If you're anything like me, you couldn't be more excited about the Pittsburgh Steelers recent signing of defensive lineman, Larry Ogunjobi. Ogunjobi, 28, will hopefully fill a void left behind by Stephon Tuitt on the defensive line who retired suddenly in early June. He's currently doing individual drills with the team as their 2022 training camp in Latrobe, PA is underway as he recovers from a foot injury he suffered this past postseason.
The former division rival who previously played for both the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, respectively, spoke to the media on Saturday about his time so far in the Steel City.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman, Larry Ogunjobi (#65) participates in 2022 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
Before Ogunjobi got to the NFL, he shared his collegiate experience with Steelers outside linebacker, Alex Highsmith, at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2016. Ogunjobi spoke to that along with his relationship with the third-year linebacker:
"Well you know, me and Alex went to school together, so uh, there's that. And then his dad [has] always followed me real close just through my years in the league, so we always kept in touch. And you know, Alex is like family. So, he was excited when there was like rumors of me coming here, so he was excited.""...We kept a good relationship throughout my time in the league and while he was still in school."
YES!!! Alex and Larry back together again!!!#Steelers: Ogunjobi signed to one-year contract https://t.co/iNiXqLKLd6
— Sam Highsmith (@HighsmithHigh5) June 21, 2022
Jokingly, when asked about playing for other AFC North rivals, and if the Baltimore Ravens were next on the list, Ogunjobi responded convincingly with a smile:
"God doesn't make mistakes. And He has a funny sense of humor, so it's kind of funny to be here [in Pittsburgh] after all the other teams I've been on. But it's cool, they've welcomed me with open arms, and I'm excited for the opportunity.""Right now, my full focus is playing for the Steelers [laughs]."
Former Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle, Larry Ogunjobi (#65) celebrates a sack in the second quarter of the NFL Week 13 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021. The Chargers led 24-13 at halftime.
Ogunjobi also spoke on his Super Bowl run last season with the Bengals, team camaraderie, and how this season is "up for grabs."
"For me, I think the biggest thing was just camaraderie. That team was super young. We were all around the same age. I think the oldest guy was Kevin [Huber] and the snapper [Clark Harris]. We were just a bunch of young guys, no egos. Everybody was happy for each other's success, and I feel a lot of similarities here [in Pittsburgh].""I feel like the team that prepares the best, that has the most unison as a team, the best camaraderie, is going to come out all top."
Watch the full interview here.
So what do yinz think? Does Ogunjobi have what it takes to replace Tuitt and leave his own mark on this storied franchise? Click to comment below!
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