The Pittsburgh Steelers never came around to re-signing veteran cornerback, Joe Haden, but instead were able to land former Buffalo Bills cornerback, Levi Wallace in free agency. Wallace is 27 years old and heading into his fifth NFL season. Writer for Steelers.com, Teresa Varley released a piece Friday morning touching on Wallace's first year with the team and the new bond that he is creating with second-year cornerback, Tre Norwood. Wallace is new to the Steelers defensive scheme and while Norwood is only entering his sophomore season, he has been there to help Wallace get to know the playbook.
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Norwood only started three games last year, but that hasn't stopped him from being confident in his knowledge and helping the older Wallace with finding his footing in the Steelers defense this year.
"Having Tre Norwood, he is one of my closest friends on the team," Wallace said. "He kind of took me under his wing. He is a second-year player, but he really taught me the ropes, especially in that dime package."
Wallace went on to speak about Norwood's character and maturity as a young player. The two seem to already be growing a significant relationship both on and off the field.
"He is one of the easiest people to talk to. Really respectful young man. It's been cool. He is a pro through and through. Very mature on and off the field. It's easy to have a conversation with him, ask him about the defense," Wallace told Varley.
One of the main character traits that the newest Steelers cornerback spoke on was Norwood's humble attitude and ability to contribute on the field.
"There is no ego. He wants all his boys to do well. And he makes all kinds of plays for us on defense as well. Just having a guy like that, easy to talk to, it's beneficial for me."
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Norwood, although younger than Wallace, gave credit to certain guys who helped him last season when he was a rookie coming into the system. He wanted to do something similar for Wallace regardless of his NFL experience.
"I just felt like the help I got from the older guys last year, I want to do the same," said Norwood. "Coming in as a rookie, things were new. Just trying to adjust to all different aspects, even outside of football. A big shout out to those guys who helped me, Cam [Sutton], Minkah [Fitzpatrick], Terrell [Edmunds], Joe [Haden]. They took me under their wing and helped me out."
Norwood echoed what Wallace said about him, talking about the newcomer's maturity, talent, experience and lack of an ego.
"Levi is a great guy," Norwood said. "He is a great football player, even better person. Great character. High IQ guy. He is a vet himself and for him to ask me for help, ask me for things, it says a lot about him. He is not filled with an ego, or too proud. He is looking to come in and get better."
Wallace has been overwhelmingly impressed by Norwood's presence on the field and in the locker room throughout training camp.
"It's his second year and he acts like he is in year five already, which is dope. You don't get a lot of guys like that when they first come into the league. I watched him last year and the plays he made. He is a big part of this defense and special teams."
Team chemistry is a key part of football, especially within positional groups. Norwood is young, but his ability to connect with, help and develop a relationship with Wallace almost immediately is exactly what Steelers football is all about. Both players should be members of the organization for at least the next two seasons, so it should be awesome to watch their friendship, both professional and personally, grow.
What are your thoughts on this new friendship developing in the Steelers secondary? Let us know in the comments below!
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