The players for the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to arrive at 2022 training camp and there are many new faces to the organization that will have an effect on if the team can exceed expectations this year. One of those additions is defensive lineman, Larry Ogunjobi. Many Steelers fans remember him as being a key part of the on-field brawl that ensued between Cleveland Browns edge rusher, Myles Garrett and Steelers quarterback, Mason Rudolph in 2019.
The incident led to an indefinite suspension for Garrett and plenty of bad blood between the two rivals. Ogunjobi is confident that his on-field conflict a couple years ago won't have an effect on Head Coach Mike Tomlin's team and it is in the past.
Larry Ogunjobi as he arrives to training camp says any past beefs with Mason Rudolph is “water under the bridge” and talks about joining the #Steelers defense that’s led the NFL in sacks for 5 straight years: pic.twitter.com/c3nUG4RLYl
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) July 26, 2022
"I reached out [to Rudolph] when I signed. I feel like it's just water under the bridge. You know, that was years ago. I have no hard feelings. I don't think he has any hard feelings. I feel like as men in a sport, sometimes we act out of emotion," said Ogunjobi. "I was defending my teammate, he was doing his thing and I feel like it just is what it is. We reached out, we talked. That was over the day it happened. The only way I can move is forward and for me, that is why I'm here."
Ogunjobi accepted a three-year deal worth over $40 million dollars from the Chicago Bears earlier this off-season, but it was rescinded due to a failed physical. He has a ton of talent on the defensive front and could be a huge addition to the defense to bolster a rushing defense that struggled a season ago.
AP Photo/David Richard
Ogunjobi also commented on how he will build on his seven sack season a year ago as he joins a team that has led the NFL in sacks the last five seasons.
"I just want to make plays and play. This is the longest that I haven't been playing football without doing OTA's and the injury, so I'm just really excited to get back on the football field and continue to elevate my game," said Ogunjobi. "I feel like I hit my stride last year and I just want to build and keep getting better."
The defense allowed a league high 146.1 yards per game against the run last season. Ogunjobi has the talent to rush the quarterback, but will be a key defender for the Steelers in all facets as long as he remains healthy. He had a career high 16 quarterback hits and 12 tackles for loss a season ago and was a staple on the Cincinnati Bengals defense before his season-ending foot injury.
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (65) celebrates a sack in the second quarter of the NFL Week 13 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021. The Chargers led 24-13 at halftime.
How much of a positive impact do you think Ogunjobi will have on the Steelers defense? Let us know in the comments below!
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