Jaylon Smith, signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers late on Tuesday, was all smiles at the team’s South Side facility on Wednesday.
After all, he’s now donning the Black & Gold on a Mike Tomlin-coached squad, sought-after by many players in the NFL.
“[Mike] Tomlin’s a guy that any player wants to play for. It’s just a matter of grace and opportunity,” Smith told Steelers reporters.
Many thought he’d never play again. Period.
During his final game at Notre Dame, Smith suffered a horrific knee injury — landing awkwardly after being shoved — tearing his MCL and damaging his PCL, plummeting his first-round draft stock.
Smith was viewed as one of the best players in the draft and, while expected to fall much further, went to the Dallas Cowboys in the second round (No. 34).
The surgery was a success, but the damage to his nerve was a problem and has hindered him since.
“Me, coming out of college, was gonna be a top-three pick. I got hurt in the last game, so a lot of guys never thought I’d play again.”
Yet, here he is, eight years removed and still playing — not at an elite level expected from a high-round pick, but playing nonetheless. And his goal remains the same: Be great.
“I’m happy to be in year eight and still striving for greatness. I’m just thankful for this opportunity, whatever the role.
Smith said he feels up to speed if his name were to be called this weekend. “Absolutely. I’m ready to go.”
“Just gotta put the time in. There’s no way around it. I’m a guy who’s got experience. I understand a lot of schemes. You’ve just gotta understand the terminology and get out there and be great.”
What he also understands is the nature in which Pittsburgh’s defense plays.
“I love the edge, the physicality we play with here in Pittsburgh,” Smith said via 93.7 The Fan. “Everyone is flying around trying to make a play but doing it together. I understand the Steel Curtain tradition.”
Jaylon Smith is in the building today pic.twitter.com/5URKjtzCxn
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) December 27, 2023
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