PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – There are few who enjoy and appreciate playing a game like Cordarrelle Patterson. If you don't believe us, he will tell you.
"You can't be too serious," Patterson told reporters on Friday. "I'm always going to have fun. If you see me not having fun there is something wrong. I tell my teammates all the time if you see me not having fun, please come slap me. One of my teammates always say 'can't wait'."
He says he's a guy that is willing to do anything on a football field. Patterson said he won't sell himself short believing he can play any position. When his name is called, he said he goes out and makes a play. He joked on Friday he throws footballs with fans in the stands before games to show he could be a quarterback.
The need for this Sunday is at tailback. Jaylen Warren is out and there are no other running backs currently on the active roster. Patterson helped seal the game with a 14-yard run against the Broncos last Sunday.
"I just want the ball in my hands," Patterson said. "I just try to make things happen when I get the ball in my hands. No matter running back, receiver, kick returner, it really doesn't matter."
"CP is a future Hall of Famer," said tailback Najee Harris. "He works in any offense. It's not what he can do for me, it's just him as a player. He's just a good player. What he brings to the table is something you have to key in on."
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said he's seen Patterson handle numerous carries as a running back. He's amazed with how many positions he can play and how well he does it. Smith is one of the coaches over the years who has helped train him to be versatile.
"A lot of guys have too much pride in the NFL," Patterson said. "Some guys don't want to play special teams. A couple of weeks ago, I played gunner. That's something I've been doing my whole life. I can't get enough of it. I want to play, wherever coach needs me. I'm going to go out there, no matter where it's at."
"He can do everything, especially (amazing) when he's that big," said quarterback Justin Fields. "I know if I'm on defense and I see the 6"4", 240-pounder, however much he weighs, running full speed at me, I wouldn't want to tackle him."
"Would you try to tackle me?" Patterson said with a big smile. "I'm a big guy, most guys don't want to tackle in this league, they want to hit you in your ankles. I wouldn't want to tackle me if I see me coming full speed."
The 33-year-old said he's just willing to do whatever and that has been what has keyed his 12-year career. He has the same attitude he's had since he was six-years-old playing in the backyard. You got to go out and enjoy it because it doesn't last forever.
"I'm not going to ever stop having fun," Patterson said. "I would never stop laughing, no matter what goes on. It's a game. It's a fun game at that. Can't really take it too serious. You got to enjoy it at the end of the day. It's a kids' game and I treat it like I'm still young."
What really makes the game fun is winning. Steelers are banking on Patterson using those multiple skills to help them get through Warren's injury and get to 4-0.
"He's a dynamic player," Fields said. "He can do a lot for us on the offensive side of the ball. He can run routes, he can block. He's an all-out dynamic player and you can definitely do a lot with him."
"Whenever my number is called, I'm ready," Patterson said. "No matter where it is on the field. I'm just excited to be here."
