Get to know Steelers linebacker Christian Kuntz
Christian Kuntz
Linebacker/Long Snapper
Duquesne University
Most entertaining person you follow on social media? I don't follow that many entertaining people. Kevin Hart. He'll film himself on set messing with people. It's funny. I will take a couple of minutes out of my day to watch his story because it makes me laugh.
Must have food? Definitely a good steak and red potatoes.
Must see show? Game of Thrones
Morning person or night owl? Morning person.
Who is your football mentor or inspiration? Probably my pap, my grandfather, Lou Dellana. Growing up he would tell us how he used to play football. He was about 180 pounds playing offensive line. That tells you how times have changed. He was pretty motivational, always there for us, me and my brothers, taking us to practice. I remember that most.
What motivates you? To prove people wrong. I couldn't play at Duquesne and I walked on there. People who say I couldn't make it to the NFL and here I am trying to prove them wrong and make a team.
What is your football mindset/approach? Do anything the coach asks you to do. Play offense, defense, whatever. I will do anything to get on the field and help the team win.
When did you start to dream about playing in the NFL? The fourth grade when I started playing football.
Why do you play football? I love the game. I love it, being in the locker room, being around those guys, building those bonds. It's great, it's hilarious, it's serious at the same time. That is the best part about it.
How tough was it not having opportunity to be around the guys in the locker room this offseason? It's a bummer. It stinks. We did get together players only some earlier with other guys, had the chance to talk to some guys, see some faces, introduce yourself. It's been tough. I was here last preseason with the Steelers but coming in again you want to create those relationships, but it's tough because nobody is around.
How valuable was it being around teammates for those earlier workouts? It was huge. Just being around the guys who are veterans, who have been with the Steelers for years. They are the guys helping you through the plays, the drills. It's kind of comforting knowing this is what we are going to be doing in practice. It was really nice.
Who was the biggest help? My position guys, Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt. They are my position group and they have taken the reins of the outside linebackers and showing us the drills, how we do things. They were a huge help not just to me, but the other young guys playing outside linebacker.
What is your proudest football moment or memory? Winning the NEC Championship at Duquesne with my teammates and guys I lived with, my best friends.
When you hear Steelers football, what do you think? Championship football. Hard-nosed football. Defense.
What did you learn about yourself during quarantine? That I am more of a routine guy than I thought. This threw off my routine not being able to do certain things. I had to adjust my routine to cater to it, not being able to do things, go places. I am more of a routine guy than I thought.
After being with the team in camp last year, how much more do you want to stick on the 53-man roster this year? A lot. A feel way more confident this year. I came late last year, after the second preseason game. I am anxious to get back so much.
Is there extra drive because you are from Pittsburgh and this is your hometown team? I played all of my years of football in Pittsburgh. To be home, my grandma be able to go to games. It means a lot to be able to play here in front of my family and friends.
