Interesting read here. LaMarr Woodley, the Steelers’ 2nd round draft pick, is updating Yahoo Sports with a recurring rookie journal. His first entry is a great glimpse into the life of one of the newest Steelers.
Apparently, Woodley is confused with the geography/roadways of his new city. Don’t feel bad, Wood, it happens to a lot of first-time ‘Burghers. Some key points in Wood’s account:
– He keeps tons of change in his car.
– His brother is a backup singer for Keith Sweat (Awesome).
– His financial advisor’s name is Marty Blaze (Also awesome).
– He is real comfortable around Mike Tomlin (That’s good, for a young player and all).
– He wants to play at 260 lbs.
– He’s passionate about being the best player he can be. Here’s the best quote:
What I know for sure is I’m staying in Pittsburgh right up through training camp. That’s the only way I’m going to get better. There is no time for a rookie to take a vacation. I have the rest of my career to think about things like that. Right now, it’s time to focus and work my way to the top of the position. I know I have the heart. Now I just have to work to catch up with everything else.
That’s a great attitude for a rookie. With all the Cincinnati Bengal-types out there, Wood’s demeanor seems to fit in with the blue-collar, hard-working Stiller mold. Another great quote:
You can never change where you’re from. When you come from a place like Saginaw (Michigan), you play with heart. And you can never teach heart.
I said before that Woodley was a steal at pick 46. Let us review the accolades that have been bestowed upon our newest linebacker:
-2005 Co-MVP of Rose Bowl (split with Vince Young).
-2006 Ted Hendricks Award winner (Top Defensive End).
-2006 Lombardi Award winner (Top College Lineman or Linebacker).
-2006 Chuck Bednarik Award finalist (Best Defensive Player. Won by Paul Posluszny).
-2006 Lott Trophy finalist (Best Defensive I.M.P.A.C.T. Player. Won by Daymeion Hughes).
-2006 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watchlist (Best Defensive Player. Won by James Laurinaitis).
-2006 Outland Trophy watchlist (Best Interior Lineman. Won by Joe Thomas).
-2006 First Team All-American.
Oh yeah, these, too:
-2004 All-Big Ten Conference Second Team (coaches) and Honorable Mention (media).
-2005 All-Big Ten Conference Honorable Mention (coaches and media).
-2006 All-Big Ten Conference First Team (coaches and media, both unanimous).
-2006 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
-2006 Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year.
LaMarr, contact PSaMP if you’re still having trouble with the Pittsburgh geography. Hell, I just graduated from St. Vincent College, where you will be spending a lot of time in a few weeks. I can give you some tips about surviving in and around the Latrobe area.
I look forward to more Woodley journal entries.
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