Pittsburgh Steelers: Early minicamp headlines
By Donnie Druin
T.J. Watt Living up to the Hype
Grasping professional football concepts can be challenging for newcomers to the NFL. Pittsburgh’s first-round pick T.J. Watt can’t relate. According to teammate Vince Williams, Watt “is the most ready rookie I’ve ever seen. Ever,” via Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL Network.
Watt has received much praise from coaches and players alike since his arrival to Pittsburgh, and looks to build off a strong string of OTAs recently completed.
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Comparisons to brother and Houston Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt have slowly begun to trickle in as T.J. prepares for his rookie season. If Watt’s immediate impact can replicate that of his family tree, the Steelers will be in business.
Alejandro Villanueva at camp, despite contract issues
Perhaps the less talked about contract situation involves one of the league’s best stories in left tackle Alejandro Villanueva, the former US Army Ranger who served three tours overseas before pursuing a football career. Villanueva has performed considerably well since his arrival in 2014, and believes his $615,000 tender isn’t quite the right price for his services.
Yet Villanueva isn’t conceited nor money hungry, which might explain why his situation has mostly received positive reactions.
“I’m very thankful to the Steelers and their treatment. They’ve always been very respectful. The only thing I can do is show that respect back” said Alejandro in an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette before Tuesday’s first practice.
It’s refreshing to see a player continue to work and practice while awaiting a new deal, regardless of player status or value. In due time, Villanueva will surely get the money he’s seeking. Yet for now, he remains patient and on the field, something every player in search of a new contract should take note of.