Jerald Hawkins Offensive Tackle Louisiana State Rookie Who is your football mentor or inspiration?

That's kind of hard. There are a few of them. Probably Joe Staley. I've just loved his game. He wasn't always the biggest guy, but he uses things like his mind to get him through. I feel like I do that a lot too.

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What motivates you? **
The love of the game and my family. I feel like it's more than just about me. It's about them so I can take care of them.

What is your football mindset?
I have a strong mental mindset. I knew I wouldn't make it here if I didn't have the physical ability already, but I feel like it's more of a mental mindset now that everything is moving so fast and everything is always evolving and you're always learning something more.

Why do you play football?
I play for the love of the game and for my family. Playing football was always a safe haven for me. When everything's going bad for me, once I step on the field I feel like I'm at home.

What is your proudest football moment or memory?
Honestly just getting drafted. That has to be my best memory. It was unexplainable. Just being there and finally getting that call. It was my dream come true. I always dreamt it when I was a kid and sat down and watched the draft with my father. He always told me I would get there and it finally came true.
 When you hear Steelers football, what do you think?

I think of hardnosed, nasty, aggressive football.

What do you like about Pittsburgh?
I love the atmosphere around here. It feels like everyone treats you like you are at home. The fan base is tremendous around here. They take pride in the Steelers and what they do and what they stand for.