By Josh Svetz
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been painted as an old, washed up, non-contender by many. However, the newest addition to the team does not think so: “I know they had an off year last year, but I definitely feel like we are headed in the right direction.”
Arthur Moats, the latest linebacker added to the Steelers appeared on SiriusXM NFL Radio Tuesday, and talked about his feelings on being a Steeler
“It’s a great opportunity, they have a great legacy and I’m glad to be on board.”
He went on to say, “With the additions in free agency and guys coming back healthy this could be the year we win it all, I don’t see us having to take a step back or wait any longer.”
Moats expanded on his role in the championship puzzle of the Steelers.
“I think I can be effective at inside and outside linebacker,” Moats continued “I’ll definitely have a role on special teams and defense; I’m looking forward to both worlds”.
When asked what Moats was looking for in a team, he responded by saying, “I wanted the opportunity to start, play for a championship and have consistency with the head coach.”
“You want to go somewhere that you’re comfortable with the coaching staff and I’m comfortable with Tomlin and the rest of the staff.
Moats has a connection with head coach Mike Tomlin, as Tomlin grew up just a half hour from the town Moats was raised in, Portsmouth, VA, which Moats reflected on saying how it made the decision even easier.
Moats, the former Buffalo Bills linebacker and James Madison graduate certainly seems excited to be a Steeler. His positivity and charisma seems infectious, as he delighted the interviewers Zig Fracassi and Brad Hopkins.
His agreeability and understanding of his role on the team makes problems with him in the future seem unlikely.
He also has been productive as a rotational player totaling, 141 tackles, 5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. Moats is only improving, as last season he had his best season as a pro so far totaling 54 tackles.
An obvious team player, this interview only reinforces the great things many have heard about Moats as he was the 2013 Walter Payton Man of the Year award winner, an award given to NFL players who exhibit high generosity off the field.
Above all though, Moats seems to buy into the Steeler way and believes they can contend for a championship this year. Having the positivity he gave off when dealing with a team in a transition period is never a negative. He said all the right things in the interview, but overall, he’s a high character guy that should boost morale in the locker room, give back to the community and play well on the field.
His “no-brainer” decision should pay off well for the Steelers. His acquisition provides much needed depth to the linebacker positions. Ultimately, it’s a step in the right direction for Pittsburgh.
