Improving Steelers TE Looks to Show Out against Ravens

PITTSBURGH — In the back of the Steelers locker room, an assortment of media, cameras, and teammates huddle around a locker that does not usually see much attention. It’s the locker of No. 87 ‘Hot Rod’ Rodney Williams, who signed to the active roster on Wednesday from the team’s practice squad. Around the locker room, you can see Williams making everyone in the locker room laugh. He’s known as the locker room’s proverbial ‘class clown’.

But on the field, Williams has fought against the odds to prove he belongs in the NFL. A small-school tight end out of UT-Martin, Williams was cut by the Broncos before coming to Pittsburgh. He spent all last season with the Steelers and had a strong training camp this year in Latrobe to back up his growth. While he did not make the final roster, Williams did earn a cozy seat on the practice squad. He showed out like a player with confidence.

“Them keeping me around definitely boosted my confidence, their trust in me and me knowing the system,” Williams said. “I treated last year more like a redshirt year. Getting to go against guys like Alex (Highsmith) and T.J. (Watt) in practice every day helped me become a better blocker. Running routes on Minkah (Fitzpatrick) and Terrell Edmunds last year, that helped me in my pass game development. I think that year last year helped me a lot.”

His teammates huddle around his locker with their phones up to ask Williams questions lightheartedly. Williams beamed with a smile as he answered various questions from teammates and media alike. But after the herd of players had dispersed after three minutes of huddling around Williams, he grew appreciative of that show of support from his teammates. It’s the first time Williams is on an active NFL roster.

“I appreciate it, I really do,” Williams said. “Just my teammates being happy for me, it means a lot. I’ve come a long way.”

Williams started as a wide receiver with the Skyhawks before moving to tight end. He was an FCS All-American and a two-time All-OVC selection. He brings a vertical threat to the field, but his most significant jump is in the blocking department. Williams worked hard with tight ends coach Alfredo Roberts to rectify that part of his game into a strength. Williams feels he can make an impact in short-yardage packages and get push up front against defenders. Anytime he is asked about his blocking, he gets a smile on his face talking about his progress.

“I can be a vertical threat from the tight end position,” Williams said. “I think the strong suit of my game is the pass game and getting open, but I am also not afraid to mix it up and hold down the backside and have Darnell hold down the front for us.”

Williams hopes he can show the Steelers what he is made of when he takes the field on Sunday against the Ravens. He will not just play on offense but contribute heavily to the special teams units. The man they know as ‘Hot Rod’ hopes to rev up for a challenging matchup in the spotlight at Acrisure Stadium.