The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted linebacker Mark Robinson out of Ole Miss in the 7th round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Even with the addition of Myles Jack, the Steelers felt the need to add Robinson to the room during the draft last month. The linebacker sat down with Missi Matthews to discuss his Pittsburgh experience, transitioning to the NFL, and learning from the veterans on the roster.
Matthews asked Robinson to take her through his pre-draft visit and his first experience of Pittsburgh.
"It was pretty neat, getting the chance to come out here, just getting out the plane, and what was crazy on my visit, they had me in the city in a hotel, so I wasn't really back here. So, like, now that I'm back here all the time, it's almost a different view. The sun [would] be out, when we're practicing and stuff. So, it was different. Like pre-draft, I didn't think it would be like this, but it's been fun so far."
"So what's something that surprises you or something that you've learned about this area?"
"What surprises me, is how hot it was. Yeah, I packed a lot of jogging pants, jackets, but it was so hot out there the first couple of days. And then it rained, and I thought it was going to be cold, but it was warm again. I guess I'm just bringing that down south energy." Robinson joked.
"What is it like working with the rookie class, getting a chance to meet veterans, and really start the process of, hey, you're in the NFL now," asked Matthews.
"For me, it's just eye opening. Learn how to be a professional, try to see the things they do to take care of their bodies, longevity, how they study their plays and take notes. It's a big transition. So, hanging around the older guys, it'll help you a lot, so you understand the difference between college and being a professional athlete."
"Who's someone you're leaning on that's a veteran?"
"Myles Jack,I just like to watch him, and Minkah [Fitzpatrick], I just watch those guys. And Najee [Harris] and Cam [Heyward], just watching them. Not so much just verbally speaking to them, but just watching where they move and the way they handle business. They might not even know it, but I'm definitely paying attention."
Matt Freed / Post-Gazette
"So do coaches want you to mainly work inside and what are they telling you? I know TA [DC Teryl Austin] had said a little about adding some bodyweight to you," Matthews asked Robinson.
"For me, it's just getting in the playbook, learning the stuff, being comfortable, getting ready to play, just working hard every day to be the player that they need me to be, whatever that is, whether it's inside or outside. But I've been working on the inside position, just trying to learn all the ins and outs, different terminology, and how we like to do things around here. So, that's been fun, and I'm getting the hang of it. I'm look forward to it.
Southeast Missouri State University running back Mark Robinson (23) evades a tackle during the OVC championship game against Murray State last season at Houck Stadium.
Matthews asked Robinson about how his transition from running back to the other side of the ball has helped him playing linebacker.
"Yeah, that's great. I knew that one was coming, everybody asks me that one. I think for me, I was trying to really be a running back, a Hall of Fame running back, so I used to study a lot of stuff from the offensive side of the ball. So, coming over to defense, just understanding the way that the running back thinks, and what they're looking for, and things they see, and their thought process, it helps me a lot. Sometimes, gives me keys that other guys may not be able to pick up on. You just keep learning, and try to dwell on those things, and add to the package.
On what he wants to accomplish before his rookie season,
"It's just a day to day routine. Just looking forward to establishing a daily routine as a professional athlete, whether that'd be early morning workout that we have all day, different types of diets and nutritionists, and just learn how to be a better me, so that whenever the time I do come back, I'm way better than where they thought I would be. That's the goal."
OXFORD, MS - NOVEMBER 13: Ole Miss Rebels linebacker Mark Robinson (35) flexes after making a tackle during the game between the Ole Miss Rebels and the Texas A&M Aggies on November 13, 2021, at Vaught-Hemingway Stadiumin Oxford, Ms. (Photo by Chris McDill/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Check out the entire interview here!
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