PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Having started games each of his four seasons in the NFL, tackle Calvin Anderson said there is immediately something special about joining the Steelers.
The 28-year-old was signed after the injury to first-round pick Troy Fautanu which was combined with the previous injury to back-up tackle Dylan Cook. He now will do everything he can to be up-to-speed as quickly as possible because he said that is what the NFL is about.
“Everyone that I’ve spoken to about this place, raves about it,” Anderson said Wednesday. “I got to meet Mike T and some of the other guys. Seems like a great culture, I’m blessed to just be a part of it.”
Anderson already knows quarterback Russell Wilson, they overlapped for a season in Denver. Anderson spent three seasons with the Broncos originally signed by the Jets as an undrafted free agent out of Rice. He played in 41 games, starting 12, and last year with New England played in five games and started a pair.
He has the ability to play each side. The 6’5”, 305-pound Anderson began his career with Hall of Famer Mike Munchak as his offensive line coach and he stressed to Anderson the importance of knowing the left and right side and he worked him at both positions. He said he’ll do whatever to help his new team.
“I have much more gratitude for my ability to play and every chance I get to do that,” Anderson said. “I legitimately almost lost my life almost a year ago. Certainly grateful and it’s awesome to be a part of this team and the guys I’ve met. More excited about the people than the record.”
Last year Anderson signed early in the free agent period with the Patriots. Months later he was given a 50-50 chance to live coming down with malaria while on a trip to Nigeria. He also suffered from a reported heart contusion from a collision at practice during the season and placed on injured reserve.
Anderson said Wednesday this is different from other places he’s been.
“You can tell it’s like a family, I appreciate that,” Anderson said. “It’s important to me at this point in my career to be a part of a culture like that. I’m getting forward to getting to know them more.”
“In my opinion, and I know I felt this in college, when you have a team that has a family culture, it’s easier to buy-in and play for the guy next to you when you know you have a relationship with that guy. It’s tougher in the NFL because it’s a business in the NFL. The fact that I think this is present here speaks volumes to the people that run this team and have been running the team.”
“It certainly makes it a lot easier and guys I think more effective on the field when you have that team camaraderie and closeness.”
Ideally, Anderson isn’t needed. Given the offensive line injuries early in the season, it’s welcome, veteran depth.