Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Jalen Ramsey hasn’t been tasked with a role like he’s been given in black and gold. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive back is getting used to his multiple responsibilities.
The three-time first-team Associated Press All-Pro has bounced between cornerback, safety and nickel within Mike Tomlin’s defense. He played all three during his college days at Florida State and said recently on “The Pivot Podcast” that he gets bored while stationed solely on the perimeter.
“It’s fun, for sure,” Ramsey said after practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Tuesday. “Challenging at times. Just, you know, making sure I’m locked in on the various parts of it, but I enjoy it a lot. … When you go from different positions, you have to know different roles, obviously, know different alignments, assignments and different techniques.
“In a couple of those roles, I have to communicate frequently, whereas just playing outside, I don’t really have to communicate as much (and) I can just kinda lock in on one specific thing.”
Ramsey prides himself on providing versatility, leadership in the secondary and play-making ability. He’s been fostering a stronger bond with his fellow covermen, namely Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay. Porter is in his third season as a pro, while Slay is much more seasoned. Both Ramsey and Slay have won Super Bowls.
“All of us have been connected one way or another in our past, whether that’s through just friendships, playing on teams together or knowing each other outside of football,” Ramsey said. “We kind of already had a little something-something. It’s just continuing to grow that.”
Alan Saunders contributed reporting for this story from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers’ Jalen Ramsey Relishing ‘Fun’ Challenge of Multiple Roles
