Steelers notes: James Pierre has long idolized new teammate Patrick Peterson
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When soon-to-be 33-year-old Patrick Peterson was asked last week about serving as a mentor for the Pittsburgh Steelers young defensive backs, the 13-year NFL veteran focused his description on how he would relate to rookie Joey Porter Jr.
Porter is the youngest Steelers cornerback — but he isn’t the only one who is benefiting from the leadership of Peterson, a likely future Hall of Famer.
“I’ve got a picture of ‘Pat Pete’ from when I was in college,” Steelers cornerback James Pierre said, excitedly, after an organized team activities session Tuesday. “I saw him at the mall, and I was like, ‘That’s Patrick Peterson!’
“I showed (Peterson) the picture from when I was 18, and he said, ‘Man, you got me feelin’ old!’”
Pierre was in middle school when Peterson was first named first-team AP All Pro as a rookie in 2011. But Pierre is entering his fourth season with the Steelers and is looking to hang on to a role as a reserve cornerback.
“I definitely look up to ‘Pat Pete,’ and he’s been a big help,” Pierre said. “When he’s doing drills we do now, he’s teaching me little things. He might follow with something, ‘JP, you’re too high. Get down a little lower.’ Just teaching me little things like that.”
Bigger Warren excited for bigger OL
Jaylen Warren said he added some muscle over the offseason in preparation for Year 2 in the NFL.
“Just getting stronger,” the Steelers’ No. 2 running back said Tuesday.
Warren has noticed the same of those who will be tasked with blocking for he and Najee Harris this year. The Steelers signed three veteran offensive linemen and drafted two, including first-round pick Broderick Jones and respected eighth-year guard Isaac Seumalo. The Steelers also drafted the player considered college football’s best blocking tight end, Darnell Washington.
Warren said he’s noticed the Steelers’ upgrade in those who are tasked with blocking.
“One-hundred percent,” Warren said, emphatically. “You always feel comfortable when you see guys in front of you who can get the job done. I felt comfortable last year, it was just we didn’t have the chemistry there. So I am excited to see what’s to come this year.”
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