Devin Bush Thinks He’s Still the ‘Same Player’, Admits Mental Hurdles to ACL Recovery
Coming off an ACL tear, the expectations were sky-high on Devin Bush. Maybe it was never realistic to believe he would suddenly turn into the same player he was in his first two seasons. However, Bush’s third season has made him become one of the more disappointing players on the team. In a defense that needed to play at a high level, Bush has taken a step back in multiple directions.
Even with that in mind, though, Bush, at the very least, seems himself on the same plane as his first two seasons. Even though there were numerous obstacles in getting there, Bush sees little to no difference in himself.
“I think my first and second years were definitely two good years,” Bush said. “My third year was a year I’ve never experienced before, especially coming back from an injury like that. It was my first time going through an injury like that. It was my first time getting surgery. It was my first time going to rehab, and my first time being away from the game for a full year. It was a learning experience. I had a lot of ups and downs. I’m still the same player. I know I’m the same player. I feel like I’m the same player. The stat sheet may not reflect that, but no one here on the Steelers football team is playing up to their potential.”
Bush noted that if he was not reading or reacting fast enough, he probably would not be starting. However, even with that mind, however, Bush understands that there is a massive mental hurdle for him to overcome as he returns to the field when returning from such an injury like a Torn ACL.
“I mean, there’s a huge mental aspect to it,” Bush said of the injury. “I guess a good example for it would be this. If you get bit by a dog, who is to say the next time you go pet a dog …”
Still, even with the potential rebound in Year 4 from the injury, Bush’s future in Pittsburgh is rightfully in question. Right now, though, he is merely focusing on improving his play over the course of the season, and not on what his future holds.
“I just play football,” Bush said. “I don’t even know who we play next weekend… I would love to be here. If they want me here, then it will show. But I don’t think about the business side of it yet.”
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