PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – He probably was the only one on that Steelers practice field Thursday from staff, players, media to say it. Mike Tomlin said it's 'really sad' that offseason workouts concluded on the South Side.
"We just can't get enough of work like we've gotten over the last several weeks here as a collective and learning football, developing skill and techniques relative to our positions, understanding cooperative elements of team," Tomlin said. "It's just been a great couple of weeks and, so sad to see it end."
Tomlin said he talked to the team about reporting to training camp in Latrobe in the right shape. As he put it, those that do have a better camp experience, especially for the younger players or rookies who haven't gone away to a camp before.
Young corners
Four weeks of offseason work in the books, what Tomlin said he saw from rookie corners Joey Porter, Junior and Cory Trice, Junior.
"You know, they're sharp guys, the type of institutions they went to, the caliber ball they played, it wasn't much that we introduced to them schematically that they hadn't already been exposed to," Tomlin said. "Both sharp guys. You know, I think the what to do is less of an issue for them and they're making the transitional things that most corners do, the nuances of the game in terms of contact beyond five yards and stuff like that. The difference between college ball and professional ball I think is kind of where a lot of the energy has been.
Austin talks Pickett
He's not sure what his role will be, but second-year receiver Calvin Austin is ready to make an impact this season. The receiver said he can be used in different roles. Austin came to the Steelers in the same draft class as quarterback Kenny Pickett. He likes what he's seen from the first-round pick from his class.
"He's going to challenge you, but he's going to make sure you know he's got you.," Austin said of the starting quarterback. "Obviously, we want to make every play, he wants to make every play, but it's football, things are going to happen from time to time. When you can look at someone's eye and know you are good. 'I got you, make the next one for me'."
"You want to work for a guy like that. He's got our back 100%. We will go to any battle with him and he knows we got his back."
Robinson in Latrobe
The next time the players get together will be July 26th, report date at St. Vincent College in Latrobe.
"It's going to be fun," said Steelers WR Allen Robinson, who went away to camp when with the Bears. "At that point it's about getting the work done.
About us moving in the right direction heading into week one, heading into the season. That's the main thing. Right now, people are going to go away, work out with their trainers. Then once we get to Latrobe, it's business."
Not all as excited to be away from family for nearly a month.
"Uhh… I'm going to enjoy this break," said Steelers linebacker Markus Golden with a smile. "I'm going to work out, grind it out and then when camp gets closer you are excited for it."
Pittsburgh traffic
Along with learning the defense from the Steelers coaching staff along with TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, the veteran Golden is also learning about the city. He says he's enjoying it, when asked about getting around in traffic.
"Denzel Martin (Steelers Outside Linebackers Coach) has picked me up at my hotel, it's been easier," Golden admitted with a grin saying when he returns he will drive himself. "I'll be alright because I've been in New York. It can't be worse than that."
Free camp
Golden was heading straight from the South Side, after he figures out traffic to the airport, to St. Louis. It's home and it's also where on Saturday he will conduct his fifth annual 'Markus Golden Football Camp'. It's free to children ages kindergarten to 12th grade and returning after not being able to hold it for two years due to COVID.
"It means a lot because I remember being a kid and to meet an NFL player," Golden said. "To be able to do that and kids are so happy and excited. Anytime you can do that is special. It's giving back and showing love. I do a lot of that back in St. Louis. It ain't about me, I do it for the kids to make them happy."
