The following is the latest installment of Getting To Know, a chance to learn a little more about Steelers' players who were added to the roster over the last few years.
Position: Tight End
Height: 6-5
Weight: 252
College: Clemson
Years Pro: 5
How Acquired: Claimed off of waivers from Seattle in 2013.
Football Mentor/Inspiration: I learned the most from Tony Gonzalez. I played with him my first three years in Atlanta. That would be the person I learned the most about the tight end position from. He was a great guy to learn from and one of the greatest ever to play. He taught me a lot about how to play the game of football and he taught me how to be a professional too. He has played for 17 years so he taught me a lot about the ins and outs, the things to keep your body at the top level to perform every day.
Proudest Football Moment/Memory: My first touchdown catch in the NFL. We played Tampa Bay my rookie year and I caught a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to take a two possession lead. That was my favorite.
Initial NFL Attraction: I loved the game. Growing up you would watch the game. That is a natural attraction if you grow up watching football, that is what you want to do.
Football Mindset: It is game by game, what my role is in the game plan and what I need to do to help the team win the game. I am always going to go out there and do the best that I can. My favorite Bible verse is Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." That is what I try to do every day I go out there.
Impression of Pittsburgh: It's awesome. It's a lot of fun. I am still learning a lot of the ins and outs. I went to a Pirates game and enjoyed it. It's just a lot of fun and people care a lot about their sports here and so that is something that is a lot of fun to play for.
Perception of Steelers: Tradition. A winning tradition. It's such a fun and exciting organization to play for that has a rich tradition of winning.
Goals/Aspirations for 2014: Defining a role and doing my very best at whatever that role is. We are all still trying to figure that out. We have a lot of tight ends and are figuring that out.
Career Goals: It's changed over the years. I am going into my fifth year and you are becoming an older guy. I try to help younger guys and teach them the things that I have learned, the mistakes I made so they won't make them. I am big on helping younger guys and trying to be a good teammate for them.
