Veteran Calvin Anderson Helping Provide Leadership and Versatility on OL

by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published June 3, 2025, 4:37 PM

Pittsburgh, PA – With nearly 100 players attending OTAs for each NFL team, it’s easy to miss some of the lesser-discussed names who are quietly stacking good days. But every so often, a lineman stands out so much, I half-joke to him about buying his football cards. That’s how fun Calvin Anderson has been to watch on the South Side of Pittsburgh.

Yes, lineman — not quarterback or wide receiver. Offensive line might not sell jerseys or fill highlight reels, but the technicians in the trenches are the engine of every offense. And Anderson, a veteran tackle entering his seventh NFL season, is making it hard to overlook his contributions.

Anderson, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Rice in 2019, has played for multiple teams including stints with the New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and New England Patriots. Now, at 29 years old, he’s embracing another season in Pittsburgh and a leadership role with the Steelers.

“The approach to the season, I think every year is sort of a reset,” Anderson told me following the OTA session on Tuesday. “So, you try to spend the offseason, time away, reflecting on the season, thinking about the things you want to get better at, and then making a plan. And then we get here, getting here for OTAs practice, practicing your plan. It’s not full tempo, so you get a lot of opportunity to work technique. But you know, it’s year seven, and time flies. We have a talented group, and so my job as a veteran is to push the group to be as good as we can be.”

That mix of humility, focus, and experience is exactly what Pittsburgh is counting on to help mentor their two recent first-round draft picks: Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu. Jones, a 2023 selection out of Georgia, saw significant playing time as a rookie. Fautanu, selected in 2024, is coming off a knee injury, but his upside is undeniable. Anderson sees the growth in both and the hunger to be great.

“I think those two guys, while young and talented and are very respectful,” Anderson said. “They understand they’re going into year three and two, and while they have played some ball, with Brod and with Troy coming back from his knee, they have big expectations for themselves, as they should.”

Veteran linemen often come off as stoic, all-business types, but Anderson has a lighthearted presence that makes him approachable. I brought up the topic of age joking that 27-year-old former Steeler Myles Boykin used to get called “old man” in the locker room and Anderson laughed.

“I think when I hit 30, I won’t be able to avoid the teasing anymore,” he said, grinning. “But as of right now, it’s just all respect.”

That respect has been earned. During individual drills, Anderson’s technique and execution under Offensive Line Coach Pat Meyer’s watchful eye have stood out. He’s played both left and right tackle throughout his career — a versatility that makes him even more valuable in Pittsburgh’s deepening offensive line room. He’s a living reminder that where you start even undrafted doesn’t dictate how far you can go.

You can see the work ethic in every rep. There’s a reason he’s in year seven.

Curious, I asked Anderson what his dream play would be on Sundays. That fantasy moment every lineman might secretly carry.

He wiped away beads of sweat, chuckled, and lit up like someone who’s actually pictured it a few times.

“Look, man, if you’re talking about me at home dreaming about plays, I can run? It’s got to be tackle pass on the goal line, or a screenplay where you get out and get one of those skinny guys,” he said, still laughing.

There’s refreshing authenticity in Anderson’s presence, a mix of gritty professionalism and childlike love for the game. You can’t help but root for him, whether he’s helping tutor a first-round pick, working silently in the background, or daydreaming about running over one of those skinny guys.

As the Steelers eye a climb back into the AFC’s top tier, the flashy names will take the headlines. But don’t be surprised if it’s guys like Calvin Anderson steady, experienced, and flat-out reliable. A guy like Anderson can help make that rise possible.

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com