ASK THE STEELERS – BRYANT MCFADDEN – PART 1
Steelers.com brings you the Ask the Steelers feature. Fans submitted the questions that were asked. Please understand that we receive an incredible number of questions for each player, with many of the questions being similar, and not all of the questions can be answered. We selected as many as possible, and took your questions to the current subject to get your answers.
Jeff Brewer asks: What was your first reaction when you found out you were traded to the Steelers?Bryant McFadden: I was shocked. I didn't expect it. I was very surprised and shocked. The first thing that came to my mind was 'Wow.'
Steve Myers in Miami, Florida asks: Was there any disappointed in being traded away from Arizona or was it more about the excitement of knowing how much the Steelers wanted you?Bryant McFadden: It was more excitement. Just knowing that somebody really, really wants you feels good. I was there and it didn't work out that I stayed there. Being a year removed from Pittsburgh and there was a sense that they wanted me back - that was the most joyful part of the situation.
Steve Burns asks: How much does it help to come to a team you are already familiar with as far as the playbook and your teammates?
Bryant McFadden: It helps a lot. If I had to make a decision to be traded to a new team, Pittsburgh would be my number one option. Being there my first four years with the coaches and players and chemistry we had as a unit and the success is something any NFL player would want to be a part of.
JJ Myers in Miami, Florida asks: What makes the Steelers organization special?
Bryant McFadden:It's the people and the fans. It's the players and the coaches who have come through here and put up outstanding numbers. You bring all of that with the players who are here now, the two Super Bowls we played in, the excitement, the history all goes into it. Then you have some of the most loyal fans and that makes it special.
S. Everett in Hackensack, New Jersey asks: Was it hard leaving the Steelers after winning a Super Bowl with the team?Bryant McFadden: No question. It was very hard. I won two Super Bowls in four years. I wanted to be a part of something special and hopefully repeat. It didn't work out, but everything happens for a reason and a year later I am back again.
James Little asks: What type of reaction did you get from your teammates upon returning to the Steelers?Bryant McFadden: It was like a big reunion. Everybody was happy to see me back in a familiar place. They were wishing me luck and congratulating me.
Scott Fatta in Kittanning, Pennsylvania asks: Whatare the differences between Arizona and Pittsburgh's defense and which do you prefer to play and why?
Bryant McFadden: The difference is you have a legendary defensive coordinator in Dick LeBeau, a guy who has had success in his whole career. His defense puts players in situations that allow them to be successful. The question about which would I rather play is easy because the numbers speak for themselves. You really can't ever remember a Pittsburgh defense not being in the top part of the league. I would much rather be part of the LeBeau defense.
