Steelers News: Pair of Steelers rookie offensive linemen share unique bond

With all of the Steelers’ 2019 offseason workouts in the rear view mirror, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ fan base has to suffer through the dog days of summer until the boys of fall return to the gridon. In the meantime, don’t think the news surrounding the black-and-gold is over. As the team disperses for the summer, we continue to provide you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over until training camp!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at a pair of University of Maryland Terrapins who have a unique bond before being reunited with the Steelers in the NFL.

Let’s get to the news:

• The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Derwin Gray in the 7th round of the 2019 NFL Draft. What they didn’t know is they would be getting another player who is uniquely tight with Gray.

Steelers rookie linemen Derwin Gray, Damian Prince share lifelong bond

By: Chris Adamski, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Damian Prince was doing his first one-on-one interview as a professional football player from UPMC Rooney Sports Complex locker room last month, baring his emotions in discussing how he considered quitting football before the Pittsburgh Steelers called to offer him a spot at their rookie minicamp.

And then, in an instant, Prince went from serious and introspective to bursting out laughing.

“He’s always playing around,” the offensive tackle said of his longtime buddy, Derwin Gray, who came over to bust Prince’s chops when he was spotted talking with a reporter.

Gray feigned being a media member, asking Prince a mock question. Prince laughed but ignored Gray’s question and didn’t miss a beat with the reporter. He greeted Gray with an enthusiastic slap-handshake, and the two agreed to head to lunch after the interview.

“We have known each other for a long time,” Prince said of Gray, “so I don’t even pay attention to him anymore when he’s clowning like that.

“It’s really nice to be here with him, though.”

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• The Pittsburgh Steelers’ TE depth chart is really thin. How thin? How about After Xavier Grimble there isn’t anyone with any real NFL experience.

Steelers’ TE crowd thins after top 2 Vance McDonald, Xavier Grimble

By: Chris Adamski, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Allowing Jesse James to leave via free agency, the conventional narrative goes, was an easy decision for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even if James was a starting-caliber NFL tight end, the Steelers already had one of those in Vance McDonald, and it would be a salary-cap faux pas to pay two tight ends more than $5 million annually apiece.

So the Steelers justifiably feel comfortable with McDonald as their No. 1 tight end. And the consensus is Xavier Grimble is a capable No. 2 after a three-year apprenticeship as the No. 3.

But what happens after that? The Steelers always have dressed three tight ends and many times use subpackages that utilize all three.

With James gone and Grimble playing a bigger role, where are the Steelers turning next?

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Ever wonder what life as a long snapper is like? Me neither, but we all can learn more about the Steelers’ long snapper.

Canaday overcame the challenge

By: Teresa Varley, Steelers.com

Who is your football mentor or inspiration?

Pat Tilman.

What motivates you?

To win a championship.

What scares you?

Snakes do.

Biggest challenge you had to overcome?

Getting released by the Cardinals and challenging myself to come back and prove I can do my job. It was hard. It was multiple challenges. Not just getting released but getting my mind right to prevail after that.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

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