Linebacker Vince Williams was in a good mood on Wednesday after practice, and for good reason. Williams, who is in his fourth season, signed a new three-year contract that will keep him with the Steelers through the 2018 season.
"It feels fantastic, just to be able to come back to the organization that took a chance on me in the draft," said Williams. "We have been talking about it as early as training camp, trying to get particulars figured out. I am just happy it's over with. I am happy to be a part of this. I am happy the Rooney family sees the potential in me. I am happy Kevin Colbert came and talked to me about this."
Williams, who was getting a lot of teasing and support from his teammates for getting the new deal, said it's a result of him just coming to work daily with the attitude of always getting better.
"I was just trying to come out and do as much as I could to help the team win," said Williams. "The rest of that stuff falls into line. When you work hard and come to work every day and you try to get better and better, those things take care of themselves. I go out there every day and work as hard as possible. I knew it was possible.
"I just have to keep improving in every area. I always want to be a more complete football player. That is always number one on my priority list. I want to do whatever I can to help the Steelers win the Super Bowl."
The Steelers prepare for the Week 3 preseason matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
DT Lavon Hooks, DT Javon Hargrave, LB Jermauria Rasco, Steve Meyer and DT Khaynin Mosley-Smith
OT Alejandro Villanueva, G Ramon Foster, C Maurkice Pouncey, G David DeCastro and OT Marcus Gilbert
Williams came to the Steelers as a sixth round draft pick in 2013. He played in 15 games his rookie season, recording five tackles in his first NFL game. He made his first start against the Minnesota Vikings in London, finishing with a career-high 10 tackles. Williams started 11 games his rookie season, finishing with 42 solo tackles.
Williams, who has played in 47 games and started 13 of them, has become a steady, dependable component of the linebacker corps. He has 85 career solo stops, adding a half sack and two fumble recoveries. Williams also has 26 special teams tackles.
"I am still trying to get better every day, trying to get more established," said Williams. "I am just going to keep working."
Harrison confirms interview: Linebacker William Gay confirmed that he will meet with representatives from the NFL on Thursday to be interviewed regarding an Al Jazeera America documentary from last December that made allegations of PED use and named Harrison in the story.
Harrison has been steadfast that the report holds no truth, and feels that his name will be cleared when he, along with representatives from the NFLPA, meet with the NFL.
"They are going to clear me," said Harrison. "I am going to be cleared."
