When people typically think of the Pittsburgh Steelers, they think of defense. Tough to disagree with such a sentiment, despite the current team being driven by a high-flying offense, but images of Jack Lambert, Troy Polamalu, James Harrison and "Mean" Joe Greene come to mind when the name 'Steelers' is brought up.
A name most people wouldn't bring up is Vince Williams, at least not in the lore of the aforementioned players, but despite Williams being a backup inside linebacker doesn't mean he doesn't embody what it is to be a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Fans love defensive players, and Pittsburgh fans love hard-hitting defenders. Williams fits both of those descriptions, but what Williams also does is never hold back on, and off, the field. It was Williams who called out Vontaze Burfict after he celebrated injuring Le'Veon Bell in the Steelers Week 8 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field. Even better, it was Williams who didn't back off his statement then, or now, as the team is preparing for their second meeting with Cincinnati this Sunday.
Williams is well-spoken, passionate and a fiery competitor on the football field. Characteristics like those will create a name for yourself in the city of Pittsburgh, and Williams' name is starting become more of a commodity for fans toting their Terrible Towels around town.
One more thing about that Steelers defense which always rings a bell, and that would be hate. If you feel hate is too strong of a word, you can go with disdain, animosity and a strong dislike, but they all essentially mean the same thing. Lambert and Joe Greene weren't trying to make any friends on the football field. The same could be said about Ryan Clark and Joey Porter. These men played the game with a fire inside them, and it propelled their play and their careers.
When Williams spoke to Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, his words were reminiscent of those who came before him. Words that scream intensity, and most importantly the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"I don't like anybody we play. I don't like any team that isn't wearing Black and Gold, to be honest with you. I hate them all." Williams told Kaboly. Close your eyes and you can hear a number of Steelers legends saying the same thing about a number of opponents throughout the decades.
Williams is a throwback player, and is looking for a settle to score with the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday after they defeated the Steelers in Week 8, but as the team approaches the Week 14 matchup all Williams is worried about is a win.
"The only thing I want to hand Burfict this week is a loss. That's it," Williams said. "I think we have all the motivation we need. We are trying to get into the playoffs, and they are trying to clinch. There you go."
Williams has seen his workload increase by spelling Ryan Shazier at inside linebacker, and he was a force in the team's 45-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13. Williams, and the rest of the Steelers, will be looking to impose their will on Cincinnati and give the Steelers their 8th win of the 2015 season.