Steelers Player Media Availability (July 23) | Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers Player Media Availability (July 23) | Pittsburgh Steelers

What’s it like being here this year compared to last year when it was all new to you? Yeah, it’s a little more familiar. Um, expect you know what to expect to bring. Just ready for the good vibes. I mean, Mike T called me yesterday. We had a little talk and stuff. So, I’m excited. Pat, what do you think about all the changes on defense? Um, I think we got great additions. Um, you know, I love Mink. Mink was a great teammate. Love the guy. Love the player. Um, but we got good players out of it. So, um, you know, that’s how the NFL works. It’s a business at the end of the day. Um, I know both sides going to take care of their business. You said Mike, he called you yesterday. What was his message to you? Uh, it’s go time. Uh, so there’s no more getting acclimated, no more um trying to get familiar with each other. It’s time to go. Specifically with with Jaylen, what do you think he’s going to bring to your defense? Uh, a lot of trash talk, a lot of good plays. Um, my type of guy, my type of football player. Um, just everything that you can want. Uh, somebody in the secondary, somebody that’s going to be physical, somebody’s going to talk trash, somebody that’s going to be able to make come down and make tackles. Um, so I think that’s probably the best way I could sum it up. What’s going to be the focus for you in training camp? Uh, just improving day by day. I don’t think it’s no main focus that you could do. Um, just to try to overcome or anything. I think it’s just every single day putting my head down, going to work, trying to get better at every single detail that I can. Nico was one of the guys that was like big communicators over the middle. Now you kind of are that guy. Is that is there a stepping up of a role for you with with that change of him to Ramsey? Of course. Um I think anytime you got a guy like M that um departs from the team and stuff um there’s got to be somebody that steps up. Um so we of course we got Deshan secondary as well that could be vocal. But um as far as me and my part um I think the biggest thing is just being more vocal, being being more of a leader um stepping out of that box um and just demanding what I uh what I want to see on the field. So um like I said, this is a perfect time for me to do that as training camp. That’s when we want to get started. What was it like seeing TJ get his deal done? Is that a relief that that’s not something that’s hanging over you guys as you get ready for training camp? Yeah, I mean, uh, we kind of all knew it was going to get done. Uh, nobody wants to see TJ leave this place. Um, but, you know, that that’s definitely a factor on the field that we would probably miss if if he didn’t get that, uh, deal done. So, um, but I think at the end of the day, we always going to come to work regardless. Um, we love TJ. TJ’s a hell of a player. We like to have him. Patrick, now with you and Payton having a year together, what kind of things do you think you’ll be able to do this year? Some great things. Um, I just I text him maybe like four days ago. I was like, “You ready?” Like, “Let’s do it.” So, um, you know, sky is the limit for us. We just got to come, like I said, come come over here, put our head down, go to work, um, every single day, try to get 1% better. I think that’s the biggest thing. If we both stay locked in and push each other every single day, we’ll be fine. In the morning and Mike T said that he shifted practice back to the afternoons. It wasn’t hot enough. It wasn’t miserable enough. You ready for those late afternoon practices? How do you ready? I’m from Louisiana. I don’t care. I mean, it’s been 110 degrees every single day. So, I mean, I’m used to it. I’m freaking working out in a hot suit in the 110 degree heat. So, um I mean I’ve been at L I was at LSU. I grew up in Louisiana. So, I mean I’m used to the heat. The heat is my thing. So, I’m not worried. Some of the changes you guys made with some of the changes you guys made on defense. Um what level you guys need to play to live up to your own standards. I think every every person just got to bring it every single day, every single game. Um we got to be the best that we could be. I mean, it’s a lot of money on defense. Um so, I think the biggest thing is us to go out there and prove it every single game. Um, you know, last last year we started off good, then we slowing in the season when it’s supposed to be the opposite way around. So, um, I think we just need to start fast and then gradually get better as the season go on. Um, just holding each other accountable, small things here and there, um, at least the bigger things. I think if we start that off early, we’ll be fine. As a collective, what did you guys determine like in the times that you guys have had together as an inside linebacker, core, mini camp, OTAAS, etc. What did you guys find as to why there was that lag in the last five weeks this season? I think it’s just a whole bunch of different things that you could point out, but I think the main focus was just um we we we just sloped off. I think you can’t really put like a specific thing on it. It’s just a whole bunch of things leading into one. Um whether it’s one day you don’t take care of your body, one day you don’t um ask the extra question that you needed to ask. I think it’s just a whole bunch of things that go into it. Um and like I said, that’s why this year is just mandatory that we start right now with accountability, having that that factor set in and just each day we get 1% better every single day. What’s it going to be like getting Cole back in that room? Obviously, you guys didn’t get a get a chance to stay on the field last year, but what’s it going to be like getting him back into the fold for this season? Yeah, a guy who’s already in this defense um before I got here. Um a guy that everybody knows around the league. Um a great player. Uh a guy that we all know that could go out there and give us good plays um and every single day, every single down. So, um it’s it’s definitely huge getting them back and I can’t wait to share the field with him. There’s change every year on the team, but did you expect this much change with the big names and the trades and people that they brought in? Uh, I definitely didn’t expect it. I I actually woke up and they said, “Uh, wow.” And they send me eyes. I thought I got traded for a second. So, um, I mean, it’s crazy. It’s just crazy how the business works, but at the end of the day, um, you know, nobody ever expects big moves to happen, but you also do want your team to push for those big moves and sometimes it come at a cost and you lose great people. Um, but then you also gain great people. So, I think at the end of the day, um, you know, we kind of getting used to it in the NFL. You mentioned the money that’s being spent on the defensive side. Is there added pressure to that knowing you guys are the highest paid defense in the NFL? Pressure to produce and improve maybe why you guys are worth that money. I don’t think it’s pressure. I think it’s more motivation. Um just knowing that you are the highest paid defense. Why not go out and improve? Why not go out and show it? Um I think that actually motivates you to perform better. Um and I think the group of guys we got are all good people. They’re all good teammates. They can all be good brothers. Um and I think that we play like we’re brothers. I think all that money and all that talk and stuff will set up. What do you think of staying on on a campus for a training camp? Uh started my career uh in a in a dorm room was in Buffalo. Um my first four years uh I want to say it was one year in LA went to the hotels after that living a little luxury life and then uh back in the back in the dorms again. Um feel like is a good team camaraderie and uh get to build um relationships with the guys and uh it’s uh it’s camp. What do you think a guy like Johnny Smith can bring to this offense? Uh I think he’s a a great explosive player. Um uh great tight end obviously uh with the with the ball in his hands. I think it adds uh just another weapon to this offense. Dynamic playmaker uh can’t wait to see what he does with us. What are the emotions like for you on a day like today? Another training camp at a new place for you too. Yeah, I would say exciting. um you know the all off season you kind of been working and training and building up to this and um just uh yesterday just packing getting ready for for today. Feel like it’s another year, another journey. Um full of excitement. Uh we got a great roster, great coaches. Excited to see where where this year goes. What excites you most about having Aaron Rogers as your quarterback throwing you the ball this year? I think uh I had some good quarterbacks. was Jared Golf, Matthew Stafford. Um, so great to partner up with with Aaron Rogers. Uh, just to be able to throw with him and catch with him. Obviously, he’s a Super Bowl winning quarterback. Uh, dynamic um, in the pocket and out the pocket. And, uh, California guy. You guys had like a text thread or you guys like been on a lot of contact during the time from mini camp? just a little bit with our with our receiver coach just kind of sending messages of of motivation and just letting us know what’s upcoming, but uh more so kind of just letting us have our have our time and the break because we know when we’re here it’s uh it’s full goal. We got a full commitment and just letting the guys enjoy the break. I think that was it. Were you part of the group that went to Malibu to work out with Aaron? No, I was not. No. Yeah. Yeah. I saw I saw the guys. There’s a lot of talk around here. Who’s going to be the number two receiver? Is that make is that motivating for you or you feel like you have something to prove out there? Uh yeah, I feel like I know I know DK is our guy, but I feel like I I always compete to be the number one receiver. Um since I was a a rookie coming in the league and then always just always just competing. I think that’s how you you stay in the league. You don’t compete for the second spot. You want to be the number one spot. And um I think that gets the team better. I think that gets DK better. I get I think it gets our room better and um I think if we all go in there and compete for the number one spot everybody game elevates and uh the slots will fall after that. I know we have a competitive room but um we’ll let it play out like that. You talked about having guys like golf as your quarterbacks in the past. Do you find that huddle command from veterans established guys is a universal thing or is that kind of personality to personality how that goes? I think uh I don’t I think it’s it’s the personality and and what you want from your quarterback and and the leadership and and um I think that’s just how a quarterback should be cuz even even CJ Stra having a young quarterback with with CJ I think he had the same drive and command of his huddle of of the guys in the locker room of getting guys together and knows how important it is to to be on the same page and I think that’s what you want from your quarterbacks. Um, and that’s what you what I’ve seen through my experience is the quarterbacks who are good and um and and committed to this. They they bring everybody along and they uh they’re committed and have that command of the huddle and team. Let’s do two more if you guys have them. What’s Jaylen Ramsey like dayto-day? I know you played with him in LA. Now you’re back with them. What’s it feel like to be back with him, but what is he like dayto day? Yeah. Uh, I would say a physical playmaker, a guy that you want on your team. um a leader uh a vocal leader as well. Um not only for players but just for game plan and everything like that. But I think that’s the that’s the kind of energy and and player you want on your team who’s going to go out there and give us all and uh go out there and and dominate. Can he be slot outside safety? Can he do all that if asked to do so? I think so. I think Jaylen is an excellent uh playmaker. I think um he’s a great uh nickel corner. I think he’s a great outside corner. Uh I haven’t seen him at safety yet, but I know he can do it and uh I know I’ve seen him play a receiver sometimes and I know that he’s just a playmaker and a football player. And I think um that’s what you want out of your your team and and uh you just want to build a a team full of football players, guys who are whatever they asked to do will go out there and do it. And uh there’s many times I feel like I I’ve been asked to to take hand offs and and take carries and and be outside block and be inside block and I feel like be a punt returner, kick returner. When you have guys who are football players, I feel like that it builds to the builds the team and guys are committed to the team and whatever they’re asked to do. Um they’re selfless and that’s how you win championships. All right. First day move in. What are the what are the thoughts? What are the emotions moving in today? Uh exciting. Uh, it’s always good to, you know, enter training camp on any NFL team, especially this one. It’s a special place here in Latro. So, um, it’s a tradition and I’m excited to be a part of it. Spence, how do you, how do you feel in general about the offensive line that you have, the whole room, the depth that you’ve got. Um, I feel like we’re in a good spot. Um, obviously we brought back majority of the guys we had last year. Um, we have some younger guys. I mean, I know we say young, but I mean, Mason’s older than me and you know, but I mean, they’re young as far as NFL playing days like Zack, Troy, um, and Mason. So, um, I feel we’re in a good spot. We got good leaders in Max, uh, Isaac, obviously, and then, um, Calvin. So, I think we’re in a in a good spot. From your own standpoint, you played all these positions and everything else here. What do you see yourself as this season? Uh, being a guard. Um, I think my uh my tackle days are put to rest, but I don’t know. We’ll see. Wherever I’m needed, I’ll be at and uh put my best foot forward. Spencer, you guys only had a little bit of time with Aaron. What did you learn about him during that time and what are you looking forward to with him as your quarterback? Um, I thought I think he’s a great guy. I mean, um, you know, obviously there’s stuff I hear saying he has a bad rep. I mean, I don’t personally see it. I mean, he’s a good guy. Comes from a good place. I can tell he’s a leader. Um, I know in that little bit of time that he’s been here, but I’m excited to see what uh he can bring to to the team. Obviously, I know he’ll bring leadership and um yeah. So, one, you you get here and Minka’s in the back end a month later is gone. What was your reaction to that and how it changes things for you? Um, I don’t really feel like it’s going to change my approach to the game. If I’m being honest with Ma being here, Ma being gone, I was just going to, you know, show up and just work like I said before. Uh, just do what’s asked of me and, you know, just keep on going. That’s all I’m here for. But does it change, you know, your role potentially or where you’re going to play or how much you’re going to play, you think? Um, maybe. I really don’t know if I’m being honest with you. Like, I’m just taking it day by day. Just willing to work. What does the addition of a Jaylen Ramsay do for you guys in the secondary? I mean, it’s only going to make us better with a guy like him. You know, he can play a little bit of everything. You know, move the ball around, nickel, corner, maybe even back there at safety a little bit because he got some experience there. So, it’s just going to make us a lot better. What’s the key to you, you know, new pieces in the secondary coming together quickly and jelling? I mean, that’s that’s what we’re here for, you know, cuz like we got we got a little bit of time. It’s going to go by fast, though. But the biggest thing is just like we got to spend as much time together as possible, you know, like everybody’s new. Uh the defense is new to us. So, I think the more time we spend together, the better we will be together. He was asking a little bit about the trade, but where were you when you heard the news that Ma had been trading? What was your first initial reaction? I mean, I was at home in Nashville, Tennessee, and I saw it. I kind of thought it was a joke at first, if I’m being honest. Um, I mean, I really didn’t like have any feeling because like I really I I don’t know me that much just because I just got there. Um, but I guess like that’s just me having to step up and and play a little bit more, which is I think I’m very capable of like I’m a great player. I can make a lot of plays. You can’t you can’t really read into what the media is saying about me because if you sit back and you watch the film of what I did in Cleveland, I I mean I had a lot of good plays and then some of the Cleveland people just tried to like bash my name a little bit. But like I said, if you sit there and you just really watch the film, I made a lot of plays and was very productive in that defense. How surprised were you throughout this offseason, all the moves that the Steelers made? I mean, did you obviously Minka was a surprise, but did you have any idea they were going to be this active? Uh, I’m going to be real. I don’t pay attention to stuff like that. Like, that’s above my pay grade. You know, those people just upstairs, they they make all the moves and I just, you know, I just play football. That’s what I’m looking for. What have you heard about the physical nature of this camp and what are you looking forward to most about getting in an environment like that? I mean, I’ve asked a lot of people about it. They said it’s was a hard camp. But the thing is, this isn’t my first time going away for camp. Um, I was in Kansas City. We went to uh St. Joseph, Missouri, where we had basically standard dorm, a lot of physical like contact like tackling, things like that. So, I’m used to it. Um, I’m just ready to work. Ter Lawson asked a lot of his safeties as far as, you know, making sure that the the deep ball is is covered, moving you guys around, disguise, a lot of things. What kind of conversations he’s had with you with expectations for what you’re going to bring with your experience? I mean, they bring me in to to take away that deep ball if I’m being honest with you. If you watch my history, um, a lot of teams don’t really throw the deep ball if I’m being honest once I’m a part of that defense. And that’s why I mean, that’s why I think my production has been down. Uh, and same with Minka as well. Like Minka’s a great player. If you have a a great guy back there that can make a lot of plays on the ball in that deep third, teams aren’t going to really try you back there. So, that’s why a guy like Minka, they say, struggled a little bit. He didn’t struggle. You just can’t get interception if the ball is not coming your way. Well, you mentioned wanting to prove the, you know, not getting not prove, but like, you know, the people in Cleveland got it wrong about you. You’ve got some guys here that are sort of in a similar boat trying to maybe rewrite the narrative around them. You know, not not nec like Slay’s here wanting to prove that he still got it. You know, Rogers is here wanting to prove that he’s wasn’t what he was in New York. Do you sort of is there like a It seems like there’s a lot of guys in your sort of position. Does that give this team maybe maybe a little edgy edgy? Age ain’t a number if I’m being honest with you. Like I know sometimes they say, “Oh, this guy’s 30. He’s 31. Doesn’t matter if you’re still playing. Like if you look at A-Ron, his numbers were still up there. They they talk about how he’s not a great quarterback, but if you really compare him to some of these guys like Josh Allen, uh Patrick Mahomes, he should be in that conversation. He made a lot of plays. And then with Darius Slay, why does he have to prove himself? The guy just came off a Super Bowl playing great, so he shouldn’t have to pro prove himself at all. So I definitely think everybody’s going to play with a chip on our shoulder. Like I definitely will be. I can’t really speak for those guys, but I hopefully hopefully they’ll do the same. Juan, if it’s you and and Elliot, how do you think that pairing would work together? Great. I mean, I’ve been around him a lot talking to him. He’s a physical guy. I feel like I’m a physical guy. Uh, we both can cover well, so I think we’ll do well together. You practiced against Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City. How much are you looking forward to going against Aaron Rogers here? I mean, how much does that help you guys as a defense to go against a quarterback like that every day? If you’re playing against, you know, a guy that’s average, he’s not really that good. When you step into these games, you’re going to be kind of shocked. Like, you’re not going to be prepared. But when you play against a guy like Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rogers that has seen a lot of football, played at the highest level, and they ain’t going to do them but make us better. So, I’m looking forward to that playing against him each and every day. And I can’t wait for that. Let’s see two more guys. The ability to get better in things you did last year in Cleveland, Deshawn was a guy that in year one as a Steeler last year did some really good things. That give you another added piece of confidence that like he was a new player last year and was able to excel. You could maybe potentially do the same thing in Pittsburgh this year. I mean, I plan on doing that if I’m being completely honest with you. Main thing is just stay healthy. when I’m healthy, I make a lot of plays. And Deshawn, he’s he’s a great player. Like it it’s not hard. Like once you pick up the defense, you know, after that, it’s just what you got like talentwise. And I think I have it all there. As a safety, um how tough is it to maybe put um wish to say as a guessing game, but um when you see a team that has two potential really good pass catching tight ends that the standards have got here with Pat and Johnny, from your standpoint as a safety, how tough is that to prepare for? Um I really I like what they’re doing. I don’t know. I can’t really speak for what the CS what their game plan is, but I like it because most of the time if you have, you know, two good tight ends on the field at the same time, you can’t have both of your safeties covering your guys. So, like if you have a safety taking away one, that leaves a linebacker that’s not used to covering as much covering the other. So, um I’m excited for that. Were you with TJ when he got the the big news or uh I was Yeah, we worked out that morning and then uh found out like a couple hours after that. How exciting is that for you that you guys are able to bring him back here before training camp? I’m not even surprised, man. He’s the best in the world. Um there’s a reason why you see it day in and day out. Um the way that guy works is just second to none. So, um I’m not surprised. He deserves every every dollar of it. Um and I’m excited to get to work. I was going to ask someone who trains with him, what do you notice in those workouts that sets TJ up to be the kind of player he is on Sundays? I think just like his mentality, his approach to workout like um you know, he he treats it like it’s his last one every day and he’s trying to push not just himself, but he’s pushing everybody around. You know, there’s a there’s a group of us around, so he’s trying to push the whole group. Um trying to make us all better. He’s a true leader. He was smiling pretty big in those workout pictures. Did he have an idea that morning? Did you have an idea that that it was going to get done that afternoon? I mean, if I had veneers like that, I’d be smiling, too. Uh but I mean no I we really I really had no idea. Um I think it was uh it was awesome though that that happened you know. So before camp he mentioned uh on the way out his exit interview with us that you know this year might be the time to maybe tinker around with doing some different things pass rush wise maybe not exclusively coming from the defense’s left side. How do you see that being incorporated? And u maybe the followup to that is how can you be a part of that too? um you know, just any way I can get on the field, you know, and help the team. Uh that that that’s what I’m here for. Um I know my role. I know what what they want from me. So, just as far as being there for the guys, supporting them on and off the field, um being a player they can, you know, rely on to come in and there’s no fall off uh in that aspect. Uh I think that’s just one thing that we can get better at. And TJ talk about that at all, like maybe tinkering with some different things this year, um just to free himself up from getting the chips. Yeah, he might have, but you going to have to wait till the season to see that. you know, we ain’t going to talk about that right now. Did you make it a point to not talk business with him? Yeah, I mean, we our our relationship is far beyond business at this point, you know, it’s far beyond football. Um he he’s such a great dude, man. And just being able like he’s like a big brother to me. Um so like, bro, we fishing, we’re golfing, we’re doing all types of stuff. So, um I I think our relationship is way more beyond transactional stuff like that. And you know, obviously like we’re around that so much. That’s the last thing we want to talk about. When did you get to the point where you don’t have to bring his bike into camp? No, it was uh it it was something I could do to, you know, repay a favor. He he let me come out there and train with him and he was telling me he couldn’t bring his bike up cuz he didn’t have a big enough car. I said, “Bro, I got you.” Like just out of respect, you know, that’s big bro still. So, is that his bike that like he bought or is it your bike or loaning him? No, it’s his. It’s his. I just picked it up and put in the truck. When we just talked with Patrick Queen a little while ago, he said you guys as a defense are kind of coming in with a prove it mentality. What’s the biggest focus for you guys coming into this training camp here? I think more so just to like prove to ourselves uh that we are who we say we are. Um you know and you can go back as long as you want and the Steelers always been a defense and still Kurtton, you know, like that’s that’s what we do here in Pittsburgh. Um and I think we need to prove that to ourselves, not just to everybody else. Like this is a prove it to ourselves. Nick, how do you do that? Like what what do you want to do better? You got to show up every day. You know that’s the first rule to get better. Mike T always say that showing up. So, uh, we got to show up, put the work in, um, come together as one and play as a team. What does Jaylen Ramsey add to this defense? Uh, he has a ton of experience. Um, you know, that’s a guy you watch when you a little kid. So, uh, obviously I want a fanboy, but like, damn, it’s Jaylen Ramsey. So, uh, just a guy like that, you know, in the room obviously can do nothing but benefit you. In what ways would you like to see yourself take another step forward in year three? Do you have specific goals or things you’re going to be working on in camp? Man, I just want to win football games, bro. So, whatever whatever that is, you know, whatever they want from me, whatever this team needs of me, um, however I can contribute uh to get a dub every Sunday, you know, I’m trying to go with 17 and0, you know, so that’s that’s what it is. Flip side of that, you know, your guy TJ gets the deal and he gets to be, you know, beside you and on this defense for years to come. So, what are your thoughts on that as it’s done? I knew the deal was going to get done. Um, you know, I think we, you know, wish it would have been done a little sooner, but, you know, he’s he’s ready to work. He’s been know he’s been working working his butt off this offseason and so you know he’s the best in the world at what he does and so that’s why he got paid what he did. Is it a relief that it got done before training camp so this didn’t linger and we aren’t asking you every single day for the next three weeks? I mean absolutely. I know it’s a relief for him um and everyone as well just you know so he can be out there practicing every day doing what he does and so cuz I know a few years ago um you know you got dragged out through training camp and so um I just know that he’s excited to be able to get to work and not have to worry about any of that. Alex, for what you know about Jaylen, how do you think that fit’s going to be with your defense? Yeah, you know, I’m excited to see um you know, how he fits in our defense. Like I said, I’m excited to meet him and so um I think he’s going to be a good fit for our defense. You know, um he’s still playing a really great level and so like I said, I’m just excited to see how he fits in with our defense. Is there any text messages between John or Jaylen and you guys from from you guys? Any interaction in terms of that besides meet in person stuff? Yeah. Um I mean I I haven’t I haven’t met him yet. Nothing like that. So like I said, I’m excited to meet him. How’s your just like congratulating text or welcome to the team? any I haven’t I know some guys have talked to them um but I haven’t I haven’t uh interacted with them yet. A trade like that in June I mean does that send a message to the team at all from the organization just as far as the urgency as you guys open another summer here in Latro. Yeah, I mean I think just um you know there there there is urgency and I know we got to uh um you know we got to get started you know starting tomorrow and we got to have urgency throughout the whole season. So, I think that’s just, you know, just the the message throughout, you know, coming coming up all season, you know, just have urgency and because we know the type of team that we have and we know that we can compete for a Super Bowl and so that’s what we got to do. Alex Queen was saying that you felt like the defense kind of fell off at the end of last year. What do you do to keep that from happening this year? I just think just staying staying consistent. Um, you know, I think there was times, you know, where we weren’t at the end of last year and we know the the players that we have in our defense and we know we can do. Um, so I think it’s just you we just got to be consistent throughout the whole year. Alex, is some of that uh potentially trying to do some different things with the pass rush? I know TJ sort of alluded to that in his interview at the end of the season last year. Uh maybe just for himself specifically, but there’s a domino effect to that, too. Yeah, I mean, I think just throwing different looks at guys, you know, cuz I know, you know, he’s primarily left, I’m primarily right, and so I think we just got to, you know, throw different looks at teams and stuff like that. And, um, you know, I know we’re going to try and work on that during camp and so we’ll see how that goes. What’s it been like getting to know Jack Sawyer? I mean, Nick was a guy that contributed right away. Is that something you could see for him and just being able to, you know, guide him along as he makes his way in the NFL? Yeah, absolutely. Um, it’s been cool getting to know him, um, you know, trained with him some over the break as well. And so, I think, you know, he’s a really mature guy, um, you know, coming in as a rookie. And so, he’s obviously had a lot of great experience, you know, winning national championship at Ohio State. And so, I’m just excited for what he brings to our room and to our defense. And so, I think he’s going to be a great player for us. You have so many new pieces. you know, what have you learned about Mike Tom and how he brings groups together and how much will that be important here at training camp? Yeah, I mean, I think uh there’s a reason that we come out here to LRO, you know, to build this team camaraderie to to be um in this setting, you know, cuz this is where, you know, the foundation is built and so coming out here developing uh this team camaraderie and being out here and practicing every day, you’re you’re with the guys all day. And so, I think that’s a good way to just get started um in our process and what we do. On that note, does this feel like as much roster change over since you’ve been here? Yeah, I mean I think the past I mean last year was a lot too, but I think this year too has definitely been you know probably over these past couple years is um been a lot of roster changes. So um I know that you know guys that are coming in they’re going to be ready to work and ready to get after it um you know to help us chase this this championship. Alex, nationally there was a lot of speculation about whether the deal would get done with TJ but you Denzel Nick everybody that was close to him was very confident about it. What gave you guys the confidence that this deal was going to get done whenever it was going to happen? Yeah, I mean just knowing that he, you know, he he wants to be here. You know, he loves being the Pittsburgh Steeler and so um he’s a heart of our defense and so um having a guy like him in our locker room is is so important and so but like I said, we knew he wanted to be here and we knew that the deal was going to get done. You look at this team on paper, your defense especially, um do you kind of get excited, think this is could be one of your best defenses and since you’ve been here? Yeah, absolutely. Um you know, I think we got a you know, a lot of lot of great pieces on our defense, you know, from from every single position group. And so, like I said, you know, it just all starts tomorrow and how we how we gel, how we get better every single day. And so, I think that’s just the goal is just to get better every single day. Um, because we know the type of talent that we have on our defense. There’s already been one interview that’s come out with TJ where he’s talked about he doesn’t want us being associated with never having playoff. I’m sure that extends to the collective for you personally. Do you echo those sentiments as well? I mean, absolutely. You know, um cuz ultimately, you know, you know, do what you can all do what we do, whatever. um just throughout the season and stuff like that. But we know the type of team that we have and we know that we got to um once we get to the playoffs, once we get to once we reach that, we have to execute. You know, we haven’t done that since I’ve been here. And so, you know, also for me, you know, I don’t want to be known as someone who’s never had a playoff win, you know, and not only that, but I want to not just get a playoff win. I want to go to the Super Bowl. And so, I think everyone that’s in this room in this team wants to. And so, we just got to whenever we get there, we just got to execute and ain’t no excuses. We got to get it done. Um that’s probably the hardest part. Obviously, you go through the physical stuff with rehab and stuff, but um coming back to play and um yeah, getting that confidence is was is difficult, but uh I got through it and felt like I not played pretty well, but just felt like I was moving around, felt like myself again. So, what did you focus on, you know, from the end of mini camp heading into to training camp? You said I wanted to get better at this or anything physically? Um yeah, I would say me, my trainer, my PT. Uh, I think the biggest thing was just um working on exploding off this knee again. That was the one thing that I focused on every single day. Um, I don’t know if you guys know what BFR is. It’s the worst thing ever. It’s like it like like the sleeve that they put around your leg or whoever whatever body part and it just like constricts your leg and like four days, five days a week. I had that on for like 30 minutes and was just doing a bunch of workouts just trying to make sure that um this thing gets back to normal. So, do you feel 100% going into tomorrow? I would say so. Yeah. Super confident in where I’m at right now. So, do you do you have any type of limitations or will you be a full go? Yeah, I’m full go. I’m ready to go. When you were answering Jeff’s question previously about that sixth day of OTAAS, like was there a movement? Was it a particularly tough practice? Like what was it that gave you that sense of, okay, I’m back after that practice was done? Um, I’ll say the first play of seven shots on day one of OTAAS’s um, you could tell I was nervous uh, watching the film, but um, after that I kind of just like, oh, this is football. I’ve been playing this my whole life. Whether I was out for 10 months, however long it was, um, it felt good. It felt good to be back out there. And obviously they had limitations and OTAAS and making sure they were trying to make sure I made it to the end of it. But um once I got back out there, man, it felt so good. And just to be playing next to the guys again and um yeah, once I like I said again, it’s football, so I’ve been playing this my whole life. Um yeah, a lot of new pieces on offense for you guys. How crucial is it for you guys to all get up to speed together, get on the same page together, and do so quickly? Yeah, I mean we’ve we’ve added a lot of really good pieces. I mean, at our quarterback, tight end, everywhere. I’m just super excited to get around those guys and learn and and obviously gel. This is the time to do it. Uh cuz we’re going against um I think the best defense in the NFL. So, I mean, uh what a way to come out here and and um go through that ad that adversity really quick. I’m sure it’ll start early. Um but I know it’ll help us going into the season. So, with you backing 100% and Broadick moving back over to the left side, do you guys both think you have something to prove? And if so, are you guys feeding off each other in that regard with that mindset? Um, I think so. I mean, um, not just me and Brad, but I would just say just this entire line. Um, it’s very new. Um, it’s a it’s a new lineup. So, I think just finding a way to to gel and um prove that we can be the O line that we want to be is something that’s going to be crucial to this team and our success. So, um I would say just all of us, we have a lot to prove. So, do you consider yourself? Are you even though it’s second camp? I mean, are you consider Yeah, I would say I’m going into my red shirt freshman year. Um uh that’s how I look at it. Um but yeah, I don’t know. feel old, but to some of the guys around here, I’m young, so who knows? Is there a silver lining or anything that after what you went through kind of you look back and reflect, maybe you got to learn things that you might not have observed from from the injury? Um, anything? I would say just how to take care of my body. Um, how to recover better because, um, in college I really didn’t do too much recovery. kind of just went out there and whether I was sore or not, just like was able to play at a high level, I guess. But being here, um, your body, taking care of your body is the advantage. Um, and I learned that from watching guys, uh, their daily routines and, uh, picking up things that I’ve never thought would be helpful, but I would say this past month, I learned a lot. Um, in terms of I was working with, um, Heather Lynon. she works for the UFC. Um, and just to see other athletes and how they recover and how they train also incorporate it into my daily routine is was something that’s going to help me in the long term. So, you mentioned the quarterback a second ago. How do you get ready to, you know, work with Aaron Rogers? I think Zack Frasier mentioned during OTA’s maybe you guys would listen to recordings of his cadence or something like that to get ready. Is that something that happened this summer or how have you kind of been preparing? Yeah. So, they uploaded his cadence and they showed us a bunch of clips before we left um just to try and uh get used to hearing his voice, I guess, cuz he wasn’t um practicing during mini camp. Obviously, we all know that. But, um I mean, for me, it’s just I got past the the stage of like, damn, I’m playing with Aaron Rogers. Like, that’s crazy. I mean, it was it still shocks me every day. But um coming in every single day and just being able to learn under a guy like that that has so much experience under his belt is going to be super helpful. And obviously we have um a lot to expect out of ourselves because he I’m sure he holds himself but the team to a high standard. So, just trying to make sure that, you know, um we build that relationship with him and um it’ll be very key in training camp going into the season with that. Any dinners or team bonding events with the O line and Aaron yet or is that still yet to come? No, not yet. I I think it’s going to come. Uh I haven’t really spent too much time here Pittsburgh since uh we left for mini camp, but I’m sure it’ll come. Cadence, are you listening like when you’re on the treadmill? Like when do you listen to the cadence? Is it like a track on your iTunes? Honestly, I just kind of listened to it for a couple days and that was kind of good. I mean, I’m sure we’re going to get a lot of walkthrough reps to be able to hear it, too. So, um, that’s the best way to learn is to be able to do it in person. So, you had a round of camp already last year, I know, uh, with a new quarterback last year. Do you feel like there’s a point at during camp where you’re like, “Okay, we’re jelling with this new quarterback, you know.” Do are you going to hit that point? Do you think during camp or does that come after the fact once you guys get out of here? Um, I think it’ll come early. I mean, you have to be able to step up to the plate when you have a guy like that behind you. Um, and you got to do it early. There’s no excuses. Um, I don’t think I hope it wouldn’t take that long, but um, I I think with a guy like that, um, he expects a lot and we’re going to have to be able to step up to that. So, when you mentioned your, uh, red shirt freshman season, Zack and Mason went through freshman seasons and played a lot. Are they going to you to share with them some conversations about the recovery aspect? Did they give you any wisdom in that regard because they went through so many games last year? I mean, I was around the building last year while they were going through that. So, um it’s not like I was away or anything. So, I was able to see what they were going through. Obviously, I wasn’t able to feel what they were going through, but um I know they have a lot of knowledge from me. Um, we talk every single day. So, I think it’ll be crucial for them to be able to help me, but but also I felt like a lot of the stuff that I could have brought to the team or whatever, um, feel like I’ll be able to share that now. Feel like I have a little bit more confidence going into this year being in that room and being able to share what I have on my mind, I guess. So, I’m super excited uh for what we have in front of us and just can’t wait to play ball, honestly. It’s as simple as that. So, yeah. What was your initial reaction to the trade? Um, I was excited. I knew about it before, you know, it came out, obviously. So, I was excited. What excites you most particularly about joining this Steelers defense? Uh, yeah. I mean, you look at the defense from the Dline, probably the best Dline in the NFL. Then you got PQ leading the linebackers. Then the secondary, uh, me and Slay have had a relationship for a while. Me and Joey, we got some kind of family ties going on. My bad. And um and then yeah, add me in there. Obviously, me and Deshawn have played um with each other before on the same team. So, just a lot of excitement around the defense, but not just the defense, the offense, too. Obviously, A-Rod’s here now. DK, who um I’ve had a lot of battles with, that’s been fun. Um you know, Woody’s here. I played with him with the Rams. Um Ben, so it’s just a lot of excitement obviously just around the the team in general and the players here. What do you kind of anticipate your role being? Obviously, you’ve been corner for a long time. Do you see yourself going the slot, bouncing out to safety? What have they kind of told you about what that’s going to be? Uh, I’m going to play football and we going to figure that out together, huh? Is that something that you’ve had conversations with them about? Yeah, a little bit. Last year, John, you played left and right almost an equal amount, like off like one snap. How have you built your versatility throughout your career and being able to line up on both sides of the field, uh, slot, corner, and everywhere? Uh, I travel usually. That’s kind of how my career has been. So, I’ve never been bound to one side besides maybe one year in my career. Uh, but yeah, usually I travel with whoever the opposing guy’s best receiver is. Um, I’m not saying that’ll be my role here. That’s not what I’m saying. But I’m saying that’s how it’s been. You asked about What’s up, bro? That’s how it’s been. What’s up, baby? Do you want to play safety? I just want to play football. I’m I mean, I don’t even know if I could really say this or not. I don’t know. Ver vert might hit me or something, but it’s all good. Uh I just want to play football. I don’t care where I’m at. Corner safety slot, but at the same time, I don’t think I’m getting paid what I’m getting paid to not be in the position to affect the game uh and be uh be in certain spots. So, I’ll just say that. J, do you think your versatility is an advantage for you in your game? Yeah, versatility is an is an advantage for anyone in anything in life that they do. So, yeah, I don’t see how it could not be. Jaylen, the process of the trade itself, how surprised were you when it came to pass? And were you surprised that Pittsburgh was the destination with Minka going out in exchange? Um, I knew pretty much everything, so I wasn’t surprised. Um, Cam Johnson offer up number five for you or how’s that working? Uh, yeah, basically. Basically, we uh Yeah, basically I got his number. We texted about it a little bit. He was um yeah, he kind of offered it up. Um, we’re going to do some things in the community, some charity things on on him and his wife’s behalf, and yeah, it’ll just work out that way. Was Pittsburgh your preferred destination in a trade? I’m happy to be here in Pittsburgh. Yeah. Relationship with Mike Tomlin coming into this. Did you know him at all? I’m sorry. What was your interaction with Mike Tomlin before this? Did you know much of him? Did you Uh, yeah, for sure. Um, I think I’ve been on record saying like that my favorite coach or one of my favorite coaches in the NFL was uh Raheem um out in Atlanta obviously and uh Tomlin is his guy like he he raves about him. So um obviously I knew I knew he was a he was a defensive guy, defensive minded DB guy. Um so that’s that makes you know this all the more attractive. Um he he has a lot of similarities to to Coach Brock in Atlanta, which obviously I I loved. Um we we’ve had our uh conversations in the past obviously. Um going back to when I was getting drafted. I remember they came to Tallahassee and uh I remember at the time I was broke. I was taking any meal meeting I could have. So I remember they took me to dinner and it was a super cool meeting. I remember them saying something like, “We’re not going to be able to draft you, but you know, we’ll still get you a free meal and we had great conversations that day.” Uh, well, that night. Um, and then over the course of my career, obviously, he’s shown a lot of respect. Obviously have a lot of respect for him when, you know, I’ve played against the Steelers in the past. So, guys, two more. What are your first thoughts of Latro? What have you heard about this type of training camp? Oh, I’m excited. I mean, I’m excited for everything that has to do with this organization. Obviously, this is a story franchise. Um, I I haven’t obviously I I won a Super Bowl, loved my time with the LA Rams, but I I can’t necessarily say that I’ve played for like a story franchise like this yet. So, this is very exciting for me. Um, I’m just embracing all of it really. You said the last one here, guys. Feel like a maybe a full circle moment in a way cuz I mean, when you guys came in here with the Jags in 17, like this franchise hasn’t had playoff success since then and now you’re part of the package that’s trying to maybe get them to break that streak. Uh, I can’t talk about the past. I mean, this is a different everything is different. That that’s Yeah, I can’t talk about the past. This is very different. But I’m excited about uh what we what we have going on here. Um the potential of this team and uh you know, we’re just going to keep fighting. And we’re going to keep growing day by day and we’re going to try to deliver the success um to the fans and to the city and each other that that we feel like we

Jalen Ramsey, Patrick Queen, Robert Woods, Spencer Anderson, Juan Thornhill, Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith, and Troy Fautanu spoke to the media on Wednesday, July 23 upon arriving to Saint Vincent College for training camp

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