You know special teams holds an equally special place in my heart. And so no one pulled at those heartstrings more than Roosevelt Nix last year. A man who bulled, dominated, and splash-played onto the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster.
Now, some of those currently playing the game are giving him appropriate due.
Oakland Raiders’ linebacker Lorenzo Alexander posted a list of the top ten special teamers in the league. Nix placed 10th, a strong showing for a guy who has spent just a year in the league and only once faced Alexander. Here’s what he had to say on the man they call Rosey.
“A rookie fullback who made his presence felt with his physical play on kickoff and punt coverage units. Reminds me of former Washington Redskin Mike Sellers. One of the few guys during my career who has dropped the boom on me.”
That was some “boom” Nix dropped on Alexander and it’s still my favorite play of the year. Here’s the GIF again and you can see Nix blowing him up at the end of this touchback.
He made nine tackles and forced two fumbles, including one in the Raiders game. Nix will enter 2016 as the team’s starting fullback but should also be a four-phase player on special teams. And continue to earn the admiration of Danny Smith. Also me.
The New England Patriots Matthew Slater was ranked the top special teamer. Again, you can check out the full list here.
