PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – There is a chance the Steelers could be looking for someone of Pitt safety Paris Ford's skills at some point in the NFL Draft. If so, the Steelers need to start purchasing some bronze.
"They better build a monument of me if I stay here," Ford said recently. He was joking for those that might think he was serious.
Ford has made an impact here, leading Steel Valley HS to a state title. During his senior season, he scored 22 touchdowns five different ways including six interceptions returned for a score. The 15-0 Ironmen won every game by mercy rule.
He then stayed in Pittsburgh when Alabama, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Auburn and others offered him a great opportunity to leave. His sophomore season in 2019 was the college breakout, leading Pitt in tackles and interceptions and second in pass break-ups and forced fumbles. Ford named All-ACC despite leaving early to concentrate on the draft in 2020.
It was not an easy decision to miss the final four games. Ford said he hated leaving his brothers, but he started to think big picture.
"It's crazy," Ford said. "I can be the first one in my family to create generational wealth. I've been working for this moment since I was 5-years-old. It's really all I've known. It's surreal. It's really surreal. I can't put into words how I really feel. I'm excited."
The 6', 190 pound safety said simply there are 32 NFL teams and he just needs one opportunity. He said he's talked to just about everyone saying the Ravens, Chiefs, Seahawks and Saints are the main teams he believes are interested.
He's not a guy who shines at pro day workouts, running a 4.90-40 yard dash and 29" vertical at the Pitt Pro Day. Ford expects teams will look more at his film at Pitt than indoor track drills.
"I hope because at the end of the day, football is football," Ford said. "As cliché as it sounds, that's the truth."
The projections run the gamut of landing spots on the third day of the NFL Draft or maybe even the third round on Friday. Ford is preparing for everything, not just on Draft Day, but to be ready to hit the ground running when he gets his chance.
"It's a business," Ford said. "The NFL is a non-stop factory, a non-stop machine. They don't stop for no one. I have to adapt fast."
He's adapted to the high school game, adapted to the college game. Likely the Munhall native will adapt to the pro game.
