-
Follow Us
On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle, Larry Ogunjobi didn't get on the practice field much during his first season in Pittsburgh, as he used times between games to recuperate from various ailments. The team saw enough in the 16 games he played to offer him a contract extension and is hoping that with a full offseason, he can get back to the player he was before.
Ogunjobi had a solid but unspectacular season statically in 2022. He notched 48 tackles, including 25 solo, seven tackles for a loss, 11 quarterback hits, and 1.5 sacks. He proved to be a useful piece, and the stats certainly don't do justice to what his presence on the field meant for the team, especially in the run game. Ogunjobi said during a media scrum after an OTA workout on Tuesday via 93.7 The Fan that he started training in January instead of July this offseason and is feeling great about getting back to work.
"Annoying," he said about not getting practice time in last year. "That was just where I was at, it's an injury that for a lot of people can be career-ending. So, just being able to do what I was able to do and now build off that is super important."
He iterated that being able to build in practice this year will allow him to work off the foundation of his game that's got him to this point. He's hoping that with more work on the practice field this season, he can get more up to speed than in his first season in Pittsburgh.
Steelers' 7-Year NFL Veteran Ogunjobi Offers Some Advice For The Young Guys About Practice
Ogunjobi is entering his seventh year in the league and has learned partially because of the injuries, but also from experience just how important having practice time is, but it's important to do it right. That's some of the wisdom he's trying to impart to the next generation.
Steelers' Larry Ogunjobi participates in OTA drills on Thursday, May 25 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
"I was always the one going too hard too," he said to a question about going full tilt in practice. "You want to play like that, but it’s understanding being a pro and learning how to practice. It’s the league and they’ll learn it, there's no issues with that. I know they'll get it."
He said that even though it can feel tedious to be honing your craft every day on the practice field, he's learned what having lapses in between can do. He's sharing the value of practicing right with the inexperienced members of the team. One particular player that the veteran was asked about was rookie Keeanu Benton. Ogunjobi sang praise for the former Wisconsin Badger calling him a "dancing bear."
"He moves really well for his size," he said. "I think that the ceiling is super high for him."
Ogunjobi had only played for AFC North teams after being drafted by the Cleveland Browns and spending one season with the Cincinnati Bengals. He's happy to have some consistency and feels blessed to know he'll be in Pittsburgh for the immediate future.
"The key to greatness is consistency," he said. "Being able to be in a consistent place and building on the foundation you laid the year before is super important."
He feels good about the potential of the defense with some of the offseason additions and is excited to get to work in training camp.
What kind of an impact can Ogunjobi have with a full offseason of preparation? What are your expectations for the veteran?
More must-reads:
- Christian McCaffrey encouraged Commanders GM to draft brother Luke
- Sam Hartman's contract proves the Commanders see something in him
- The '100 catches in an NFL season' quiz
Breaking News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
