LATROBE, Pennsylvania– Kwon Alexander does not imitate a gamer whose finest days might lag him. If anything, the previous Pro Dish linebacker lugs the mindset that his finest days in the NFL are still in advance.
Simply hrs after authorizing with the Steelers and also mins after taking part in his initial exercise with Pittsburgh, Alexander held court with the media. Throughout the meeting, Alexander made it clear that, while he will certainly approve whatever function the Steelers ask him to fill up, he’s being available in to contend and also to make a distinction on what is currently a strong protection.
“We’re working to be the best linebacker group there is,” Alexander stated. “I’m very confident in myself and my abilities to come out and make plays.”
If he goes to his finest, Alexander would certainly be a significant increase for the Steelers’ protection. He was a Pro Bowler for the Buccaneers in 2017 a year after leading the NFL with 108 solo takes on. 2 years later on, Alexander was a vital gear on a 49ers’ protection that led San Francisco to the Super Dish.
Injuries, nonetheless, have actually likewise become part of Alexander’s NFL tale. He played in simply 14 complete video games throughout the 2018-19 period while handling knee and also upper body injuries. A split Achilles too soon finished his 2021 period after 12 video games.
“I’m not really worried about the past,” Alexander stated when asked if his previous injury background avoided him from authorizing previously in the offseason. “I’m worried about the future right now. … The future looks amazing. Legendary. I’m ready to go out and play.”
Alexander will certainly contend for playing time in addition to fellow newbies Cole Holcomb and also Elandon Roberts. Both gamers were inquired about Alexander’s arrival before Sunday’s technique.
“I am excited. I think Kwon is a helluva player,” Holcomb stated, by means of the group’s site. “He is going to bring a lot to the room. It’s great competition. It’s good. I am excited.
” I am delighted to reach collaborate with him. He is a helluva gamer. He is a Pro Bowler.”
” I assume competitors presses the space to be much better,” Roberts said. ” I like competitors. I dislike to be really feeling contented due to the fact that often you may miss out on something in your very own advancement. I like to be pressed and also I seem like that makes the group much better when it’s an affordable technique everyday.”
At the beginning of camp, Steelers GM Omar Khan stated that competitors was the greatest point he was delighted to see throughout the summertime. Obviously, Khan et cetera of the Steelers’ brass are delighted to see what unravels at within linebacker with Alexander currently in the mix.
“There’s a solid NFL player with a lot of in-game experience,” Steelers trainer Mike Tomlin stated of Alexander adhering to Sunday’s technique. “He’s got experience but, at the same time, he’s still only 28 years old. I think competition is an awesome thing. We don’t have any preconceived notions about a role. We’ve got some very capable guys at that position. We’ll put him in an environment like this and let them sort themselves out.”
