Moats enjoys veteran’s duty
From passing on footwork tips to teaching younger guys how to take care of their bodies, Steelers linebacker Arthur Moats is fully embracing his role as a veteran.
“It’s fun when you get to this stage in your career, when you’re able to pass on your knowledge to these younger guys who are learning the position, getting acclimated to being a professional athlete and how to take care of their bodies,” Moats said. “It’s always a good feeling when you’re able to spread that knowledge in the same way that older guys did that to me.”
Moats, who is entering his eighth season in the NFL and his fourth with the Steelers, started five games in 2016. With young linebackers Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt — who are entering their third and first seasons in the league, respectively — on the roster, Moats said there’s plenty of wisdom to share.
“I feel like the biggest thing is understanding the importance of taking care of your body and understanding the playbook. I don’t care how great of an athlete you are. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you’re gonna look terrible,” he said. “So just understanding the nuances, the little details. Where to look, different eye keys, different footwork keys. Knowing those will help you become a better player.
“I’ve played a long time. A lot of people don’t make it this long,” Moats said. “For me, I’m definitely fortunate to be in this position, and I don’t take it for granted.”
Building trust
Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster hopes to one day have chemistry with a quarterback similar to the rapport Antonio Brown and Ben Roethlisberger share.
Running drills with the first team Wednesday, the second-round draft pick said he’s beginning to build that kind of trust with his quarterback.
“Just today, I was watching [Antonio] and Ben. It’s eight years they’ve put together,” he said. “That’s something I want with a quarterback. For us to be all out here, we’re all building the same trust.”
Not only does SmithSchuster hope to take after Brown’s chemistry with Roethlisberger, but he also specifically watches Brown on film, wanting to take something new from him every day, he said.
Smith-Schuster’s NFL.com draft profile lists Lions receiver Anquan Boldin as his NFL comparison. The rookie said he’s taking such recognition as a compliment.
“He’s a great player,” Smith-Schuster said. “I think it’s great because he’s very physical, very strong hands. This is what I bring to the team.”
Family Fest
Steelers fans will be able to take in the team’s first open training camp practice at Heinz Field on Aug. 6.
The open practice is a part of Family Fest, which will run from 5-9 p.m. and cost $10. Tickets for the event are available online.
The event will include player introductions, a Parade of Champions march featuring Special Olympic athletes, first responders and members of the military, an opportunity to take a photo with the team’s six Lombardi trophies and a chance to meet Steelers alumni.