The Pittsburgh Steelers almost lost one of the more underrated stars of the defense this offseason when DT Tyson Alualu reportedly agreed to a contract to return to the team that initially drafted him 10th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In a season where games were postponed and moved around several times, we knew that COVID-19 had impacted the NFL in a major way. The offseason was no different.
[incontent2]
Alualu agreed to terms on a contract to return to Jacksonville on March 16th. 11 days later, it was reported that he had a change of heart and decided to return to the Steelers on a two-year contract.
Crazy backstory: Tyson Alualu was going to sign with the #Jaguars, but couldn’t make the trip after testing positive for COVID, per sources. He’d built his dream home in Pittsburgh, has kids in school, and with 10 days to think, he decided to stay. https://t.co/oeVQv9W2ie
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 27, 2021
During a media session this past week, Alualu addressed what happened and eventually led to his return to the Steelers.
"It was stressful during that time because me and my family knew we wanted to stay here in Pittsburgh, but we weren't reaching an agreement." He continued, "Then I got COVID, and that gave me more time to think about wanting to stay in Pittsburgh. I talked to some of my teammates here and decided to switch over. It was nothing that Jacksonville did to change my mind. I am thankful and grateful that Jacksonville was a team that came after me heavy, but at the end of the day I'm just happy and grateful to be with the Pittsburgh Steelers and to try to chase a championship here.""I did have a place in Jacksonville, but I just sold my home there late last year. Maybe that played a factor in it -- having to start all over after I had left," Alualu said. "But my teammates here made me feel wanted, that they wanted me back and needed me back. There were a lot of emotions that played into it."
[incontent3]
"I was supposed to fly out to Jacksonville the next day, and then when I got tested I found out I had COVID. I didn't even know I had it," Alualu said. "But since I tested positive, I wasn't able to fly out to sign the contract. Throughout the whole process, even before I agreed to terms, my teammates and even (defensive line) coach (Karl) Dunbar were calling and checking on me, wanting to me to stay. My wife and I had a lot of conversations about what choice we wanted to make. Even after we agreed to terms in Jacksonville, after we talked about it and prayed about it, we felt (staying in Pittsburgh) was the best decision for our family."
Tyson had a huge impact on this defense this past year and found his role starting in 10 games in 2020. He finished out the year with an overall grade of 86.6 (according to pff.com). He contributed 5 batted down passes, 1 forced fumble, 2 sacks, 38 tackles (17 solos), 4 tackles for a loss, and 5 QB Hits. Alualu provides great veteran leadership and is a guy that seems to be loved in the locker room. I for one am beyond happy to have Alualu back in the middle of this defensive line and I expect him to continue to help this defense in a big way!
What do yinz think of Alualu's journey to return to the Steelers this offseason? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
#SteelerNation
