By Jamie Swimmer
Steelers.com InternDustin Vaughan
Quarterback
West Texas A&M
2nd Season
Who is your football mentor or inspiration?
As far as quarterbacks growing up watching and wanting to emulate, I really enjoyed watching Brett Favre. But as far as inspiration, probably a guy like Roger Staubach. I really liked his character on and off the field and his competitiveness.
What motives you in football or in life?First is God. God is huge in my life. If you take away football, I still have God, which is my single most important thing. As far as motivation off the field, it would be family. My wife is a huge motivation from that standpoint. Being able to come out here, work on the field and be a provider for my family. On the field, I think it's just the competitive nature. I like being out here and competing against guys, against our team, but especially against other people. The team chemistry and camaraderiethat you develop and the relationships that you develop with the guys on the team.
What is your football mindset?The one word that comes to mind for me is poise. Everything I'm going into, I always want the same mindset. I want to win, I want to be competitive, I want to have an edge, but I also want to be poised. I think it's important for a quarterback to be poised.
Why do you play football?Honestly I love the game. It's an awesome game to play. It's one of the best games in the world. Other than that, it's a tremendous opportunity to play a sport that you love, but then use that platform to affect people off the field in a positive way.
What is your proudest football moment or memory?In college, junior year we made it to the national semifinals. We made a really good run with a great team. It was just an enjoyable year, one that I'll always remember.
When you hear Steelers football, what do you think?Tradition. You can't get over the amount of Super Bowls the team has won over the years and the tremendous amount of tradition. When you come here you don't want to screw that up, you just want to be a part of it.
What do you like about Pittsburgh?
I really like the setup of the city. I think it's a cool city when you're coming in. I feel it's like its own little place, its own little island. But it's down in the valley and when you come through the tunnel you get to see the city. I really like the setup. It's got a small town feel in a big city, which I really enjoy.
What about Steelers fans?Well, I haven't gotten to experience the fans here yet, but all I know is what I've heard about the tremendous fan base and people are diehard Steelers fans. So I'm excited to see what that's like on the field.
