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: Safety
Height: 5-8
Weight: 195
College: Villanova
Years Pro: 2
How Acquired: Free agent 2013.
Football Mentor/Inspiration: My older brother, Raymond Ventrone, Bubba. He plays for the San Francisco 49ers. He was huge for me. We took similar paths. I walked on at Pitt, he went to Villanova. But when I transferred to Villanova he was a big part of that. The whole free agent process coming out of college, he did all of that before me. I had an understanding of what to expect thanks to him.
Proudest Football Moment/Memory: My senior year at Villanova winning the National Championship with all of my best friends and roommates. That was the highlight.
Favorite Teammate: Matt Szczur who played with me at Villanova. He is with the Chicago Cubs in their minor leagues right now. He was one of those guys that did anything for anyone. He saved a little girl's life donating bone marrow. He made you feel better about things. He made you work harder.
Initial NFL Attraction: As a kid I think everyone wants to be an athlete, rock star or movie star. In my family we always played sports so being an NFL player was a dream. It's a dream come true growing up in Pittsburgh and being a part of this organization. I grew up watching Carnell Lake and to come here and he is my coach, it's so insane. It's hard to believe sometimes. I love being a part of such a great organization, my hometown team.
Football Mindset: Every day come in here and give it everything I have and not leave any questions in my own mind. I don't want to have any regrets. As long as I know I did everything I could.
What do you love about Pittsburgh being from here: I love the people in Pittsburgh. I have been to other cities and it's a different mindset here. The people are great, the fans are great. It has the big city flavor with the closeness of a smaller city.
Perception of Steelers: It's top notch. It's the highest level of organizations in sport. It's everything and more I thought it would be growing up idolizing it.
Goals/Aspirations for 2014: I am just taking it one day, one practice at a time. I just want to keep getting better, learn the defense and special teams. I just want to contribute as much as possible.
Career Goals: I am one of those people that looks at the short term, doesn't look too far ahead. Just one day at a time getting better today.
