The Pittsburgh Steelers got their guy in the 2019 NFL Draft when they traded up to get linebacker Devin Bush with the 10th overall pick. The Michigan standout had a stellar rookie season as he posted 109 tackles, 2 interceptions, 9 tackles for a loss, 1 touchdown, and 1 forced fumble that year. However, in 2020, Bush only played in five games due to tearing his ACL. It's been all downhill since for the now four-year veteran. The Steelers recently declined Bush's fifth-year option and he's set to become a free agent after this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Devin Bush injured on the sideline in the first half. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
Bush had a very subpar 2021 season and at times, he looked lost and out of sorts. But it's hard for an athlete to get back to form after dealing with an ACL tear, like Bush did. Bush spoke to the media after Organized Team Activities (OTA's) on Wednesday about regaining confidence and feeling more comfortable:
"I'm feeling confident, I'm getting back into the groove of things, as in going out there and knowing expectations and getting a chance to go out there with a whole new mindset and just play football again, honestly."
On if his knee ever felt comfortable last season, Bush said:
"Not the beginning of the season, I would say more so, towards the second part of it [is] when I started really getting comfortable. Now, I don't think my knee's an issue."
"When's the last time you felt this way?"
Bush just smiled and nodded with a laugh, "You know, you know."
He was asked if the thoughts of his injury have faded. Bush responded:
"I tell you what, after the season, I got a chance to go home and I spent two months at home, and I was able to just go out on the field and put my cleats on whenever I felt like it. I was just telling the guys, last year at this time, I wasn't on the field as much. I was managing my reps, they was holding me back, just for precautionary things. But after the season, I got a chance, I was running miles on the beach. I was cutting, planting, jumping, playing around, and my knee wasn't an issue, so I think I was able to get back to that. Just doing normal things and I think to get my confidence back in myself and my knee so I think that was a big part of my rehab, honestly, actually after the season."
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, Devin Bush (#55) participates in the organized team activities (OTA’s), Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. | Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
Bush was asked if his confidence was faltered last season:
"At times, I think early on at times. I wasn't happy with my play, of course, I wasn't happy with losing, but I went through some things, personally. I felt like it was all a learning process for me."
"What's it been like for you, working with Brian Flores?"
"Good. I think he's a big, big addition to the Steelers, having him in the room is outstanding. You know, he's a guy that's real football minded, he loves the game, so you can ask him any type of question, have any type of discussion with him. And you know, just talk about football and life, honestly. And I think he's a real good addition to our squad."
Pittsburgh Steelers Senior Defensive Assistant/Linebackers coach Brian Flores participates in the Organized Team Activities(OTAs), Tuesday May 24, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Check out the entire media session here!
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