Steelers Now
Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety DeShon Elliott is coming off a career-best year, recording 108 tackles (72 solos), four tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and six passes defended. To say the least, Elliott turned heads in his first season with the Black and Gold.
Elliot has played for the Baltimore Raven, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins in his career, but nothing compares to the Steelers. Elliott credits Mike Tomlin for creating a family-like atmosphere in Pittsburgh.
“All I can do is thank God for the position that Mike [Tomlin] has given me, the opportunity to play the game,” Elliott said, via the Steelers’ website. “Because ‘I’ve been to a lot of places but it’s the only place where I feel like home, so I appreciate them so much for the opportunity.”
Tomlin’s ability to relate to players might be his best attribute has a coach. Elliott appreciates Tomlin’s authenticity and sincerity.
“You walk in the building, and honestly, it’s hard to describe the feeling,” Elliott said. “Just knowing that when a coach talks to you, he’s not talking to you just to check a box. He’s talking to you because he actually cares.
“If I’m talking to Mike T, it’s about my family or the things I have going on at home, like my dad. They’ve reached out to try to help me with that. It feels like something different for me. I really love being here.”
During a one-on-one interview with Missi Matthews of Steelers.com last year, Elliott revealed that Patrick Queen recruited him to sign with the Steelers.
“He was like, do you wanna become a Steeler? I was like, what do you mean? He goes, I was talking to the GM, do you wanna become a Steeler? I was like freak yeah bro, hell yeah, I’ll come play with you; what are you talking about? And so the next day, made it happen,” Elliott said.
After bouncing around the league from Baltimore to Detroit to Miami, it appears that Elliott has found a home in Pittsburgh. Elliott is heading into a contract year, but if he has a another season like last year, he should receive a hefty payday from the Steelers.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Safety DeShon Elliott Feels at Home in Pittsburgh: ‘I Really Love Being Here’
