The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line from a season ago was abysmal and that's simply putting it nicely. One of the only bright spots up front was left tackle and blindside protector, Dan Moore Jr. In his rookie campaign, Moore Jr. started 16 games at one of the most important positions in all of football. No higher pressure to start your career than being the blindside protector for future first ballot Hall of Fame QB Ben Roethlisberger. A couple of big guys who used to protect Roethlisberger and put defenders on skates in the rushing attack, Ramon Foster and Max Starks have been advising Moore Jr. as best as they can.
The Steelers' plan this whole time was to bring Max Starks back—they just needed to feel confident in his health first. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
In a recent article published by Steelers.com, website writer Teresa Varley gave some insight on the relationships forming between Moore Jr., Starks, and Foster.
"I am talking to big Max a lot and just getting to know him," said Moore via Varley's 'Camp Blog' article. "He blocked a long time for Big Ben. He is definitely helping me for sure."
"Not only Max, but Ramon Foster. They tell me keep improving, working technique, leading. Just doing what I am doing."
"It means a lot. It means they are seeing something in me. Guys aren't going to waste their time and help someone if they don't see the potential. When you talk about the Steelers tradition, and things being passed on, a young guy like myself, you don't see that around in a lot of other organizations."
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO, Twitter)
Starks discussed the relationship he started with Moore Jr. a season ago:
"I met Dan last season, by myself coming in as a new sideline reporter, I didn't know what I could or couldn't do," said Starks via the article. "As the season went on, I introduced myself to him. He asked if I had any advice for him since I was seeing it live. I gave him a couple of tips. Tried to relay some of my experience. You have to show credibility. We developed that relationship where I can tell him you might want to work on this, here is a key for you.You are starting at one of the toughest positions in all of football having to block the best guy across from you. He is blocking Pro Bowlers, high sack guys, first rounders, week in and week out. It can be a lonely feeling. Being a fellow third rounder, I felt something."
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 31: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns rushes against Dan Moore Jr. #65 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
"Seeing his growth, his toughness is great," Starks continued on Moore Jr.'s development. "When you are playing that position, and so young, every experience is a new experience for you, something to add to your data bank. I told him don't lose the lesson in all of these encounters. You can get down on yourself on a bad play. I told him don't dwell on it, but remember it.When you go back and watch film, where were your hands, where were your feet, what do you do wrong, what were you thinking? Replay that and take notes. I am trying to not be a big brother, but that person who sees it from afar and is trying to shepherd him."
Hopefully, Moore Jr. will take the savvy veteran advice as he holds down the blindside of whoever is under center for the Steelers in 2022.
What are yinz thoughts on Dan Moore Jr. getting advice from two great Steelers' offensive linemen from the past? Let us know in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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