Just a few days ago Jordan Todman ripped off a 49-yard touchdown run against the Steelers at Heinz Field while wearing a Carolina Panthers uniform.
Today he is preparing to the help the Steelers defeat the New England Patriots on Thursday night at Gillette Stadium.
That is how life in the NFL goes.
"I feel like any time you are on the field you have to do something," said Todman. "Nothing is guaranteed, nothing in this world is given to you. You have to go out there and almost take it in a sense. Any rep I get, I am taking advantage of it and trying to show the world who I am."
He did enough to catch the Steelers eye, who signed Todman after he was released by the Panthers in the final roster cuts. He is now is learning on the fly as the team prepares for the Patriots.
"It's something like cramming for a final, but maybe a little less information," said Todman. "You are able to game plan, you have x amount of plays, you will study the protection, you will study the runs, study the blitzes. I have a couple of days. Being a veteran helps changing up the terminology from a different team. Going out there practicing it, doing it over and over it becomes routine."
Todman entered the NFL as the Chargers sixth round pick in 2011. He since was with the Vikings and Jaguars, so making a transition to a new offense is nothing new to him.
The Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for the first regular season game against the New England Patriots.
"I feel like three days would be enough time and it's on me to showcase that to them and have them believe in me to put me in the game on Thursday and be successful and do what is asked of me," said Todman.
DeAngelo Williams will get the start at running back against the Patriots, and before Todman was signed Dri Archer was the only backup. Now they have another option, a guy who is capable of doing a lot of different things in the offense, including picking up the blitz.
"I am very comfortable doing that," said Todman. "I did it for two solid seasons in Jacksonville. Third down back, run routes, catch the ball out of the backfield, pick up blitzes, play that special teams role, third down back as well. The more you can do the better off you are. I have been blessed to have opportunities, different spots and areas at running back and special teams. I have seen a lot, learned a lot, and have only become a better player.
"It's an opportunity and I'm going to take full advantage of it every play and leave it all on the field."
