Terence Garvin Says Steelers New Safety Kenny Robinson Needs To Capitalize On The Rare Opportunities He's Being Given With The 1st Team

The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be off to a great start prepping for the 2023 season during training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. Unfortunately, at times, football can be an unforgiving machine. Things such as injuries, personal losses and real-life tragedies happen to players, and yet, the team must continue on. However, as Head Coach, Mike Tomlin likes to say, "One man's misfortune is another man's opportunity." The person getting the opportunity just might be new safety, Kenny Robinson. 

Robinson was drafted twice, first in 2020 by the XFL team, the St. Louis Battlehawks and then in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. This made him the first player to be drafted from the XFL to the NFL. During his time in the XFL, he was excelling, with 21 tackles and two interceptions in just five games. When the coronavirus hit, and games were canceled, player contracts were terminated.   

He then spent three seasons bouncing back and forth between the practice squad and the active roster for the Panthers. Now the Wilkensburg native is getting a shot at playing for his hometown team. Robinson, who has never quit hustling trying to earn a roster spot, is getting a break at the expense of others. According to former Steelers linebacker, Terence Garvin, he needs to take full advantage of this chance. 

Former Steelers Linebacker Terence Garvin Said Kenny Robinson Better Take Full Advantage 

Garvin recently appeared on his former teammate and fellow linebacker, Arthur Moats' podcast, The Arthur Moats Experience. While they are several years apart in age, Garvin and Robinson both attended West Virginia University and Garvin has been cheering for Robinson's success. 

Now in the wake of safeties Damontae Kazee (ankle) and Minkah Fitzpatrick (undisclosed reasons) missing time at camp, the door has opened up for other players such as Keanu Neal and Robinson. Garvin echoed Tomlin's sentiments about the chance that is opening up for his fellow Mountaineer and Robinson did the right thing by making sure he was ready for one when it came. 

"Opportunities don't leave, they go to other people. Just keep on being ready."    

Moats agreed with Garvin. He said that from his perspective, Robinson is getting that shot he has been waiting for. There was no way he could have foreseen that both Fitzpatrick and Kazee would be off the field during camp at the same time, regardless of if it is for a day, a week or month. 

"Kenny's getting opportunities to run with the ones and he's actually making some plays out there. He's one of them dudes you talk about in terms of just trying to take advantage of an opportunity," Moats said.  

They both acknowledged that, at the start of the preseason, players like Robinson might feel like they don't have much of a shot. As they prep, they do not expect to get reps during the actual preseason games. They have to take their shots where and when they can get them.  

Garvin said that it is a chance for Robinson to show that he can do his job amongst the "ones," meaning the first-team players. He added that this is a sign that the team, and the coaches, are putting their trust in Robinson. While it might not create a roster spot on the defense, it might open another door. 

"You might not see it in terms of defensively, but that might be a special team roster spot that totally just opened up and put you with the ones on kickoff. That could be a punt return spot that just gave you a chance. Now you're with the ones on punt return. That will result in you getting more reps defensively."

That's what training camp is all about according to Garvin. No excellent team, certainly not one that wants to improve, just assumes that the players they draft or the players that return will be the ones who will make the final roster. 

In the case of the Steelers, they have a knack for finding diamonds in the rough. That has to give hope to a guy like Robinson who is just hoping to make the team. While no one wants to cheer against any of the current starters, it is easy to cheer for a guy like Robinson who just keeps trying his best. 

All of this has resulted in a strong showing thus far at training camp. It will be interesting to see how it plays out for Robinson and if he is able to crack the final roster. 

What do you think of Robinson's efforts so far? Do you think he has a shot at making the roster even on special teams? How much do you think the perseverance that Garvin and Moats tout matters? Who is your favorite Steelers "diamond in the rough?" Click to comment below! 

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