Johnson, Warren, Elliott, Porter Jr. Media Availability (July 26) | Pittsburgh Steelers

Johnson, Warren, Elliott, Porter Jr. Media Availability (July 26) | Pittsburgh Steelers

It’s been good, man. I just been, you know, locked in and focused and learning from the best. That’s really it. And learning from Coach T and learn just learning from the best. That’s really it. Obviously, pads don’t go until Tuesday, but through these first couple days, just how are you feeling? How do you think you’re fitting in? I feel like I’m feeling well. You know, I’m making connection with people on defense and offense and, you know, just making connection every all around to be honest and just, you know, fit myself in and proving myself that I can be a contributor, you know, first, second, and third downs, you know. What are some of the early lessons you’ve learned from the um the details matter, little things matter, you know, that’s really it, man. Just going in there and learning every little detail that you need to know, you know, to be a first, second down, first, second, uh, third down back, to be honest. So, you you’ve broken up off a couple big runs so far, you’ve really gotten the crowd into it. What have those moments been like just kind of hearing that crowd reaction? Um, yeah, it’s been good. It’s been good, but at the same time, we don’t got no pads on, so we start Tuesday, so that’s really what we going to see and what y’all really going to be expecting. So, speaking of Tuesday, what have you heard about? Uh, you have what have you heard about the backs on backers drill? N I heard it’s a big thing and, you know, I’m working every day to get get better and get to that, you know, get to that role. So, you know, they can trust me and be reliable. So, yeah. How important is it for you to show up in that drill? You talked a lot about pass protection. That’s the main thing I’m focusing on right now. Everything else falling into place, but that’s my main thing is pass protection, working on it every day. Are there any linebackers you looked at, you’re like, “Yeah, I want that guy.” andbody, everybody, you know, everybody, whoever puts in my face, I’m I’m I’m going to go. So, you look natural, catching some passes, you know, from Aaron and keep, you know, catching getting the yak afterwards. That wasn’t something Iowa asked a whole lot of you. Is that a hidden part of your game or is that something to be honest? I feel like my hidden part of my game was my speed and my catching ability. And I feel like I really can really contribute in the catching ability and catching uh protections and stuff like that. So, with A-Rod and just all the quarterbacks, they I feel like they they trusting me now and trust that I can make really good plays from a passing perspective of it, too. So, how’s Eddie Faulner been just working with him now that you’re at camp and not mini camp or anything like that anymore? I’ve been loving it, you know. I’ve been loving him and I’ve been loving the relationship we’ve been building and stuff like that. It’s been really good. He’s been showing me the little ins and outs of stuff and really how to get things done and how to get things done in Pittsburgh way and in a Steelers way. So, I love it. Caleb, we’ve seen you during offseason drills like redo drills. Is that something that that Eddie’s been telling you? That’s No, that’s something I’ve been doing. That’s something I’ve been doing and me and Jaylen, we’ve been even talking about, you know, after practice just focusing on punching the bag and working on my explosiveness and working on my punching and stuff like that. So, next next Friday you guys are going to do the Friday Night Lights. I’m not sure if they told you about that, but you take the yellow school buses down to Lro Memorial Stadium. I’m curious, do you have a favorite or memory from your high school football career? It’s going to come back when you guys go down there. Nah, I just I really high school really have my headphones in. I already sleep on the bus and just wake up and get ready to play. But not really, man. I’m just ready to go in and just focus and do my best. That’s it. How much of a departure is what they do here from what you guys are doing in Iowa? Um, you know, it’s it’s a lot of it’s a lot of things that they do here that’s really similar to Iowa, but the thing that’s different here is the details and, you know, always going 100% because the holes closed 10% faster than, you know, in college. So, you know, just always giving my all every time that I get the ball and showing what I can do. An example of a detail that that maybe just working on just working on my pass detection skills and just, you know, just doing the little things. That’s it. Vince Goranic just said that you guys were working out together in the offseason. How did you connect? Where were you working out? Uh, we was working out in Arizona, helmets on. It was like 110 degrees every day and you know just really adapting myself to that heat. So when I got here it was nothing you know it’s easy. So that’s really what I be focusing on just always being in shape and always be ready to go when I’m here. So the humidity isn’t affecting you. There’s none of that in Arizona. Nope. In regards to your pass protection Steelers are using a lot of the defense is using a lot of moving around guys lining up here and there. Is that adding challenges like you’re learning playbyplay like okay when they do this way it’s like giving you more experience how to react to different blitzes. I mean, yeah, at the same time, but at the same time, every day I’m learning different things and everything I’m learning to get better and taking notes and really listening to what coach Faulner and Jaylen and all the vets are saying because they know what to do. They’ve been in these situations. So, just listening and learning from them and really adopting myself on the field. What kind of example is Jaylen set for you? Awesome example. I love that guy, man. All around, you know, me and creating relationships, you know, on and off the field. You know, me and him just chilling outside, just talking and, you know, really on the field is working. You know, he’s always telling me what he sees and what what needs to be done the right way. So seems like you have somewhat different body types and slightly different playing styles within that back field. How do you feel like you guys compliment each other? I feel like we all compliment each other in a good way. You know, speed, you know, explosiveness and first down, third down, second down, back. And I feel like I’m all around back and I just feel like, you know, all of us is just we can just really compliment each other off just fatigue and it won’t have to be no problem with taking each other out and always, you know, everybody can do, you know, first, second down things, you know. Gwell is lining up wide and all these different like sort of receiver positions. Is that something that you’re learning from him at all or is it uh Uh yeah. No, he got his own little thing. He he he kind of he built different man. He ever since he was in Philly, I know I saw him he making moves and he just he know how to do it the right way, man. So that’s him. Kale Kale, when they drafted you, my team talked about seen a lot of Sunday runs from a lot of see a lot of nine men fronts at Iowa. You know what they’re going to do and he was successful anyway. Is it in in a weird way because this offense might be a little more dynamic than what you had in Iowa. Are you sort of like looking might look into the box with less guys in it salivating? To me, to me, I don’t look at it. I look at it as it don’t matter to me. I’m going to go and be myself no matter what, you know. So, why were you guys able to be successful running the ball there even though the defense knew what was coming? Um, because I feel like, you know, I always, you know, my line, you know, and just really everybody just trusting each other and really I’m really building build relationship with my line and really just making them trust me that I’ll get it done no matter what and who’s in front of me. So, during your pro day, Nick Tomlin said that you you said if you draft me, I’m looking forward to that back on back. Yeah. Is that true? Uh, and and why did you say that though? You know, because I that’s the first thing I saw on Twitter was Jaylen, you know, taking one of the linebackers out and it was I was hype. So, I really I really want to show people what I can do and show people that I’ve been working on pass protection and I’m really ready to get better every day and, you know, just working every day to, you know, to get better. So, you’re eager for that drill? Yeah, I’m very eager. I want to show them what I can do and what I’ve been learning and, you know, just really learn from the vets. You think Do you think he’ll send one of his hitmen one-on-one against? I know he is. I know he is and I’m ready for it. So, is a little bit good about giving you tips on how to block and not have it pocket book every day. Earlier today, uh doing work walkthroughs, he was just showing me like after the bat, like I said, we was going to go and hit the bag and stuff like that after practice. So, you know, just little things like that and showing showing him showing me like his ins and outs of what he do. So, really that’s really it, you know, just learning every day from him, taking it day by day. How has Caleb Johnson kind of impressed you or and how has that chemistry been between? The best thing about him is his attitude. You know, he comes in ready to work every day. You know, obviously we seen his skill set. He’s got it all, but he’s he’s still looking for that winning edge to, you know, get better. How about Ken Gain? Well, what do you think of him? Veteran. He’s uh he’s a very detailed guy, and that’s what I look up to a lot from him. You know, he’s he’s been every stage and, you know, as far as like winning the Super Bowl. So, he knows what to take. So, I kind of just watch him, watch how he goes around, ask him a couple questions, and I love the way he move. J, your journey so far. You know, you go from being an undrafted guy trying to pave your way and now you’re the more experienced Steeler in that running back room. So, can I just describe your journey to this point so far? Uh, it’s surreal. Uh, I wouldn’t change anything about it. Uh, you know, I’m grateful for how it went uh with all the ups and downs um because it got me where I am today. Are you excited for kind of the opportunity that you do have in in this situation right now? Yes, ma’am. Yeah. And I look at it as just helping the team win. Jayla, what’s your advice to Caleb for backs on backers? Uh, you know, I already had this conversation with him, but you know, it’s uh I ain’t going to get like all the fundamentals, but I told him, you know, just, you know, just do your thing. You know, obviously he’s been working on like his little uh as far as like the fundamentals, he’s been, you know, we’re going to work at that every day. And so, I’m excited to see him do something like this. Same time, how excited are you back? I’m excited. I let that drew when it goes my way. Ease you back from some of that, huh? Think he might ease you back from some of that now that you’re starting? I hope not. He mentioned that he’s willing to take on anybody in that drill. Is that the attitude that you guys take there? Oh, 100%. Yeah, we we’re looking forward to that drill. You’re not, you know, sitting back hoping it don’t come. We waiting for that drill. How would you describe the dynamic between you, Caleb, and Kenneth as a running back room? I would say it’s very versatile. All of us have our own skill sets. great attributes that we could bring to the team. You know, you know, I’m excited to work with all of it and see how it comes out during the season. Do you and Taylor have the same necklace or weight on your N? Uh, I think his is fake. Mine’s real. Yeah, mine’s real. Like, I know obviously it’s a different quarterback, but pretty much the same offensive line is back. What’s that continuity like with that O line even though Rodri’s moving over the other side? Uh, you know, everybody’s coming together. Uh we’re looking we’re taking it day by day. We’re not looking forward to, you know, when camp’s ending or anything. We’re just looking forward to building with each other every day. It’s coming along great. Have you seen Arthur Smith evolve as his his offense in any ways to fit your running style or is it pretty much the same scheme, same types of runs? No, I made sure uh you know, it’s kind of the same thing. Uh because it’s all of us. It takes a team and I’m willing to adapt my game to whatever it takes to help the team. They’re placed you know in our home, my team. So I think I think they’re doing doing a good job communicating, picking the defense up. It’s one day at a time. What? Day two, day three. So give us about another month. I think we’ll be right on it. We got a lot of talent. We got J Ram Juan. Chuck came in. There young guys are going to step up. So I think we’ll be fine. Going off of that, I know it’s early, but what do you what have you seen from Chuck so far? Uh he’s smart. I’ve been on Chuck for seven years now. So he’s smart. He works hard. Ask questions. Uh, fast, physical guy. You know, we got I’m ready. I’m ready to see him play. Honestly, he came out here yesterday, started off the plane, do what he need to do. So, I’m excited to have him here. Honestly, that’s one of my best friends. Versatility. What is Jaylen Ramsey’s versatility? What’s that add to this secondary? What does it add to that to the secondary, man? A lot. I mean, you know, last year I was doing a lot of moving around. So, you got a couple guys who have that ability. Obviously, he’s a potential gold jacket. Him playing nickel, safety, corner, dime, whatever it is. Whatever you ask of him, he can do it. He’s extremely smart. You know his physical intangibles. You see, he had a pick today. He made it look easy. So, I’m happy to have him here. I play play with Miami. I know what he’s going to do. I know what he’s going to bring to the table. So, he’s going to make our defense that much better pass game and run game. Did Sean, there was that deep ball where he was uh Ramsey and DK, you kind of got in the way and looked like Aaron kind of pulled up. How much how much have y’all worked on more disguises with this defense to set up moments like that where you can catch an all pro quartback off guard? Uh, a lot. uh not just discussion, but technique-wise, you know, we had a great defensive back coach and GA. Um he’s very intense, but he he’s a student of the game and he’s teaching everybody the right way. So, he’s elevated my game a lot. As you see, I wasn’t making plays like that coming out of post in my career, honestly. So, I’m only getting better third day. Uh we got a lot to learn. We got a lot to go a lot to go from here. I think we can be a top five defense in this league. Maybe even number one if we do the right things uh consistently throughout the season. So, we’ll see. When you go any versatile, one at a time, please. What’s the difference for you going from last year being a first year player in this secondary to now a guy who’s been extended and you know more established and so forth? Honestly, it’s a blessing to be here see y’all again with Tro. So, it’s really cool. As y’all know, uh I’ve been through a lot a lot of injuries, been a journeyman in this league. So, God’s blessed me to be able to play here, bro. I appreciate my team. I appreciate everybody here. When I came back in the spring, I was like, “Wait, I’ve been here before. This is home.” So, like, man, I’m just happy to step in this building every day, bro. I have no complaints ever. But it is what it is, brother. Sean, when you have so many versatile guys, how much of that communication is going to fall on you to make sure everybody’s where they need to be? Uh, I think a lot, but it’s fine. I’m okay with it, you know. I’ve always been somebody who can handle tough things and I’ve been through a while. I’m not worried about that. Uh, my guys trust me. I trust them. I love them. I pour into porn to me. So, over the time, we’ll continue to communicate. We’ll get better and better. And eventually, uh, it won’t just be me. It’ll be other guys, the corners, Nicholls, and and the other safety, whoever’s out there with me. So, I’m excited. Do you notice a lot more like moving around of guys up front? It seems like the defensive front guys are moving a lot more. You see the linebacker split from different angles? Yeah. Yes. I mean trying to be the best defense in the league. You can’t stay one spot. Sometimes you got to move around a little bit. You trying to change it up a little bit, but you always make plays where we’re at. People’s life go the way it goes. So, you know, there ups and downs. Uh, you know, I I couldn’t affect what was going on in my life at the time. I was just trying my best. It happened. And now I’m finally somewhere where I’m wanted, where I’m loved, and I love him. I love them here. So, I’m happy to be here as well. You say anything in particular to Chuck when he comes yesterday? I mean, I knew he was coming. He texted me. He was at my locker. He took a picture at my locker. He was like, he called me ugly, something like that. Everybody, I’m not ugly, but I’m not. But, no, I was excited for him to come here. I know he was working hard in the offseason. We talked here and there. So, I’m happy to see him here, especially to see somebody who could just hop off the plane and come straight to practice yesterday. That was really cool. Let’s do two more. Did you uh did you know Aaron Rogers or have any kind of relationship with him before he got here? Rogers, you had that commented on an Instagram. Told him to stay in the retirement home. Is that a joke? I’m a troll. I’m a troll. He a pro and he a goat. He’s going to be a gojack guy one day. Honestly, when he got here, we we communicated. We talked. He’s a great person and a great football player. So, whatever the media is put out there is BS. I respect him a lot. I told him, man, I respect him and I apologize to him for the things I I was saying about him because honestly, he’s a great man and he has a great heart. So, I appreciate him and he’s funny as hell. So, do you like he gotten you? He’s kind of sarcastic. We No, he is. Cuz I’m I’m sarcastic, too. So, like we’re very similar in certain ways. So, at first I I can see why we were butting heads, but now we’re really good friends. It’s fine. We should work on that trying to be a good friend. God bless getting announced just being inducted into the Hall of Honor today. Man, it was a great feeling. You know, it was something that we always wanted wanted for him. And the fact that he finally getting in there with all his old teammates, it’s a blessed feeling. I know he’s excited and we’re happy for him. He said 25 years ago today that he came out when you were born. Um did you guys talk about that at all? Just you said it was like a full circle moment for him. Yeah, we talk about it. We we don’t really talk about it as much but we just talked about it today and the other day we were just on the phone just you know going going back over all the memories of me coming here as a kid and now I’m coming. He’s watching me practice. So it just a crazy experience overall. I know you’re really young for his career but do you have a favorite moment of his as a ball player that you’ve seen on tape? Maybe. I don’t know. He had a lot of he had a lot of off the- field stuff that I I really enjoyed, but um I feel like the funniest the best moment was for me when he got the pick first when he was with the Dolphins. I feel like that was a good get back moment for him. So, I know he enjoyed that. Is it fitting then that he’s going to be inducted on that Monday night game against the Dolphins into the Hall of Fame? I feel like it’s very fitting for him. I feel like he’s he’s going to be excited for that. How about it seemed like there were some really competitive reps against DK. How does that match up maybe bring out the best of both you guys? I mean, at the end of the day, it’s iron, sharp and iron. You know, we had talks about we trying to get better at the end of the day and he’s going to push me to my limits and I’m going to try to push him to him and at the end of the day we’re on the same team. So, we’re just trying to get better. Describe him as an athlete. Say, how would you describe four as an athlete? Freak of nature. You know, there’s not a lot of guys that look like him or run like him. So, it’s definitely something different every time you go against him. Seemed like you both had your wins. You know, first of all, on the slant, how difficult is it when you get a big pistol receiver there by the goal line? And then on the flip side, what did you do well on that fade ball? You know, it just comes with the game. I got to understand what he wants to bring to the table in the in the goal line and what he’s good at and I got to take that away. And vice versa, when I catch him in the open field, he got to learn what I know how to do. So, it’s it was good work out there. What have you seen today of of Jaylen Ramsay’s versatility so far? Looked like he was more outside today with Slig off. I mean, we already knew that he was a great athlete when coming in. The fact that he could play and pick up all three positions in these short of days, it’s amazing. He got a pick today, which was a great play. So, I’m just taking a lot learning from him and just trying to keep stacking days with him. What’s the dynamic of the leadership of the secondary? It looks like you’re playing really tight out there in this school. How’s that? Who’s doing? I feel like we all are. You know, we all we all trying to come together and trying to figure out how this all worked. We didn’t we just got together not too long ago. Um this is our second or third practice playing together. So, we’re really just trying to keep stacking these days and trying to figure out the page that we’re all trying to be on. Your dad going in pretty good. with your dad going into the the hall of honor, you know, what kind of standard do you hold yourself to and and what kind of step would you like to see yourself take this year, year three? To be honest, I’m trying to follow the exact steps, but even better, you know, than him. You know, we don’t try to keep it competitive to compare our careers, but I definitely want to do everything he did plus one. So that’s that’s what I’m chasing and he knows

Kaleb Johnson, Jaylen Warren, DeShon Elliott, and Joey Porter Jr. spoke to the media on Saturday, July 26

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