PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – If the Steelers were only looking to add confidence, they've found it with Ahkello Witherspoon. After his first practice with the team, the fifth year corner told reporters.
"I'm just a good football player," Witherspoon said Monday. "In this league it's important to have good football players on your team. That's why I'm here."
The 26-year-old came from Seattle for a fifth round draft pick. The thought is he can bring more experience to a team with only a couple of handfuls of starts at corner other than Joe Haden.
"Just contributing to help this team win a championship," Witherspoon said of his role. "It's still early. It's day one today. Just getting in and understanding the defense."
"Just working to solidify a role on this team. Help them win a championship."
Witherspoon said he can play each side equally well. He believes the defense is much different than what he's played in the past, but is excited to do something else after spending an off-season with Seattle and four years, starting 33 games with the Niners (4 interceptions, 117 tackles-99 solo, 24 passes defended, 2 TFL).
The former Colorado star says it's important to start learning the Steelers defense with a small group of plays. Then build on that knowledge so he's not on the field thinking about what to do instead of reacting.
"The way we are talking about it is simple stuff to keep my brain free because a busy brain is going to slow me down on the field," Witherspoon said. "I'm taking it day-by-day. I'm very good at retaining information. Once I get more comfortable, I'm going to keep adding more to the book."
Witherspoon said it's a waste of time to worry if he will pick up the defense quickly. He, again, has no doubts in his abilities.
The California native believes others have doubts, viewing the trade as a slight, just another time where he's been underestimated. He said it started the first time pushed down on a playground as a kid. He was bullied and counted out other times, saying through his faith in God and teaching from his parents. He keeps getting back up.
"It gets easier, honestly," Witherspoon said. "I'm like on rep 1,000 of getting pushed down to the ground and 'ok, I have to get back up'. It's getting easier."
"The first one was the toughest one. I'm deep into this process of overcoming obstacles. So it's like, 'come on, let's get it'."
"I'm where I am now for a reason."
