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If you put yourself in the shoes of Nick Vannett, you can imagine how crazy the last 24-48 hours have been. He went from digesting the Seattle Seahawks Week 3 loss to the New Orleans Saints, and right as he was probably starting to look ahead to Week 4, he was informed he is being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Not only does he have to physically move across the country, but also to a new team and new system — right in the midst of a contract year where he is set to be an unrestricted free agent in 2020.
“It’s been a crazy 24 hours,” the Pittsburgh Steelers’ newest tight end told Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, “but it’s part of the business. I see this as a great opportunity for myself, and I am here to help this team in any way I can.”
There was rumor Vannett’s role on the Seahawks was dwindling, and is one of the reasons they were willing to let him go to Pittsburgh for a 5th round draft pick. With the Steelers, he will have a chance to play more, and be an integral part of the Steelers’ offense with Xavier Grimble headed to injured reserve, and Vance McDonald nursing a banged up shoulder.
Nonetheless, Vannett views this as a team believing in him, and he wants to prove them right.
“They obviously believe in me, bringing me in here,” Vannett said, “and I’ll do everything I can to put this team in a good position to win.”
Vannett was all class as he left the Seahawks organization, the same organization that drafted him in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He posted this message on Twitter when the news hit he was leaving Seattle.
Thank you Seattle! You welcomed in a kid from Ohio with open arms and showed nothing but the best support from day 1. It’s been an honor to wear the blue and green the last few years. No feelings but love and gratitude for the Seahawk organization and the city of Seattle! pic.twitter.com/VCyEt554mh
— Nick Vannett (@N_Vannett81) September 25, 2019
While Vannett likely has some sadness about leaving the place he called home the last three years, he realizes the opportunity that awaits him in the Steel City.
With that being said, I’m thrilled about the new opportunity and excited to be apart of Steeler Nation !! #HereWeGo
— Nick Vannett (@N_Vannett81) September 25, 2019
He, like Minkah Fitzpatrick the week prior, won’t have much time to get acclimated, and he will likely be inserted into the lineup early and often as the Steelers play host to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4 on Monday Night Football. Vannett will have a lot to prove, and the Steelers fan base are excited to see what he brings to the team.
Make sure you stay tuned in to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers as they head into Week 4.