PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Beyond the fact his mullet would make him an instant fan favorite. The intensity of which he plays or that he was a former walk-on turned NFL starter would make him bond quickly with Pittsburgh. Cole Holcomb actually attended a Steelers AFC Championship game as a kid and has family ties to the black and gold.
Holcomb grew up in Florida, but his uncle Corey is a die-hard Steelers fan (his uncle and cousin have been to two Steelers Super Bowls and several games). He took Cole to that title game, Cole was so young he doesn’t remember which one, just remembers the energy in the stadium. He also would watch games with him when together, because his own father was a Raiders fan.
“It’s crazy I grew up watching the fourth quarter Renegade,” Holcomb said. “The traditions they have. I’ve seen that atmosphere. I love the atmosphere. I love the fan base. I love the organization.
I love the coaching staff. I’m just super, super excited to get started and get working with these guys.”
Because of that tie, he said he also understands the history of the Steelers on defense, especially when it comes to linebacker play. He knows what they are expecting from him. Holcomb believes that will allow him to fit in quickly with his new team.
Tar Heel tie
Holcomb not only attended North Carolina the same time as Steelers QB Mitch Trubisky, but they were roommates. They are still friends and live about 10 minutes apart from each other in South Florida. Trubisky has hosted several of his Steelers teammates and Holcomb has actually trained with them.
“I got to know a lot of the guys through Mitch,” Holcomb said. “We hang out a lot. I met a lot of them through them hanging out with Mitch.”
“It’s been one of those things where we’ve always talked about it. How cool it would be to be teammates in the NFL. We were roommates in college. It’s one of those bucket list things.”
New coach
Holcomb was quick to thank his coaches in Washington, said he learned a lot especially with three of them playing linebacker in the NFL. Now he will work with new Steelers inside linebacker coach Aaron Curry.
“I’m excited,” Holcomb said. “He’s a younger guy. He was a high draft pick (fourth overall in 2009 by Seattle), I remember him getting drafted. I think the world of him. Every time I talk to him I’m like ‘dude, get me a playbook. Get me the playbook now, I’m ready to step on the field’.”
He’ll do that for the first time in black and gold soon. Can you imagine how excited his uncle is?