Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt took to Twitter on Monday to get some of his thoughts out to his fellow players, and consequently all the Internet, about how players handle their business going into the 2020 season. Tuitt felt the need to give some advice to some of his fellow NFL veterans, but possibly more directed towards some of those players hoping to get established in the league.
Opportunity come and go. Don’t stress over missed opportunities if you are confident with your self more will come. My instincts always helped me, and that’s why my opportunities I created have benefited me so far.
— stephon tuitt (@DOCnation_7) July 27, 2020
It’s unclear what caused Tuitt to feel the need to speak up at this time, but it appears he is trying to help out other players who may deal with outside pressures.
I think alot of Athletes need to stop worrying about the public and people who tell them what to do with their money and educated themselves.
— stephon tuitt (@DOCnation_7) July 27, 2020
Just because they wear a suit with slick back hair you trust them over someone who you can relate to. That’s why athletes get taking advantage over. Educate your self please, I’m tired of hearing the same stories.
— stephon tuitt (@DOCnation_7) July 27, 2020
After getting these thoughts out there, Tuitt made sure to state he was available for others around the NFL should they need advice on how to handle various aspects of the business of being an NFL player.
Stop letting the world masculinity blind you that’s my spill for Monday. If you need help talk to me I have over 80 percent of my wealth while helping my mother and created Financial securities for my kids and wife. I will not judge. I’m not secretive I will help.
— stephon tuitt (@DOCnation_7) July 27, 2020
Stephon Tuitt is coming off of a season in which he only appeared in six games before being placed on injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle. With 3.5 sacks through those six games, Tuitt was on pace to have the most of his career in 2019 before being sidelined.
Injuries have been the biggest concern with Tuitt over his time with the Steelers as the only season he has appeared in 16 games was his rookie campaign in 2014 after being drafted in the second round out of Notre Dame. The Steelers are hopeful Tuitt’s return to the lineup will help to cover the loss of Javon Hargrave who left in free agency to the Philadelphia Eagles.
After giving his advice to other players, Tuitt went on to put his decision in regards to kneeling for the national anthem out there so people would know where the six-year vet was coming from.
Also I’m not kneeling for the flag and screw anybody who have a problem with that. My grandmother was a immigrant from the Carribean and age worked her ass off to bring 20 people over the right way. She had no money and educated herself to be a nurse. She living good now.
— stephon tuitt (@DOCnation_7) July 27, 2020
With the NFL season not scheduled to kick off for another six weeks, the national anthem issue will be something which will grow more among players as they get closer to game action. It appears Stephon Tuitt felt the need to make his feelings public as to how he will be handling the situation. While some players may be vocal about the issue, others may chose not make their decisions public. Either way, it is almost certain this will be a topic discussed in NFL locker rooms in the coming weeks.