Like most NFL players, Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Larry Foote is very passionate about his alma mater and he recently gave an interview to Go Blue Wolverine to give his thoughts on Michigan and their upcoming season.
Foote, who made sure to voice his hate for Ohio State during the interview, was also asked to give his thoughts on the Steelers missing the playoffs in 2012 and what the team is doing this off-season to get back there in 2013.
“We’re pissed off we didn’t make the playoffs,” said Foote. “On top of that, our rival won the Super Bowl. I know guys are taking it personally. It’s just a whole different mindset to the off-season. I know guys are ready to get back where we need to be.”
While it certainly wasn\’t a long response by Foote, who enters his 12th season in the league after setting a career high in tackles with 133 in 2012, it was straight and to the point. It\’s also not the first time that we have heard that players have a different mindset this off-season, and while that is certainly good to hear, their actions will have to speak louder than their words.
Foote, who will turn 33 years of age in June, is one of the oldest players currently on the Steelers and the leader of the defense. The Steelers signed him to a new three-year contract earlier in the off-season in hopes that he can hold on a little while longer until his replacement can be groomed. That replacement very well might have been drafted in the sixth-round of the draft last month in the form of Florida State linebacker Vince Williams.
Williams has already reportedly showed during the rookie camp a few weekends ago the leadership skills that he had in college, so hopefully Foote can impart some of his wisdom on him in the OTA sessions and training camp that is yet to come.
It\’s a good thing that Williams went to Florida State and not Ohio State, however, as I am not so sure Foote could take it. During his interview he was asked if there is a lot banter between former Buckeyes and Wolverines now in the NFL.
“Absolutely! Especially in the locker room,” said Foote. “We got a couple Ohio State guys. The only Buckeye that I ever liked is Dick LeBeau. He gives it to me all the time. When the big games come up, Mike Tomlin will highlight it that Saturday night (with a) speech before we play our game on Sunday. It’s a lot of trash talking. A lot of money gets exchanged, pushups, dinners, all types of stuff.”
