by Bo Marchionte
Pittsburgh – One thing is very apparent on the southside of Pittsburgh, the Steelers are filled with a lot of fresh faces. Especially considering that Covid-19, robbed writers the opportunity to share so many stories and get to know the players we watch in the NFL on a weekly basis.
Safety Karl Joseph signed with Pittsburgh last season, but Zoom calls never allows the personal inner action via dialogue for a few minutes inside the locker room.
“My first practice in high school I used to want to be a receiver,” said Joseph with a chisel out frame covered in tattoo’s. “I was going to play receiver or running back. Just watching guys like T.O. (Terrell Owens) and stuff like that.
“But then our first practice in high school the coach saw me hit in the tackling drills and I went strictly to defense. I’ve never looked back.”
Joseph has not looked back.
Earning first-team All-Big 12 (2014) and second-team All-American (2015) honors at West Virginia, led Joseph to be selected 14th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. He would make the All-Rookie team that same year.
Playing at West Virginia, about an hour fifteen minutes south of Pittsburgh, Joseph was able to sense the vibe of the Steelers organization.
“This place has a lot of tradition,” said Joseph.
“Growing up and especially playing at WV, which is not too far from here. I’m kind of accustomed to it a little bit.”
The current locker room in Pittsburgh, reminds me a bit of how New England operates when the Patriots are building their rosters. Usually, filled with first-round guys who might not be at the pinnacle of their careers, but have plenty left in the tank.
Joseph has that first-round pedigree along with the gritty qualities that would entice teams like Pittsburgh, who put a premium on character coinciding with ability. A veteran of six seasons in the National Football League, he is acclimated to the pro game.
“I only know how to play the game one way, said Joseph. “The way is meant to be fast and physical. As I’ve gotten more years in this game. Now it’s about playing faster using the mental part of it and not just the physical part of it.
“Hopefully, that is something I can show off. My ability to learn and anticipate stuff from just using my years of experience.”
Experience is going to be a key ingredient to the safety position this season.
All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is perennial star of the group.
Behind him lies a group of savvy veterans which should leave the learning curve under new defensive coordinator Teryl Austin very easy to digest as mini-camp transitions into training camp and eventually into the 2022 NFL season.
Joseph, in his second season is looking for a fresh start. After four years with the Raiders, Joseph has spent one season in Cleveland prior to signing with Pittsburgh, in 2021.
“My second year here,” said Joseph.
“I’m more comfortable with the defense. So, I’m able to move around faster. I’m kind of used to the guys now and the expectations around here.
“The coaching staff as well. I feel a lot more comfortable and just ready to get to work.”
Throughout OTA’s and minicamp which began today, Joseph has been steady participant showing awareness and aggressiveness in the secondary.
Look for a much-improved Karl Joseph heading into year two with Pittsburgh.