The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the biggest and best fan bases in the league. Some of these fans are players in the NFL who would love nothing more than to suit up for the team they rooted for as a kid. Steelers newest linebacker Cole Holcomb is one of these people, and he is excited to don the black and gold in 2023.
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Holcomb’s Significant Steelers Connections
Like many choices we make in our lives, becoming a Steelers fan is a major decision. This decision can be influenced by a variety of factors, but the most common one is having a family member who is already a fan. For me personally, it is my dad. In Holcomb’s case, it is his uncle, but his fandom for Pittsburgh was a little awkward considering his dad rooted for an opposing organization:
"My uncle was a diehard Steelers fan," Holcomb said Thursday. "So, you know, I grew up watching Pittsburgh games and somehow my dad was a Raiders fan. That’s why those were the two games I watched. So, I know the history behind this organization. I know, that you know what they're expecting, and I feel like I can fit in well, and I think, you know, this is my kind of organization.”
Holcomb attended games with his uncle when he was a kid, including an AFC Championship Game, although he is unsure of which one it was. Even though he may not recall all the details, there was one thing that left a lasting impression on the young Holcomb:
"I don't remember the team or who we were playing, but I mean, all I can remember is like the Terrible Towels and everyone is going crazy," he said. "I just remember the atmosphere and how crazy it was."
Obviously, there is a lot to love about playing in front of the home crowd at Acrisure Stadium. Holcomb reiterated that feeling of eagerness when listing off all the things he loves about being a Steeler:
"I love the atmosphere. I love the fan base. I love the organization. You know, I love the coaching staff. And I'm just super, super excited to get started working with these guys."
One of the guys that Holcomb will be excited to work with is his old roommate from the University of North Carolina, quarterback Mitch Trubisky.
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Trubisky reached out to Holcomb once his new deal was finalized and has been aiding Holcomb in meeting his new teammates:
"I got to know a lot of the guys through Mitch you know, because Mitch lives 10 minutes from me right now," Holcomb said. "We hang out a lot and I met some of the guys this offseason through them coming and hanging out with Mitch. And you know, it's been one of those things where we've always talked about it, you know, how cool it'd be to be teammates."
Holcomb To Help Boost Steelers Linebacker Depth
Holcomb is going to be a solid piece to add to the Steelers defense, especially considering the depth the team currently has at the linebacker position. Myles Jack, whom Pittsburgh signed in last season’s free agency, was released, while Devin Bush and Robert Spillane have each signed with a new squad. A player of Holcomb’s caliber, having the experience of being a starter and logging a lot of minutes will be a welcome addition:
"The way I look at it, I'm very excited for the opportunity," Holcomb said. "I had a great defensive line in Washington and I'm joining another great new line in Pittsburgh. I watched a lot of these guys on tape. I feel very confident in my teammates in that I'll be able to fill any role they need me to fill."
One area of concern that will need to be monitored closely is Holcomb’s health. In December of 2022, Holcomb suffered an injury to his foot that he later had surgery on. As of right now, Holcomb is undergoing rehab and seems to be recovering well.
"I feel like I'm progressing very well on my rehab," Holcomb said of the surgery. "I feel like I'll be ready to go. I've had surgery before. I just took that mentality and just attacked it, and you know, I'm feeling good now and I'm feeling like I'll be ready to go."
Hopefully, he will be able to partake in offseason workouts with the rest of the team and be in good shape for training camp later this summer. However, this appears to be the only blemish on an otherwise impressive young resume.
What are your expectations for Cole Holcomb? Let us know in the comments or on social media.
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