It was a packed house at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Tuesday as players were back in the building for the first day of voluntary workouts as part of Phase One of the NFL’s offseason program.
“It’s always cool to come back and see all the guys,” said linebacker Alex Highsmith. “It’s good to be back in the building. And everyone being here today, all the veteran faces, everyone showing up. It’s really cool.
“I’m just excited to get started in this process and get to know Coach (Mike) McCarthy and all the staff a lot more.
“I think it’s important we are all here because through this process, through OTA days, and then minicamp, you are able learn the new playbook and get to know new coaches, build that relationship, build that trust with the guys. Ultimately, I feel like you’re playing the best when you trust those guys that you’re around. So, you develop that trust and that cohesion during this time.
“I think when the veterans show up, and they’re here, it shows the young guys they are committed, and that we’re all in.”
The Steelers are one of 10 teams that started the offseason program early because of having a new staff with head coach Mike McCarthy.
This portion of the offseason program is limited to meetings, strength and conditioning, and physical rehabilitation only.
But that didn’t stop players from being on hand, with many of the veterans setting an example for the younger players and sharing their experience.
“It’s awesome to be here,” said defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day, an eight-year veteran who signed with the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent in March. “It’s always great to be around the coaches and players and build that camaraderie early and get to know your teammates. I feel like it all carries over once the season starts and how we play, especially when it gets to important games in December, January, and February.
“We are fortunate to have our experience playing in the league and to see a lot of things. You take what you’ve learned, the wisdom that we’ve been able to build over the years and pass it down and help the young guys prepare for what is to come.”
Another unrestricted free agent who signed with the team this offseason, safety Jaquan Brisker, understands what this time of year means in team building.
“Everyone is meeting the new coaches, and we are all on the same playing field there,” said Brisker. “You want to give your best first impression and just showing up and being there and getting the communication, getting the scheme down, just getting familiar with the building, the players, the coaches, things like that is really important.”