All it took for Keion Adams to 'get it' was one simple visit.
Phase two of the Steelers offseason workout program is underway.
Fitzgerald Toussaint and James Conner
Francis Kallon
Chris Hubbard
Chris Hubbard and David DeCastro
Artie Burns
Trey Williams
Cameron Heyward
Ramon Foster and Maurkice Pouncey
Eli Rogers
Farrington Huguenin
Rushel Shell and James Conner
Daniel McCullers
Sammie Coates
T.J. Watt
Fitzgerald Toussaint
Lavon Hooks
Bud Dupree
Mike Mitchell
Brian Allen
Johnny Maxey, Javon Hargrave and Bud Dupree
Knile Davis
David DeCastro
Francis Kallon
Arthur Moats
Darrius Heyward-Bey
Maurkice Pouncey
Ross Cockrell
Anthony Chickillo
Trey Williams
Cameron Sutton
Christian Brown
Keion Adams
Demarcus Ayers
Marcus Gilbert
David DeCastro and Mike Munchak
B.J. Finney and Mike Munchak
L.T. Walton
Maurkice Pouncey
Rushel Shell
It was before the NFL Draft when the linebacker from Western Michigan visited the Steelers at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, one of the team's 30 allotted pre-draft visits.
Walking through the facility, seeing the Super Bowl trophies, the pictures of the Hall of Famers, and just meeting everyone, he immediately felt what the Steelers were all about.
"There is a rich culture, a rich tradition," said Adams. "As soon as I walked into the building you could tell it was a family-oriented culture. The energy and the passion everyone has for football makes it a wonderful situation to be in. I am beyond excited. It's hard to put it into words.
"You know coming into a situation like this, the Steel Curtain defense, they are known for their linebackers, they are known for getting after the quarterback and for wreaking havoc. It's something I take pride in just being a part of."
One other thing that Adams noticed right off the bat, is that Pittsburgh mirrors the same type of feeling he got within the walls of the Steelers' facility. And he liked that.
"The city, the people are the city," said Adams. "They embrace you whether they know you or not. It's a city rich in heritage. I like that. It shows at the end of the day they aren't going to change anything and the city knows who they are.
"The draft was hectic. My mind was everywhere. I didn't know what was going to happen. To end up with an organization like the Steelers, in a city like Pittsburgh, is a blessing. It's crazy how things play out."
