zulater
12-25-2011, 09:10 AM
Essex's football life changed because of a different kind of reception
PITTSBURGH — The way Trai Essex sees it, July 23 was a life-changing day for he and Ben Roethlisberger.
On that day, Essex was among the many Steelers who helped Roethlisberger celebrate his wedding.
It was also a day when Essex realized that if he wanted to remain in pro football, he needed to get his life in order.
When Essex showed up for Roethlisberger’s wedding, his teammates almost couldn’t believe their eyes. They were shocked to see that Essex allowed himself to get fat and out of shape during the off-season. He weighed around 375 pounds, close to 50 pounds over his playing weight.
The Steelers coaches weren’t shocked and weren’t amused. They were disappointed. When camp started a week later, the Steelers were in no hurry to re-sign Essex, an unrestricted free agent.
Even though Essex had a terrific time at Roethlisberger’s wedding, he sensed that he was in deep trouble. He got the cold shoulder from his coaches. From that day forward, he dedicated himself to getting back in shape in hopes of getting one more chance.
On Aug. 22, he got that chance. He was the last of the Steelers’ free agents to sign.
Fast forward to Christmas Eve when the Steelers routed the Rams, and there was Essex turning out to be one of the surprise heroes.
“I particularly like the effort of Trai Essex,” coach Mike Tomlin said after the 27-0 romp.
http://www.timesonline.com/sports/local_sports/bires-essex-s-football-life-changed-because-of-a-different/article_1bc8b18e-128f-5dcf-a006-ddb96622fe74.html
Well worth clicking the link and reading the entire story. :thumbsup:
PITTSBURGH — The way Trai Essex sees it, July 23 was a life-changing day for he and Ben Roethlisberger.
On that day, Essex was among the many Steelers who helped Roethlisberger celebrate his wedding.
It was also a day when Essex realized that if he wanted to remain in pro football, he needed to get his life in order.
When Essex showed up for Roethlisberger’s wedding, his teammates almost couldn’t believe their eyes. They were shocked to see that Essex allowed himself to get fat and out of shape during the off-season. He weighed around 375 pounds, close to 50 pounds over his playing weight.
The Steelers coaches weren’t shocked and weren’t amused. They were disappointed. When camp started a week later, the Steelers were in no hurry to re-sign Essex, an unrestricted free agent.
Even though Essex had a terrific time at Roethlisberger’s wedding, he sensed that he was in deep trouble. He got the cold shoulder from his coaches. From that day forward, he dedicated himself to getting back in shape in hopes of getting one more chance.
On Aug. 22, he got that chance. He was the last of the Steelers’ free agents to sign.
Fast forward to Christmas Eve when the Steelers routed the Rams, and there was Essex turning out to be one of the surprise heroes.
“I particularly like the effort of Trai Essex,” coach Mike Tomlin said after the 27-0 romp.
http://www.timesonline.com/sports/local_sports/bires-essex-s-football-life-changed-because-of-a-different/article_1bc8b18e-128f-5dcf-a006-ddb96622fe74.html
Well worth clicking the link and reading the entire story. :thumbsup: