The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially kicked off phase one of their offseason program, with players converging at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex for voluntary workouts. While many athletes prioritized attendance on day one, one of the most enthusiastic individuals was the Steelers’ new safety, DeShon Elliott.
Elliott is among the influx of fresh faces joining the Steelers for the 2024 season, having inked a two-year deal during the onset of free agency. Teresa Varley, from Steelers.com, caught up with Elliott to discuss his excitement about being in the building and his anticipation for the upcoming season.
“You get to take some time off following the season, refresh your brain, get your body back healthy. And once you get back into it like this, that the fire comes back for ball. Just being back to work and hanging out with the guys, getting that camaraderie. I think it’s good to do this early.”
Drafted in the sixth round (190th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Steelers’ longstanding rival, the Baltimore Ravens, Elliott ended up leaving the team after three seasons. He spent the 2023 season with the Miami Dolphins. Now, he’s eager to dive into his new role in Pittsburgh and make his mark with the Steelers.
“I know a lot of guys want to work out at home, but getting in the building and getting to the playbook a little bit early, refreshing your brain is good. It’s good to be back in the building and get back to the grind.”
While these workouts are technically voluntary, they hold considerable significance for players striving to make their mark on the team. Attendance is often viewed as a crucial indicator of commitment and dedication, particularly for those looking to carve out their place in the roster.
This is especially true for newcomers like Elliott, who are eager to earn their teammates’ trust and coaches’ attention. So, while participation may not be mandatory, it’s widely understood that showing up speaks volumes about a player’s work ethic and determination to succeed.
“I feel like I probably could have come out a week earlier just to get to know the people in the building,” said Elliott. “I want people to realize that I’m here, I love being at work. It’s great. Especially because it’s a new system. I’ve played a lot of ball over the years, but being able to get here just feels good and let people know that I care, that I love ball.”
Elliott is brimming with excitement about his new chapter in Pittsburgh, expressing genuine happiness about joining the team. His arrival coincided with the Steelers’ signing of Patrick Queen to a three-year deal, with Queen playing a pivotal role in recruiting Elliott to the Steelers.
Approaching his 27th birthday in just five days, Elliott is eager to leave his mark in the NFL. With an impressive track record of starting in 50 out of 57 games, he brings a wealth of experience to the Steelers’ secondary.
Steelers’ DeShon Elliott Eager To Bring A Good Vibe To Defense In 2024
Despite being somewhat under the radar, his signing is seen as a significant move that could bolster the team’s defense in the upcoming 2024 season. Known for his infectious energy and enthusiasm, Elliott’s presence promises to inject a positive vibe into the locker room.
As anticipation builds for the start of the season, Steelers fans eagerly await the opportunity to see Elliott in action on the field. In the meantime, his enthusiastic commitment to the team and readiness to contribute are met with excitement and optimism.
Reflecting on his performance with the Dolphins in 2023, where he started 15 games, Elliott showcased his defensive prowess with seven passes defensed, one interception, and an impressive tally of 82 combined tackles. He’s set to join a formidable defense in Pittsburgh, eager to prove to the NFL that they can lead the Steelers back to glory.
