April 2, 2024 • 18 mins
Will Selva and MJ Acosta-Ruiz are back for another episode of El Huddle!
This week we're joined by University of Pittsburgh lineman prospect Matt Goncalves! First, we chat with Matt as he walks us through his pro day and combine experience.
Next, Matt shares what he enjoys most about being a lineman.
And finally, he shares with us his love of chess.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
In Huddle is a production of the NFL in partnership
with iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
What's up, everybody? Hope you are well.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
I'm Will Salva and this is the l Huddle podcast
alongside my Amanda, m Caso Ruiz and MJ. We love
this journey that these prospects take because we like to
think that we're the what are the starting points for them?
At least along your journey and then when you see
that they make it into the league, it's a thrill
(00:42):
for us and certainly a thrill to have.
Speaker 2 (00:44):
Not just an offensive lineman.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
This is a beast that we have, and I I
say beasts in a good way.
Speaker 2 (00:51):
This people. This person Mauls he's six ' six. Okay,
here's the.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Offensive lineman for the pitt Panthers, Mattalves.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
He's joined us here on the old podcast. Met what's
going on?
Speaker 4 (01:04):
Man?
Speaker 5 (01:05):
Not much? Thank you guys for having me. I really
appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (01:08):
No, that's great having Yeah, this is great having you.
And we know we're talking to you as we're recording this.
You are getting ready for your pro day. How are
we feeling about it?
Speaker 5 (01:21):
I feel good?
Speaker 4 (01:22):
You know.
Speaker 6 (01:23):
I wasn't able to perform at the combine and you know,
I was coming off an injury of my plants are
plat in my toe, so you know, it's been on
a long rehab process over the four five to six months.
And yeah, right now, you know, I'm not trying to
go out there and break records, but you know, I
feel that, you know, I could show teams that, you know,
I'm ready to go my toes back to Golmlana, you know,
(01:44):
things like that.
Speaker 5 (01:44):
I feel really good about it.
Speaker 1 (01:46):
Yeah, I think there's something to be said about the resilience, right.
I think the we talk a lot about like the
mental aspects of not just preparing to enter the league,
but combine, you were still there even though you couldn't
physically participate getting ready for pro days. It is a
lot to not just carry and balance but also navigate
through and for you also navigating through an injury. How
(02:09):
has that been like for you and what have you
learned even about yourself through this process?
Speaker 6 (02:14):
Oh?
Speaker 5 (02:15):
Yeah, it's been tough.
Speaker 6 (02:15):
I mean, you know, not being able to play for
the first time in four or five years at the
University of Pittsburgh. It really taught me how much I
love football and how much I need it in my
everyday life. You know, seeing my teammates go out there
and play week to week and not being able to
go out there and battle with them.
Speaker 5 (02:32):
You know, it really affected me. But you know, it
kind of taught me how to how to be a
leader off the field as well.
Speaker 6 (02:38):
You know, there's been a lot of young guys that
had to jump in for the University of Pittsburgh at
offensive line, so just trying to teach them and mentor
them and you know, just be a leader off the
field as well. But I'd say the one thing that
it really taught me is how much I love this
game of football, and you know how much I needed
in my life.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
It's not an easy journey.
Speaker 3 (02:58):
And we know that you, I believe, had played in
three games and then the injury had happened. And when
you have an injury like that, you can't be quite
the same way with your teammates. And you mentioned you
have some good days and you have some bad days.
Like for those bad days, how were you able to
get out of it where you were saying, Okay, you
(03:20):
know what, I'm going to get up and I am
going to get after it because that's what I need
to do. How are you able to overcome the feeling of, oh,
this is this is not going to be easy because
I want to be out on the field.
Speaker 5 (03:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (03:33):
I mean there's plenty of ways that I could, you know,
kind of get up and get out and do what
I needed to do besides playing football, And one of them.
Speaker 5 (03:40):
Is the weight room.
Speaker 6 (03:41):
I mean, you know, just you know, coming off a
rehab and stuff like that, not being able to practice.
So you know, I knew that my upper body needed
a little bit of strength to it, and same with
my lower body, you know, doing what I can there,
but you know, just utilizing the weight room, utilizing the
weight coaches, and you know, I think another thing that
brightened my day was, you know, I had some teammates
that were, you know in therapy with me, using them,
(04:04):
you know, to get by every single day, and you know,
they motivated me. And some of my coaches told me that,
you know, you got a long road ahead of you.
So I think everybody around the University of Pittsburgh in
their facility really helped me out. But I'd say the
weights and you know, the people around me really drove
me to you know, do more than what I do
in the field.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
Oh, the brotherhood, the connection, the community is all about
a huge part. And I love that we're going from
this heartwarming moment to you.
Speaker 4 (04:31):
Really getting after when you are on the field. Because
we were told that one of your favorite things specifically
about run Rock run blocking is quote putting someone into
the dirt. Can you elaborate on that for us.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
A little bit?
Speaker 6 (04:46):
I mean, you know, it's not every play that you
get to get a pancake, but you know, there's been
a couple of instances where you know, I guess you know,
where they pulled up film and and you know, I
get to pep put somebody in the dirt. So you know,
there's no greater feeling than putting somebody into the ground.
And you know it can happen, you know, the reverse way.
Maybe a defensive lineman kind of puts you into the
(05:07):
ground a little bit. But you know, I'd say there's
no greater feeling than you know, just putting somebody from
point A to point B, putting them into the ground.
And that's that's that's what offensive lineman, you know, that's
what they do. It's what it's all about. And to me,
I think run blocking is a really it's a key
when it comes to, you know, offensive line play.
Speaker 5 (05:27):
So I enjoy it a.
Speaker 3 (05:28):
Lot now, Matt, though, if if you're talking about going
from point A to point B, let's just say somebody
goes a little bit point a right just past point a,
are you a little disappointed that you can't maul them
the way that you want to?
Speaker 5 (05:42):
For sure?
Speaker 6 (05:43):
I mean, you know, you always want to move somebody
five yards down the field, But you know, at the
end of at the end of the day, the only thing.
Speaker 5 (05:49):
That matters is the is the next play.
Speaker 6 (05:51):
So you know, you can't be disappointed whether you let
up a sack, whether you have a good play or
you know, a bad play.
Speaker 5 (05:57):
The only thing that matters is next play.
Speaker 6 (05:59):
And in my mindset, you know, whatever happens next play,
so that that's the only thing that I really think about.
Speaker 1 (06:05):
You know, I've said this before and I'll say it
forever as long as I'm covering this sport. Offensive linemen
do most of the work and get very little credit
for it.
Speaker 5 (06:15):
Right.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
Nobody wants to talk about the old line until there's
a problem with it. But I think there's just so
much to be said about the physicality, the number of
reps the number of snaps and how how difficult it
is to be that first line on the field there
between a crushing defense and your quarterback and the rest
(06:36):
of the offensive position players. But what are some things
that are that we don't see that are exclusive to
being alignment that you really love about playing this position.
Speaker 6 (06:47):
Well, I'd say the preparation part to it. You know,
there's a lot of preparation that goes into you know,
game day, whether that's watching film or you know, understanding
what type of defense is in or what type of
front's coming up, or you know, what type of pressure.
Speaker 5 (07:00):
So I think.
Speaker 6 (07:01):
Preparation is really huge key when it comes to you know,
on Saturdays and Sundays too. I think ninety percent of
it is what you do into the classroom, what you
watch on film, how you watch the opponent and how
you break them down. And then I think ten percent
is really physical and going out and executing it. So
I'd say preparation and you know, kind of taking taking
(07:21):
care of your body, you know, whether that's in the
training room or you know, going to you know, the
cold tub or anything like that.
Speaker 5 (07:27):
So I'd say those two things.
Speaker 3 (07:29):
Matt, you are a large man. You come in at
six six. So what is a typical eating day for you?
What is a typical meal like for you to get
those calories and to get that you know, protein that
you need to keep lifting those weights.
Speaker 4 (07:47):
Bro.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
Yeah, I don't know.
Speaker 6 (07:50):
There's a lot of different things that I'll eat anything.
It really doesn't matter. I can't really jump into this
topic too much. I'm trying to eat healthy right now,
you know. I mean, honestly, I can't really have anything
that's off the top of my head. Like I'm a
big fast food guy, and like you know you are,
and I like fast food, and I don't know, I
(08:12):
mean I guess some of those things, but you know,
I like to have breakfast, lunch down and stuff like that,
and then you know, if I need to snack in
the off time, I will so wait.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
But we did hear about like a specific shake, a
protein shake, like high caloric shake that's very specific for
offensive linemen. What goes into something like that, Like, I mean,
I'm thinking about like multiple scoops of protein, but like is.
Speaker 4 (08:35):
It like peanut butter, but nana like everything you could find.
Speaker 1 (08:38):
I'm trying to think about like the most dense foods,
right Yeah.
Speaker 5 (08:41):
For sure.
Speaker 6 (08:41):
I mean, like, you know, if you're trying to gain weight,
I think it's you know, multiple scoops of wave protein
and then cretine goes into that too, you know, fruit
you know, I'll be some extra uh you know, stuff
like that, and then you know, I guess, uh, it's
just water from there. But like, honestly, I haven't been
on the gain weight side, so like I've been trying to.
(09:03):
But that's guys, and if that uh, you know, life
routine and peanut butter and stuff like that, so like, you.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
Know, yeah, that's a typical you know what's crazy though, Matt,
Like I remember covering when I was still a correspondent
for the NFL Network. My favorite thing was talking to
offensive linemen from year one to year two, and a
lot of them are still very young men. Sometimes, you know,
they go back home and so many of them are like,
my parents are sick of me, Like they cannot buy
(09:29):
enough groceries because the league still dictates like you still
got to put on twenty thirty, which is wild to me,
and they're like, I actually don't want to eat anymore.
My parents can't keep going to Costco. Like it's just
this sort of thing like there's a big emphasis of it.
But yeah, it's just like it's fascinating to me for sure.
Speaker 5 (09:49):
Put your body.
Speaker 6 (09:50):
Yeah, my mom has had to. You know, I have
two older brothers who are both the size of me too.
They didn't play football, but you know they've had to,
you know, go and make multiple costco trips, you know,
every couple of weeks. That was the big match talking
to coaches about you know, the grocery belle and that
was a funny, funny topic for them as well.
Speaker 3 (10:10):
Inflation, this is not okay, Well yeah, no, no, But
you know what is okay is being able to talk
to a team.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
Like the Steelers.
Speaker 3 (10:19):
I mean, you start at Pittsburgh. What would that mean
to go to a place like the Steelers or just
to have the interest from them or just have a conversation.
What is that like for you as a player who
started at at Pittsburgh.
Speaker 6 (10:35):
I mean it would mean everything to me. You know,
coming from Long Island, New York to a football city
like Pittsburgh and playing for the University of Pittsburgh and
that football city, how much I love the city and
you know, the fans I go into it. It would
mean the world to me to play for them, for sure,
but it would mean the world for me to play
for any team as well. But you know, Pittsburgh holds
a special place in my heart, so you know, it
(10:56):
definitely would be a little bit extra special for me
and I actually I have a thirty visit with them
coming up in April, so you know, it's it's to
be able to go visit their facilities. You know, I'm
right down the road five minute drives, so you know,
it's it would be exciting for sure, and I think
it would bring the best out of me to play
for the city that I love.
Speaker 2 (11:15):
So that's awesome. That is awesome.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
Now, No, we were talking about playing for the same
city we saw, you know, Kenny Pickett, former pitt Panther.
He then goes and he's drafted by the Steelers and
now he's with the Eagles. Have you had a chance
to talk to him at all or just about the
process or or any of that.
Speaker 6 (11:36):
Not really, I mean I haven't had the chance to
talk to him since you know, he's got been traded
to the Eagles, and you know, I know he's been
a huge Eagles fan when growing up and then eventually
going to Pittsburgh and being a Steeler, you know that
that was his you know, I guess kind of journey.
But you know, during the season, you know, he would
shoot me a couple of texts, you know, saying, you know,
you're doing a great job. You know, some of the
(11:58):
scouts love you here. And you know, even when I
got injured, he was kind enough to, you know, send
me a text say get better and you know, I'm
really excited for you and stuff like that.
Speaker 5 (12:07):
So, you know, being able to block for.
Speaker 6 (12:08):
Him, and you know, see, you know how how far
he's come on his journey, and you know the success
he's going to have down the road. He's one of
the hardest workers I know, and one of the the
kindest people you'll ever meet, and one of the you know,
the most determined people you ever meet. I have a
lot of love for Kenny, and I think he's going
to do big things down the road for the Philadelphia Eagles,
for sure.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
That's awesome love to hear that is.
Speaker 3 (12:31):
Has he giving you any advice with the draft process
at all?
Speaker 5 (12:36):
I wouldn't say not too much.
Speaker 6 (12:38):
You know, he was busy during the season, and you
know it's not like you know, we're texting back and forth,
and the only thing I could say that he would
tell me is just keep working hard, keeping yourself, keep
doing your thing. And that's you know, that's kind of
you know, the basis of you know what he said
to me. Told me that, you know, some of the
Scouts you they love you, keep grinding and stuff like that.
Speaker 5 (12:57):
And like I said, he's just a really good guy.
Speaker 6 (12:59):
And you know, if I had the opportunity to block
for him once again, it would would mean the world
to me.
Speaker 4 (13:05):
Could you imagine a full circle?
Speaker 1 (13:08):
That would be incredible? Not is your I know you're
from Long Island originally, is your family still there?
Speaker 5 (13:18):
I grew up in New York as well.
Speaker 6 (13:19):
Yes, my my father and my brothers are still in
New York and my stepmother and then my mother and
my stepfather they moved to Florida, so they're kind of
near me.
Speaker 5 (13:28):
They're coming to visit me later today.
Speaker 1 (13:32):
So yeah, I'm trying to envision this like a draft
weekend situation with the family, right because as someone who
grew up in New.
Speaker 4 (13:40):
York, there's just a different layer of how the celebrations go.
Speaker 1 (13:44):
Have you been able to picture that that that weekend
that night with everybody around you. I can't imagine how
excited they are for you in this next step.
Speaker 5 (13:54):
For sure.
Speaker 6 (13:54):
I mean, I'm you know, I've envisioned the night, you know,
plenty of times, and you know, I hope and you
know I can go, you know, second third day, just
to be drafted would be a dream come true for me.
So I you know, I think it would be a
great time. And I'm gonna have my immediate family around me,
you know, on the draft night, and then that Sunday
when the draft is over, gonna have you know, more people,
(14:15):
my friend's family all, you know, around me. So it
should be a great time and I'm going to be
excited to celebrate with them, for sure.
Speaker 3 (14:22):
You know what, Matt, We've had such a fun time
interviewing various prospects, such as yourself.
Speaker 2 (14:28):
We like to get to know them and what makes
them tick.
Speaker 3 (14:32):
So with that said, we've been asking different prospects what
their hobbies are, you know, something that is not football centric,
whether it's gaming or reading, or watching movies or watching TV. Like,
what is a hobby or maybe a guilty pleasure of
(14:53):
yours that maybe people don't know?
Speaker 6 (14:57):
Well, I like to play chess, and it's not like
you know, it's not really you know, a common game
that a lot of people like. Yeah, it's it's a
com and I think it's a lot like the game
of football. You know, it's very you know, you got
to think ahead of uh you know, the moves you're
gonna make. It makes you think, uh, you know, but
(15:18):
before and after what you gotta do. And you know
that that was one thing that I really like to do,
is I like to you know, and I like to
you know, just take like a little stressor off myself.
You know, just play a game of chess against somebody
across the world, and you know, I see different tactics
and you know, uh, you know, try to checkmate somebody
and you know, I like and uh you know, I
(15:39):
like it.
Speaker 5 (15:39):
Uh you know, just kind of like a de stresser.
Speaker 3 (15:41):
So yeah, but still though you're you're a competitor though, Matt,
Let's be honest. Come on, if somebody is across from you,
you're gonna want to beat them and beat them bad.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
My friends, right for sure.
Speaker 6 (15:52):
I Mean the one person who I struggle against is
my own brother and you know, yeah, and you know
he always plays me and he always beats me. Uh,
you know, I beat him every once in a while.
But you know, when it comes to trying to play
somebody across the board, I want to win, and uh
you know that.
Speaker 5 (16:08):
That brings out my competitive nature as well.
Speaker 3 (16:10):
So how annoying is it that it's your brother? Probably
he lords it over you, right, it probably.
Speaker 6 (16:15):
Wakes Yeah, I mean he taught me. So you know,
I guess the person that you know is another is
always going to be better. But you know, eventually I'll
get my run on him.
Speaker 1 (16:25):
Are you the youngest the young okay, pressure, Do you
think it's ever too late to learn how to play chess?
Speaker 2 (16:35):
No?
Speaker 6 (16:36):
I think anybody can take it up from you know,
for me, yeah, a young to an adult. I think,
you know, anybody can learn the game. It's very simple
but very complex. And you know, if you learn the
strategies and you know the principles of it, and you'll
be good to go.
Speaker 1 (16:51):
Did you watch The Queen's Gambit?
Speaker 5 (16:53):
I do like The Queens gam but yeah, it's a
very Yeah, it's a good series.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
You liked it, then, yeah, I liked it a lot.
Speaker 6 (17:01):
You know, there was a lot of competitive nature in
that with Bear against you know, Russians and stuff like that.
So you know, I liked it a lot, and you know,
it's a very inspiring story.
Speaker 1 (17:11):
So I'm going to learn how to play chest. Now
you have inspired me. I've always been too intimidated to learn.
Speaker 5 (17:18):
It's not that bad, I promise you. Once you get
the basics down, it's it's very simple.
Speaker 4 (17:22):
I'm doing it.
Speaker 1 (17:23):
Twenty twenty four, we're learning how to play chest. Queen's Gammut. Incredible, Matt,
Thank you so much for coming through. You so so
excited for you and and what's to come. And we
know that this next chapter not just for you as
a man, but in your in your football career is
going to be incredible. So we appreciate you coming through
and taking the time to chat with us a.
Speaker 3 (17:43):
Little bit more about your story.
Speaker 2 (17:44):
Love.
Speaker 5 (17:45):
Thank you guys. Thank you guys so much.
Speaker 6 (17:47):
Really, I appreciate the time you know, letting me go
on here and talk to you guys, and you know
I had a blast, And just thank you once again
for you know, of course, you know interviewing me and viewing.
Speaker 5 (17:57):
Me as somebody you know worth worth draftings?
Speaker 1 (18:00):
Are you kidding? Absolutely forget us like you're in.
Speaker 5 (18:03):
The league I'll come back on.
Speaker 2 (18:07):
Okay, all right, make sure okay, we do. We do
have it on tape.
Speaker 4 (18:13):
Process, take it.
Speaker 5 (18:14):
Thank you so much, see you guys.
Speaker 1 (18:30):
In Huddle is a production of the NFL in partnership
with iHeart Radio. For more podcasts from iHeart Radio, visit
the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
In Huddle is a production of the NFL in partnership
with iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
What's up, everybody? Hope you are well.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
I'm Will Salva and this is the l Huddle podcast
alongside my Amanda, m Caso Ruiz and MJ. We love
this journey that these prospects take because we like to
think that we're the what are the starting points for them?
At least along your journey and then when you see
that they make it into the league, it's a thrill
(00:42):
for us and certainly a thrill to have.
Speaker 2 (00:44):
Not just an offensive lineman.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
This is a beast that we have, and I I
say beasts in a good way.
Speaker 2 (00:51):
This people. This person Mauls he's six ' six. Okay,
here's the.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Offensive lineman for the pitt Panthers, Mattalves.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
He's joined us here on the old podcast. Met what's
going on?
Speaker 4 (01:04):
Man?
Speaker 5 (01:05):
Not much? Thank you guys for having me. I really
appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (01:08):
No, that's great having Yeah, this is great having you.
And we know we're talking to you as we're recording this.
You are getting ready for your pro day. How are
we feeling about it?
Speaker 5 (01:21):
I feel good?
Speaker 4 (01:22):
You know.
Speaker 6 (01:23):
I wasn't able to perform at the combine and you know,
I was coming off an injury of my plants are
plat in my toe, so you know, it's been on
a long rehab process over the four five to six months.
And yeah, right now, you know, I'm not trying to
go out there and break records, but you know, I
feel that, you know, I could show teams that, you know,
I'm ready to go my toes back to Golmlana, you know,
(01:44):
things like that.
Speaker 5 (01:44):
I feel really good about it.
Speaker 1 (01:46):
Yeah, I think there's something to be said about the resilience, right.
I think the we talk a lot about like the
mental aspects of not just preparing to enter the league,
but combine, you were still there even though you couldn't
physically participate getting ready for pro days. It is a
lot to not just carry and balance but also navigate
through and for you also navigating through an injury. How
(02:09):
has that been like for you and what have you
learned even about yourself through this process?
Speaker 6 (02:14):
Oh?
Speaker 5 (02:15):
Yeah, it's been tough.
Speaker 6 (02:15):
I mean, you know, not being able to play for
the first time in four or five years at the
University of Pittsburgh. It really taught me how much I
love football and how much I need it in my
everyday life. You know, seeing my teammates go out there
and play week to week and not being able to
go out there and battle with them.
Speaker 5 (02:32):
You know, it really affected me. But you know, it
kind of taught me how to how to be a
leader off the field as well.
Speaker 6 (02:38):
You know, there's been a lot of young guys that
had to jump in for the University of Pittsburgh at
offensive line, so just trying to teach them and mentor
them and you know, just be a leader off the
field as well. But I'd say the one thing that
it really taught me is how much I love this
game of football, and you know how much I needed
in my life.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
It's not an easy journey.
Speaker 3 (02:58):
And we know that you, I believe, had played in
three games and then the injury had happened. And when
you have an injury like that, you can't be quite
the same way with your teammates. And you mentioned you
have some good days and you have some bad days.
Like for those bad days, how were you able to
get out of it where you were saying, Okay, you
(03:20):
know what, I'm going to get up and I am
going to get after it because that's what I need
to do. How are you able to overcome the feeling of, oh,
this is this is not going to be easy because
I want to be out on the field.
Speaker 5 (03:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (03:33):
I mean there's plenty of ways that I could, you know,
kind of get up and get out and do what
I needed to do besides playing football, And one of them.
Speaker 5 (03:40):
Is the weight room.
Speaker 6 (03:41):
I mean, you know, just you know, coming off a
rehab and stuff like that, not being able to practice.
So you know, I knew that my upper body needed
a little bit of strength to it, and same with
my lower body, you know, doing what I can there,
but you know, just utilizing the weight room, utilizing the
weight coaches, and you know, I think another thing that
brightened my day was, you know, I had some teammates
that were, you know in therapy with me, using them,
(04:04):
you know, to get by every single day, and you know,
they motivated me. And some of my coaches told me that,
you know, you got a long road ahead of you.
So I think everybody around the University of Pittsburgh in
their facility really helped me out. But I'd say the
weights and you know, the people around me really drove
me to you know, do more than what I do
in the field.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
Oh, the brotherhood, the connection, the community is all about
a huge part. And I love that we're going from
this heartwarming moment to you.
Speaker 4 (04:31):
Really getting after when you are on the field. Because
we were told that one of your favorite things specifically
about run Rock run blocking is quote putting someone into
the dirt. Can you elaborate on that for us.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
A little bit?
Speaker 6 (04:46):
I mean, you know, it's not every play that you
get to get a pancake, but you know, there's been
a couple of instances where you know, I guess you know,
where they pulled up film and and you know, I
get to pep put somebody in the dirt. So you know,
there's no greater feeling than putting somebody into the ground.
And you know it can happen, you know, the reverse way.
Maybe a defensive lineman kind of puts you into the
(05:07):
ground a little bit. But you know, I'd say there's
no greater feeling than you know, just putting somebody from
point A to point B, putting them into the ground.
And that's that's that's what offensive lineman, you know, that's
what they do. It's what it's all about. And to me,
I think run blocking is a really it's a key
when it comes to, you know, offensive line play.
Speaker 5 (05:27):
So I enjoy it a.
Speaker 3 (05:28):
Lot now, Matt, though, if if you're talking about going
from point A to point B, let's just say somebody
goes a little bit point a right just past point a,
are you a little disappointed that you can't maul them
the way that you want to?
Speaker 5 (05:42):
For sure?
Speaker 6 (05:43):
I mean, you know, you always want to move somebody
five yards down the field, But you know, at the
end of at the end of the day, the only thing.
Speaker 5 (05:49):
That matters is the is the next play.
Speaker 6 (05:51):
So you know, you can't be disappointed whether you let
up a sack, whether you have a good play or
you know, a bad play.
Speaker 5 (05:57):
The only thing that matters is next play.
Speaker 6 (05:59):
And in my mindset, you know, whatever happens next play,
so that that's the only thing that I really think about.
Speaker 1 (06:05):
You know, I've said this before and I'll say it
forever as long as I'm covering this sport. Offensive linemen
do most of the work and get very little credit
for it.
Speaker 5 (06:15):
Right.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
Nobody wants to talk about the old line until there's
a problem with it. But I think there's just so
much to be said about the physicality, the number of
reps the number of snaps and how how difficult it
is to be that first line on the field there
between a crushing defense and your quarterback and the rest
(06:36):
of the offensive position players. But what are some things
that are that we don't see that are exclusive to
being alignment that you really love about playing this position.
Speaker 6 (06:47):
Well, I'd say the preparation part to it. You know,
there's a lot of preparation that goes into you know,
game day, whether that's watching film or you know, understanding
what type of defense is in or what type of
front's coming up, or you know, what type of pressure.
Speaker 5 (07:00):
So I think.
Speaker 6 (07:01):
Preparation is really huge key when it comes to you know,
on Saturdays and Sundays too. I think ninety percent of
it is what you do into the classroom, what you
watch on film, how you watch the opponent and how
you break them down. And then I think ten percent
is really physical and going out and executing it. So
I'd say preparation and you know, kind of taking taking
(07:21):
care of your body, you know, whether that's in the
training room or you know, going to you know, the
cold tub or anything like that.
Speaker 5 (07:27):
So I'd say those two things.
Speaker 3 (07:29):
Matt, you are a large man. You come in at
six six. So what is a typical eating day for you?
What is a typical meal like for you to get
those calories and to get that you know, protein that
you need to keep lifting those weights.
Speaker 4 (07:47):
Bro.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
Yeah, I don't know.
Speaker 6 (07:50):
There's a lot of different things that I'll eat anything.
It really doesn't matter. I can't really jump into this
topic too much. I'm trying to eat healthy right now,
you know. I mean, honestly, I can't really have anything
that's off the top of my head. Like I'm a
big fast food guy, and like you know you are,
and I like fast food, and I don't know, I
(08:12):
mean I guess some of those things, but you know,
I like to have breakfast, lunch down and stuff like that,
and then you know, if I need to snack in
the off time, I will so wait.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
But we did hear about like a specific shake, a
protein shake, like high caloric shake that's very specific for
offensive linemen. What goes into something like that, Like, I mean,
I'm thinking about like multiple scoops of protein, but like is.
Speaker 4 (08:35):
It like peanut butter, but nana like everything you could find.
Speaker 1 (08:38):
I'm trying to think about like the most dense foods,
right Yeah.
Speaker 5 (08:41):
For sure.
Speaker 6 (08:41):
I mean, like, you know, if you're trying to gain weight,
I think it's you know, multiple scoops of wave protein
and then cretine goes into that too, you know, fruit
you know, I'll be some extra uh you know, stuff
like that, and then you know, I guess, uh, it's
just water from there. But like, honestly, I haven't been
on the gain weight side, so like I've been trying to.
(09:03):
But that's guys, and if that uh, you know, life
routine and peanut butter and stuff like that, so like, you.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
Know, yeah, that's a typical you know what's crazy though, Matt,
Like I remember covering when I was still a correspondent
for the NFL Network. My favorite thing was talking to
offensive linemen from year one to year two, and a
lot of them are still very young men. Sometimes, you know,
they go back home and so many of them are like,
my parents are sick of me, Like they cannot buy
(09:29):
enough groceries because the league still dictates like you still
got to put on twenty thirty, which is wild to me,
and they're like, I actually don't want to eat anymore.
My parents can't keep going to Costco. Like it's just
this sort of thing like there's a big emphasis of it.
But yeah, it's just like it's fascinating to me for sure.
Speaker 5 (09:49):
Put your body.
Speaker 6 (09:50):
Yeah, my mom has had to. You know, I have
two older brothers who are both the size of me too.
They didn't play football, but you know they've had to,
you know, go and make multiple costco trips, you know,
every couple of weeks. That was the big match talking
to coaches about you know, the grocery belle and that
was a funny, funny topic for them as well.
Speaker 3 (10:10):
Inflation, this is not okay, Well yeah, no, no, But
you know what is okay is being able to talk
to a team.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
Like the Steelers.
Speaker 3 (10:19):
I mean, you start at Pittsburgh. What would that mean
to go to a place like the Steelers or just
to have the interest from them or just have a conversation.
What is that like for you as a player who
started at at Pittsburgh.
Speaker 6 (10:35):
I mean it would mean everything to me. You know,
coming from Long Island, New York to a football city
like Pittsburgh and playing for the University of Pittsburgh and
that football city, how much I love the city and
you know, the fans I go into it. It would
mean the world to me to play for them, for sure,
but it would mean the world for me to play
for any team as well. But you know, Pittsburgh holds
a special place in my heart, so you know, it
(10:56):
definitely would be a little bit extra special for me
and I actually I have a thirty visit with them
coming up in April, so you know, it's it's to
be able to go visit their facilities. You know, I'm
right down the road five minute drives, so you know,
it's it would be exciting for sure, and I think
it would bring the best out of me to play
for the city that I love.
Speaker 2 (11:15):
So that's awesome. That is awesome.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
Now, No, we were talking about playing for the same
city we saw, you know, Kenny Pickett, former pitt Panther.
He then goes and he's drafted by the Steelers and
now he's with the Eagles. Have you had a chance
to talk to him at all or just about the
process or or any of that.
Speaker 6 (11:36):
Not really, I mean I haven't had the chance to
talk to him since you know, he's got been traded
to the Eagles, and you know, I know he's been
a huge Eagles fan when growing up and then eventually
going to Pittsburgh and being a Steeler, you know that
that was his you know, I guess kind of journey.
But you know, during the season, you know, he would
shoot me a couple of texts, you know, saying, you know,
you're doing a great job. You know, some of the
(11:58):
scouts love you here. And you know, even when I
got injured, he was kind enough to, you know, send
me a text say get better and you know, I'm
really excited for you and stuff like that.
Speaker 5 (12:07):
So, you know, being able to block for.
Speaker 6 (12:08):
Him, and you know, see, you know how how far
he's come on his journey, and you know the success
he's going to have down the road. He's one of
the hardest workers I know, and one of the the
kindest people you'll ever meet, and one of the you know,
the most determined people you ever meet. I have a
lot of love for Kenny, and I think he's going
to do big things down the road for the Philadelphia Eagles,
for sure.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
That's awesome love to hear that is.
Speaker 3 (12:31):
Has he giving you any advice with the draft process
at all?
Speaker 5 (12:36):
I wouldn't say not too much.
Speaker 6 (12:38):
You know, he was busy during the season, and you
know it's not like you know, we're texting back and forth,
and the only thing I could say that he would
tell me is just keep working hard, keeping yourself, keep
doing your thing. And that's you know, that's kind of
you know, the basis of you know what he said
to me. Told me that, you know, some of the
Scouts you they love you, keep grinding and stuff like that.
Speaker 5 (12:57):
And like I said, he's just a really good guy.
Speaker 6 (12:59):
And you know, if I had the opportunity to block
for him once again, it would would mean the world
to me.
Speaker 4 (13:05):
Could you imagine a full circle?
Speaker 1 (13:08):
That would be incredible? Not is your I know you're
from Long Island originally, is your family still there?
Speaker 5 (13:18):
I grew up in New York as well.
Speaker 6 (13:19):
Yes, my my father and my brothers are still in
New York and my stepmother and then my mother and
my stepfather they moved to Florida, so they're kind of
near me.
Speaker 5 (13:28):
They're coming to visit me later today.
Speaker 1 (13:32):
So yeah, I'm trying to envision this like a draft
weekend situation with the family, right because as someone who
grew up in New.
Speaker 4 (13:40):
York, there's just a different layer of how the celebrations go.
Speaker 1 (13:44):
Have you been able to picture that that that weekend
that night with everybody around you. I can't imagine how
excited they are for you in this next step.
Speaker 5 (13:54):
For sure.
Speaker 6 (13:54):
I mean, I'm you know, I've envisioned the night, you know,
plenty of times, and you know, I hope and you
know I can go, you know, second third day, just
to be drafted would be a dream come true for me.
So I you know, I think it would be a
great time. And I'm gonna have my immediate family around me,
you know, on the draft night, and then that Sunday
when the draft is over, gonna have you know, more people,
(14:15):
my friend's family all, you know, around me. So it
should be a great time and I'm going to be
excited to celebrate with them, for sure.
Speaker 3 (14:22):
You know what, Matt, We've had such a fun time
interviewing various prospects, such as yourself.
Speaker 2 (14:28):
We like to get to know them and what makes
them tick.
Speaker 3 (14:32):
So with that said, we've been asking different prospects what
their hobbies are, you know, something that is not football centric,
whether it's gaming or reading, or watching movies or watching TV. Like,
what is a hobby or maybe a guilty pleasure of
(14:53):
yours that maybe people don't know?
Speaker 6 (14:57):
Well, I like to play chess, and it's not like
you know, it's not really you know, a common game
that a lot of people like. Yeah, it's it's a
com and I think it's a lot like the game
of football. You know, it's very you know, you got
to think ahead of uh you know, the moves you're
gonna make. It makes you think, uh, you know, but
(15:18):
before and after what you gotta do. And you know
that that was one thing that I really like to do,
is I like to you know, and I like to
you know, just take like a little stressor off myself.
You know, just play a game of chess against somebody
across the world, and you know, I see different tactics
and you know, uh, you know, try to checkmate somebody
and you know, I like and uh you know, I
(15:39):
like it.
Speaker 5 (15:39):
Uh you know, just kind of like a de stresser.
Speaker 3 (15:41):
So yeah, but still though you're you're a competitor though, Matt,
Let's be honest. Come on, if somebody is across from you,
you're gonna want to beat them and beat them bad.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
My friends, right for sure.
Speaker 6 (15:52):
I Mean the one person who I struggle against is
my own brother and you know, yeah, and you know
he always plays me and he always beats me. Uh,
you know, I beat him every once in a while.
But you know, when it comes to trying to play
somebody across the board, I want to win, and uh
you know that.
Speaker 5 (16:08):
That brings out my competitive nature as well.
Speaker 3 (16:10):
So how annoying is it that it's your brother? Probably
he lords it over you, right, it probably.
Speaker 6 (16:15):
Wakes Yeah, I mean he taught me. So you know,
I guess the person that you know is another is
always going to be better. But you know, eventually I'll
get my run on him.
Speaker 1 (16:25):
Are you the youngest the young okay, pressure, Do you
think it's ever too late to learn how to play chess?
Speaker 2 (16:35):
No?
Speaker 6 (16:36):
I think anybody can take it up from you know,
for me, yeah, a young to an adult. I think,
you know, anybody can learn the game. It's very simple
but very complex. And you know, if you learn the
strategies and you know the principles of it, and you'll
be good to go.
Speaker 1 (16:51):
Did you watch The Queen's Gambit?
Speaker 5 (16:53):
I do like The Queens gam but yeah, it's a
very Yeah, it's a good series.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
You liked it, then, yeah, I liked it a lot.
Speaker 6 (17:01):
You know, there was a lot of competitive nature in
that with Bear against you know, Russians and stuff like that.
So you know, I liked it a lot, and you know,
it's a very inspiring story.
Speaker 1 (17:11):
So I'm going to learn how to play chest. Now
you have inspired me. I've always been too intimidated to learn.
Speaker 5 (17:18):
It's not that bad, I promise you. Once you get
the basics down, it's it's very simple.
Speaker 4 (17:22):
I'm doing it.
Speaker 1 (17:23):
Twenty twenty four, we're learning how to play chest. Queen's Gammut. Incredible, Matt,
Thank you so much for coming through. You so so
excited for you and and what's to come. And we
know that this next chapter not just for you as
a man, but in your in your football career is
going to be incredible. So we appreciate you coming through
and taking the time to chat with us a.
Speaker 3 (17:43):
Little bit more about your story.
Speaker 2 (17:44):
Love.
Speaker 5 (17:45):
Thank you guys. Thank you guys so much.
Speaker 6 (17:47):
Really, I appreciate the time you know, letting me go
on here and talk to you guys, and you know
I had a blast, And just thank you once again
for you know, of course, you know interviewing me and viewing.
Speaker 5 (17:57):
Me as somebody you know worth worth draftings?
Speaker 1 (18:00):
Are you kidding? Absolutely forget us like you're in.
Speaker 5 (18:03):
The league I'll come back on.
Speaker 2 (18:07):
Okay, all right, make sure okay, we do. We do
have it on tape.
Speaker 4 (18:13):
Process, take it.
Speaker 5 (18:14):
Thank you so much, see you guys.
Speaker 1 (18:30):
In Huddle is a production of the NFL in partnership
with iHeart Radio. For more podcasts from iHeart Radio, visit
the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com