The last month has been filled with ups and downs for Steelers' cornerback Isaiah Green, going from the exhilaration of making the team's 53-man roster one day, to the agony of being released just a few days later.
But it's part of the business and Green understands that. Making an NFL roster isn't an easy thing, and staying on one is even tougher.
Shortly after the roster was "finalized," Green was thrilled to be part of the group of 53 that would be moving forward.
"It's a great feeling," said Green during the team's lunch break on Sept. 2. "I have been through so much, not giving up. Even when things don't look the way you want them to, you trust in the Lord. Either way the cards turned, I knew it would be the best for me. I have been in the position before where I got released. I got released once from Buffalo, once from Indianapolis. I knew that feeling. To make the roster is a great feeling.
"It won't hit me for 30 years when I realize I made the 53-man roster for the Pittsburgh Steelers."
Just a few hours later, all that changed. The team claimed cornerback Antwon Blake off waivers from Jacksonville and Green was let go.
"My initial reaction was I was a little bit surprised," said Green. "I told myself to keep the faith."
Green was quickly signed back to the team's practice squad, but his mindset remained the same. Work just as hard as he had been all offseason, all through training camp and during the preseason.
"I kept working hard like I was still on the 53-man roster," said Green. "That was how I had to react. As the weeks went on it was discouraging a little bit. In those times you have to push the hardest, keep your mind strong and know everything is going to work out for the best. I learned a lot about myself during that time.
"I learned in this business you have to be strong minded. You can't let the NFL dictate who you are as a person. You have to know who you are and be that person regardless of your situation."
One other thing he learned is your situation can change in a moment's notice. And once again it did for Green. He was activated from the practice squad to the active roster on Sept. 17 when the team released kicker Shayne Graham. For Green, it was proof that hard work and faith do pay off.
"It's a good feeling," said Green. "I just want to continue with my routine and prepare like I have been the last few weeks, like nothing has changed.
"It was a relief, a little excitement. It makes me realize a lot more and appreciate where I am in life and all of the great things that happened to me. I am definitely appreciative."
