PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – For months fans, former players, media, coaches, teammates, even his father commented on the play of Steelers linebacker Devin Bush. Monday afternoon was a rare opportunity for local reporters to speak with the third-year linebacker.
Coming back from an ACL tear last October, here is what Bush said of 2021 performance through 13 games.
"Earlier this season it was definitely a learning process for me just getting my mind back in football mode," Bush said. "In the middle of the season, I was going through more mental issues of just being out there and knowing I have to make plays and winning was my biggest thing. Up until this point, I think I'm settlin' pretty good."
"I have a lot of stuff to build off of. A lot of things during the season that I did good. A lot of things I did during the season that I didn't so well. We always got something to work on. It gives me a map of where I need to start and what I need to work on."
Bush said he feels like he is still the same player that he was before the injury. He would then later say he knows he's the same player, even if the numbers show something different.
"The stat sheet may not reflect that, but nobody on the Steelers football team is playing up to their potential," Bush said. "That just goes to show where we are at in the record book and our division."
The son of an NFL player, Bush did admit it's been tough at times dealing with his first major injury and surgery of his career. It's the first time he missed so much time playing football and said there have been ups and downs. He does believe he's 'progressed tremendously'.
"The biggest part is mental," Bush said of recovering from injury. "If I had to make a good example-if you get bit by a dog, who is to say next time you go pet a dog."
There are obviously a few things he's working through. He believes the coaches played rookie linebacker Buddy Johnson last week as a look to next year more than a reflection of his performance.
"Nobody on the Steelers is playing up to their potential," Bush would repeat. "That goes to reflect on the games we've played, the games we've lost. Nobody is playing their best football. I'm not going to single myself out or anybody else out because at the end of the day we are a team."
"We just got to keep building. We always have a future. There is always going to be next season. We have a lot of work to do this year and a lot of work to do next season."
Bush is currently fifth on the team with 61 tackles. He has a pair of sacks and a forced fumble and he did miss a game due to injury. Next season the Steelers will have to decide if they will pick up their fifth-year option on Bush as a first-round pick.
Asked about his future with the Steelers Monday, Bush said he's given little in the future much thought.
"I just play football and go week to week," Bush said. "I don't know who we play this week yet. I probably will figure that out Wednesday."
"I would love to be here. If they want me here, it would show. I don't think about the business side of it yet, but I would love to be here."
