Steelers' Patrick Peterson Takes An Extremely Professional Approach To His Mentor Role In 2023

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a bit of a surprise signing back in March when they added three-time First Team All-Pro cornerback, Patrick Peterson. Head Coach Mike Tomlin had been keeping tabs on Peterson before he even attended LSU and will now have a front-row seat to his play as his bench boss. Peterson will be a trusted mentor on the team in 2023, despite being one of the new guys in the locker room. 

The veteran cornerback joined Steelers Live after his first-ever practice at St. Vincent College to chat about hanging out at a college campus for the first time in a very long while, his role on the team, and some expectations for the year. 

The team drafted a pair of cornerbacks, Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr., in this year's draft and Peterson was asked about what he can do to help them. Peterson and Porter Jr. already have a connection that should help their relationship blossom, but Peterson mentioned something that will apply to both of the team's young defensive backs. 

"The good thing about these guys is we kind of have the same body stature," he said. "All of us kind of have the same attributes. We love to press. We're long. We're fast and we're very physical. At the end of the day, it's not really hard. Especially with Joey and Trice, all I have to do is give them little nuggets to help their game continue in the right direction."     

Peterson said the role of being a mentor just comes naturally to him. He had said earlier this offseason how Ryan Tannehill's treatment of rookie Malik Willis bothered him because of how differently he approaches things. He wants to help people and get the best out of his teammates. While the focus has been on what the veteran cornerback can do to help elevate the others at his position, he said he's always open to helping anyone on either side of the ball. If George Pickens and Diontae Johnson want to go spend some extra time practicing releases, Peterson is happy to be that guy.  

"I always want the next generation to want to become better than me," he said. "If there's any helpful information that I can pass on, I'm going to pass it on. I’m going to continue leaning on these young guys to help their game flourish. I’m excited to be here with all this young talent on this team and I can’t wait to see where it takes us."

Steelers' Peterson Slips Details About His Role In 2023

The Steelers weren't quiet about the excitement they had for the versatility that Peterson offered them in the secondary. The 33-year-old shared some of what is in store in 2023, but decided to keep detail to a minimum. 

"I honestly believe you’re going to see me lined up a bit everywhere," Peterson said. "Coach has got some plans for me and hopefully you’ll be able to see that soon. We don’t know how many teams are watching this show, so don’t want to give out too much just yet."

He's already expressed that in the short time he's already had Tomlin as his head coach, he's already thinking he can extend his career. It's possible down the line that maybe Peterson gets moved to safety given his intelligence and versatility. 

While a big part of Peterson's role is the mentorship aspect, he is also still here to play. Peterson broke up a pass from Kenny Pickett to Pickens on the very first play from scrimmage at training camp. 

There's still gas left in the tank for the veteran who is likely headed to the Hall of Fame when it's all over. But that day isn't soon he's hoping. Right now, he's thankful for the opportunity that Tomlin and the Steelers organization have given him to be "a ball player and not just a cornerback."

What do you think about Peterson's approach to mentorship? What are you excited to watch from Peterson this season? Comment below!

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