PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Loyalty and perseverance is something is lost on so many in sports. Whether it’s flooding the transfer portal, demanding trades or fans deciding not to show up for games.
I think what frustrates fans are the phonies, like Melvin Ingram. You wonder why so many media types are cynical when hearing athletes praise anything. It’s because of guys like Melvin Ingram.
Here are some of the quotes from Melvin Ingram days after the Steelers took a chance on the veteran coming off ZERO sacks and seemingly unwanted.
· “I’m just being a part of the D, doing what they ask me.”
· “Just trying to help out. Coaches will tell me whatever my role is. I’m going to go out and work hard every day and figure it out.”
· “The team, the culture, the coaches, the city. I’m blessed to be a part of it.”
· “A place I could call home. A place I could come in and fit in.”
· “It’s great to play with all of these guys. I’m a kid in a candy store.”
· “Talked about coming in and working hard, everything else would take care of itself.”
· ”Alex Highsmith is special.”
We got the opportunity to speak next with him three weeks later. Here is what he was shoveling then.
· “The sky is the limit for this defense and team. It can be a special year.”
· “Here (Steelers) is different. The energy, the work ethic is Grade A.”
· “I’m just here to work. I’m here to do whatever they ask of me to do.”
The next interview opportunity was September 16
· “All three (outside linebackers) are doing their part. We are selfless. We are just going out and playing for the team. Doing whatever the team wants us to do.”
· “Bringing more versatility to the defense.”
· “Everybody understand what their role is and how we are going to play. I feel like it’s not just us three, it’s everybody.”
The final chance we had to talk with him (because the team controls interview opportunities) was September 23
· “Everything is as expected. Everything has been amazing-the fans, the coaches and players. Everything has been phenomenal. I’m just blessed to be a part of it.”
This same guy then checked out after getting limited snaps against Seattle. He had a fake injury to cover his anger and didn’t even show up to support his teammates Sunday on a team that ‘he is blessed to be a part of’.
Over the season, Ingram played 54% of the snaps, Highsmith 64%.
The sad reality is Ingram ends up getting what he wanted. He will get a few more snaps for a struggling Kansas City team that at the start of the season was the odds-on favorite to reach, if not win, the Super Bowl.
Forgive me if next time a player tells me about how great the chemistry is, I don’t believe him.
There are a lot of phonies, like Melvin Ingram.