. It put it in perspective that I can do it. I just had to figure out how to make it last. Training and working with the vets – I saw that and replicated that and it became part of my routine.
The long days were the hardest adjustment. Just doing everything you can during the week to make sure you’re ready on Sundays.
This will be your seventh year in the league – do you see yourself more and more transitioning to a mentor versus mentee role now – especially on a young offense in Pittsburgh?
I can see that I guess, but I will always be a student of the game. I’m always looking to learn from young or older guys. Young guys come in with new things and the older guys have all of that experience to share.
I’m only 27 years old – so it will be interesting to see how it translates to a younger offense. I don’t feel like an older vet, but I will be that for them if they look for that from me.
I know you suffered that scary injury in 2021 – how did that affect your thoughts on the game at the time – and how you view it now?
I never – not once – crossed my mind that I was done. It just felt like my season was cut short. I felt like I just needed to work 10 times harder to get back. I knew I did all I could to prevent it.
What are you hoping for most from the 2025 season in Pittsburgh?
To be the best I can be on and off the field. To be the guy they want to have in the building and to be prepared to exploit every opportunity they give me. Just being where my feet are.
What are your strengths and areas of improvement, from your perspective?
I feel like I’m not seen as an overall tight end but I feel I can be. I am always working on my blocking – you can always improve that, especially at the point of attack. But I can handle myself – that’s part of the job and I embrace it. I’m always looking to see how I can improve. It’s all a mind game – if you believe you can do it you can do it.
As for a strength. I think being a player you can count on. Being consistent and being there every day and knowing the playbook so you can be relied on.
Lastly, what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
I mentioned before – I love dog training, and fishing – for large mouth bass especially.
Dog training is a new-found passion – I got an eight week year-old dog two years ago and have been loving training him to get the most out of him. I get that proud dad feeling when he does something well!