The Steelers made it official on Monday, signing linebacker Jon Bostic to a two-year contract, something that definitely had the new addition to the team smiling.
"At the end of the day it was the best choice for me, the best choice for my family," said Bostic. "I am ready to come in and compete and help this team any way I can. I like everything from the top down…the ownership, coaches, players that are here, the city. What it means here. The defense. The tradition here. It was just a perfect fit."
Bostic, who played for the Colts last season, passed his physical on Monday and said the knee that put him on injured reserve last year was fine.
"I just got rolled up on," said Bostic. "I could have come back and played, but they held me out. I have been running, cutting. I am ready to get going."
Bostic plays inside where the Steelers were looking for help after Ryan Shazier's spinal injury last season. Bostic said he isn't here to replace Shazier, but just do what he needs to in order to help the defense.
"I would never say replace. He is a special player," said Bostic. "I am sure he is going to be back at some point. All I am supposed to do is come in here and work hard. Whatever they ask me to do, I am going to do it, at whatever position it is. I have a lot of versatility. I can do a lot of different things. Whatever they ask me to do, I am going to do it."
Bostic, who said he has played in both a 3-4 and 4-3 defense and can play the weak or strong side as well as cover, has experience calling the defensive signals and would feel comfortable if he was asked to do that again.
"I have done that my whole career, going back to little league," said Bostic. "That is nothing new for me. If they ask me to do that, hey.
"I did call all of the plays. I covered as well. That is something I can definitely do. I just haven't had the chance to show it off. They don't have anything (here) set this is how we do things. At the end of the day they are going to see what you do well and put you in position to succeed."
Bostic comes from strong bloodlines, as his father, John Bostic, was a defensive back for the Detroit Lions from 1985-87. But if his father had his way, his son never would have put on a football helmet.
"My dad didn't want me to play. He wanted me to play baseball," said Bostic. "I had a thing for running into people full speed. I ran away with it. It's something I have always loved to do. My mom signed me up, I don't know if he would have. I liked baseball, but I really loved football.
"My dad helped me. Going to college he didn't care if I played one down of football. I was going there to graduate. He has enjoyed it. It's good for them to see me play. Always a good time."
