ASK THE STEELERS – RYAN MUNDY – PART 1
Steelers.com brings you the Ask the Steelers feature. Fans submitted the questions that were asked. Please understand that we receive an incredible number of questions for each player, with many of the questions being similar, and not all of the questions can be answered. We selected as many as possible, and took your questions to the current subject to get your answers.
From Lou Ellis in Newark, New Jersey: What was it like waiting to be drafted?
Ryan Mundy: I was pretty relaxed. I wasn't nervous or anxious or anything like that. I had some family members over. I just sat and watched. I was confident I was going to get drafted, I just didn't know where. I pretty much played the waiting game.
From Dan Abrahams in Elyria, Ohio: What was your reaction when you got the call from the Steelers telling you they drafted you?
Ryan Mundy: I was excited. I was very excited. It was a dream come true because I am from Pittsburgh. Being able to have the opportunity to come home and play for the Steelers is an opportunity of a lifetime for me.
From Jamie Miller in Morgantown, West Virginia: Did you have any idea that they were interested in you beforehand?
Ryan Mundy: I did. They came down to my pro day to watch me work out and go through the drills. Coach (Mike) Tomlin, Coach (Ray) Horton and Mr. (Kevin) Colbert came down and checked it out. I was surprised because before that I didn't know they had an interest in me. After my pro day they brought me in for a visit a few weeks before the draft and it was a really good visit. I knew they were interested, but you never know with the draft how things can work out.
From Marcus Campoli in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: What is it going to be like playing for the team you grew up watching?
Ryan Mundy: It's going to be fun. I watched the Steelers year in and year out but to actually put the uniform on and run out of the tunnel at Heinz Field is going to be a different experience for me. I am looking forward to it. I am looking forward to the Terrible Towels waving and fans going crazy and everything like that.
From Craig Oliver in Boston, Massachusetts: Do you think you will feel added pressure playing for the hometown team?
Ryan Mundy: No. The stakes are naturally going to be high because this is the NFL. I have been playing football for a while and you learn how to block those distractions out of the added pressure or family and friends. It is a different situation for me since I am from Pittsburgh. People are going to have a closer eye on me but I block those things out and do my best.
Kurnot in Dunbar, Pennsylvania: Now that you have gone through your first minicamp, what are your initial impressions of the Steelers defense?
Ryan Mundy: I love it. I love the attitude. I like the coaching style. I like the aggression. Everybody knows he Steelers have a storied defense. I am just looking forward to coming in and helping to contribute and make my mark on the Steelers defense. I love the aggression, the attitude and the mentality of the defensive players on this team.
From Steve McNally, Albion, Pennsylvania: Do you see special teams as being a key for you right off the bat?
Ryan Mundy: No question about it. Being a defensive back you can go out there and be on practically every special teams unit because of your athletic ability. I look forward to making my mark wherever I can. For me to get my foot in the door it's definitely going to be on special teams.
