PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It's a fleeting word in so many aspects of life, but it appears trust is what led Ahkello Witherspoon to re-sign with the Steelers and also led to his success last season.
Playing in just nine games and starting three in 2021, Witherspoon led the Steelers in interceptions. He became a free agent after the season and said he wanted to test the market. The 27-year-old said the Steelers agreed that he should see what was out there and their initial offer would still be on the table.
The corner said he trusted the Steelers, believing there were a few interested teams and then when he looked to come back, the Steelers hadn't moved on. The deal was still there for him and he took it.
"They give me a good opportunity for me to take my game to where I want to go," Witherspoon said, also noting he stayed because he loves his teammates, the City of Pittsburgh and Mike Tomlin, who he called a 'great coach'.
Witherspoon initially came to the Steelers in a trade with Seattle. He would have to wait for an opportunity. He said he trusted Tomlin was being honest with him about eventually getting a chance and he remained patient and stayed with his plan.
The chance came when starter Joe Haden went down with injury. In his second start, Witherspoon had a pair of interceptions and three passes defended against the Vikings. He would get a third INT in a win over the Browns with three more passes defended.
"The varying play-calling on the back end gives the defensive backs a lot of freedom," Witherspoon said, adding it also makes it tough on the quarterback. "What you saw last year was me being at the right place and the right time."
He believes having his position coach as the new defensive coordinator will not only help him, but help the defense as a whole. He believes they have the people to take the next step.
"I think it's trusting your teammate next to you and be committed to playing gap-sound football," Witherspoon said. "I think that's something that we've shown we can do in certain games and then some games it falls off. It's about being consistent and leaning on that approach and remembering what's given us success and replicating it."
You have to wonder if that trust was shaken at all when the Steelers signed Bills corner Levi Wallace to a two-year contract worth $8 million.
"Excited that our team got better," Witherspoon said. "I've watched him play a few times and I've always liked his length, his combination of size and speed and his feel for the game."
"It's about making the team better, pushing myself, pushing him, pushing each other. When you have high caliber guys in one building. All you are going to do is make your team better and your players better. That's what I'm here for."
He's also here for the competition with the Browns adding Deshaun Watson, Tom Brady back with Tampa Bay, Matt Ryan to the Colts, the Raiders getting Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins. All are on the Steelers schedule next season.
"As a competitor, it's fun," Witherspoon said. "It's just exciting. You start to play those matchups in your head. You have those games and battles."
The battle starts in training camp, maybe even in off-season workouts as Witherspoon will have to earn his time. He said he's ready for a battle. If iron does sharpen iron in this respect, the Steelers will be better prepared for what lies in waiting.
