Super Bowl-winning guard Stefen Wisniewski is ‘excited to get started’ with the Steelers

Guard Stefen Wisniewski, who signed with the Steelers via free agency in March, is hard at work preparing for the season.

From rookies to veterans, Steelers players are doing what they can to keep in football shape. Typically, OTAs would be starting up next week in Pittsburgh; instead, the league has extended its virtual offseason through June 26.

This is a challenging time, especially for players new to the Steelers. The lack of hands-on work with coaches and teammates makes it difficult to acclimate to the system.

It hasn’t deterred guard Stefen Wisniewski. Fresh off a Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl win, the Pittsburgh native signed with the Steelers via free agency in March.

“I have been going to a local park and doing some running for conditioning,” Wisniewski said in an interview with Teresa Varley at Steelers.com. “I am doing some football drills by myself too. I am going through the plays, what the Steelers call, what I need to do on that play. But I don’t have anybody to block, so I am just blocking air. It’s not quite the same as blocking a 300 plus defensive lineman, but it’s good to get some muscle memory and brain repetition, just going through some of the plays.”

While he’s a Steelers newbie, Wisniewski is at an advantage entering his 10th year in the league.

“I have been in a lot of different offenses,” said Wisniewski. “I have had five or six offensive coordinators in nine years. At the end of the day, we all run the same plays. It’s a matter of what you call it, how you do the little things differently. I am learning what the Steelers call it, and I will be ready to go.”

With the retirement of Ramon Foster and reserve B.J. Finney departing for the Seattle Seahawks, the Steelers didn’t waste any time bringing in a player to compete at guard. The team also drafted guard Kevin Dotson in April, and Matt Feiler, who has played at tackle the past two seasons, has some experience there as well. Nothing brings out the best in a player than competition.

“I am excited to get started,” said Wisniewski. “All I control is I am working hard, lifting weights, getting in good shape, learning the plays. Whenever we do go back, I know I will be ready to go. I will be ready to go at full speed.”

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