May 29, 2025 • 18 mins
Michael is joined this week by Steelers WR Calvin Austin, as the team heads back for OTA’s. He recalls his time in Ireland and talks about his excitement for the 2025 NFL Dublin Game.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Irish airline aer Lingus will proudly serve as the presenting
partner of Steelers Ireland twenty twenty five. Airlingus's growth in
North America continues in twenty twenty five as the airline
prepares to fly to two new US destinations, Nashville and Indianapolis,
using its new Airbus eight three twenty one xl or aircraft.
This brings the number of transatlantic routes operated by the
(00:21):
airline from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester to twenty four. Steelers
fans traveling to Ireland for the Big Game can enjoy
a relaxing journey when they fly with air Lingus. Air Lingus,
You're very welcome.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
Everybody.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
Welcome into the Irish Staters podcast Michael mccuatior as we
get through a novel week of this offseason and Steters Nation,
It's time to take flight with Airlingus, an official airline
partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and founding partner of Steeters Ireland.
There's never been a better time to book your trip
to Dublin. With nineteen North American gateways, including flights for
(01:03):
nearby Cleveland. Get ready for warm Irish hospitality. And plenty
of room on board for your terrible tiele, whether it's
game day or a getaway. Erlingus looks forward to saying
you're very welcome to the players and fans of the
Pittsburgh Theaters. You can book now at airlingus dot com.
And yes, folks, that's right, and you're very welcome to
this week's edition of the Irish Theaters Podcast presented by Aerlingus.
(01:26):
And this week we actually celebrated the second anniversary of
the Staters presence in Ireland marketing wise, with the international
marketing agreement with Steeters Ireland and it's really mad like
obviously the Staters have had a great presence throughout the
last few decades and really from whenever the Rony family
emigrated from Ireland to North America. And to see it
(01:46):
now in this official rule two years on is really
really special. It's a really interesting time. Steeters are back.
They started OTAs this week and we're obviously getting closer
to tickets being on seal for the Dublin game in
the seventeenth just to let people know, and I got
this clarified from the NFL this week, So if you're
twenty twenty four Tottenham season ticket holder with the NFL,
(02:10):
and you've got an email, you will be in a
pre seal with thanks to your loyalty on June twelfth.
More information to sign up is at NFL dot com
slash Doublin. But my understanding is if you were a
season ticket holder, you will get an email already. Please
feel free to reach out to me if you need
any more information or that. But I know a lot
of people are very excited for this game coming, and
(02:31):
I hope and prayer that everybody here gets tickets. NFL
dot com slash Dublin. This week, we've got a really
cool podcast with a friend of the podcast, now obviously
a lot more than that. He's a guy on the
roster of the Pittsburgh Staters. Wide receiver pump returner Folks.
Calvin Austin joins us for a great chat ahead of
what promises to be a historic autumn this year. As
(02:52):
we get closer to Staters training camp this summer, on
every week passes, we get closer to the historic first
NFL game in Dublin. We're delighted to welcome back friend
of this podcast, Steters player Staters wide receiver Calvin Austin
Calvin Falter, How are you doing money good?
Speaker 2 (03:05):
I'm doing good. How are you?
Speaker 3 (03:08):
I'm doing good? And we're talking this week as we
I guess you guys, get back to work, get back
to the grind ots. How have you found the first
few days of it so far?
Speaker 4 (03:18):
You know, it's always good to get back in and
I mean we've been you know, we've been in the building,
you know, doing workouts and stuff on on the field
with the coaches here and there, but to you know,
to have the team out there going against you know, offense, defense, competing.
It's always gets you back into that football mode in mindset.
Speaker 3 (03:37):
It feels like January was like last week. The time
just flies in. Have you had a chance to sort
of refresh time out, did you get to go away
on vacation anywhere, or have you really been just sort
of focused on the head of the season or a
bit of.
Speaker 4 (03:48):
Both, a little bit of both, you know, spending time
with the family, traveling a little bit. But you know,
obviously it's about you know, finding that mix of relaxing
after a long season, but also you know, staying on
top of things and making sure you're in the you know,
the right shape and form to where you can to
(04:10):
me at the end of it. At the end of
the day, you're always trying to improve year after year,
So it's about just making sure you are refreshed and
also staying on top of things.
Speaker 3 (04:21):
We'll talk about the Dublin game in the second, but
obviously the sort of big news that dropped last week
and the week before that was obviously with the twenty
twenty five schedule. As a player, you guys obviously know
ahead of time the number of teams that you're gonna fix.
You know you're going to fix the AFC North. But
just how much are you guys locked in whenever our
self is released and how much do you examine it
(04:41):
and watch your faults just generally on them.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
You know.
Speaker 4 (04:46):
I feel like thus players don't really pay that much
attention unless it's like one of those games like we
have this year where we're going to Ireland, you know,
because that's you know, that's kind of that's a once
in a lifetime opportunity because like a lot of people
aren't afforded that opportunity to go there and that and
to let alone play football over there. So you know,
(05:07):
we definitely, you know, have those few games I would
say that are circled, but a lot of us sometimes
you know, at the end of the day, we know
that we're gonna have teams and you know, not to
go out there and compete and get some regardless, and
there's only so many teams you're going to play.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
But I would definitely.
Speaker 4 (05:24):
Say those like you know, those prime time games and
those games that are overseas definitely catch our attention to most.
Speaker 3 (05:31):
Yeah, like what's first off, I guess the thing for
people listening aren't where you have the challengs to come
over here. You were in Baleface doubling Cork and you
went to the Balfos Troosian facility, the Cork Gobmers facility
for flag football comps last year. I know what the time,
you would have had a fair idea of this is cool,
it would be awesome to play here. Now it's happening,
and first off, you sort of mentioned that there are
(05:53):
How cool is it for you?
Speaker 2 (05:54):
How excited you afford it?
Speaker 3 (05:55):
Especially when you have the chance to see what it's
like over here, because I know when you get over
here it's going to be full game. But then secondly
as well, call then week four of the season. It
seems like the right sort of time to get over
It's the first international game on the slid for any team,
and also it's early, but more so as well, it's
not historic first time. It's never going to be done
for the first time again. It's pretty cool.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Oh yeah, most definitely.
Speaker 4 (06:18):
And that's what makes it, I feel like even more
special for me personally having the opportunity to go last
year when that opportunity was brought up, like like I said,
I jumped on it because you know, there's not many
times that I would have thought of going to Ireland
or have an opportunity to you know, spread the game
that I love in another country. So and then getting
(06:41):
getting over there was very cool as well because that
was my first time. I mean, I've done it like
a cruised kind of thing before, but I feel like
that was my first time you know, out the country
overseas like and being able to you know, see the
cities and stuff.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
Get a feel for the people and everything.
Speaker 4 (06:58):
And that took me about prize because everybody was so
just welcoming, the food was great, and so now being
able to go over there a second time, it's like,
you know, it's exciting because now I can you know,
I already get some stuff that I already saw checked off,
and you know, obviously we go over.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
There gonna be football mode, but you know, I kind
of got a.
Speaker 4 (07:18):
Feel for the city, the people, everything, and just going
over there again, I think the players on our team
would definitely be able to feel that the love quick
because I mean just from doing the camps and everything
and hearing how the kids were, like, you know, some
of the kids were like, oh, I played with you
on Madden and saying this up and I'm like, you know,
you have to put things in perspective, like I'm, you know,
(07:40):
seven eight hours away and they're talking about how they
play with me on the video game, like they know
who I actually am, And so just putting that in perspective,
that's something, you know, Lord Willing, twenty thirty years down
the line, you.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
Would be able to forever have that story and that moment.
Speaker 3 (07:58):
I know a lot of people over here are excited,
and have people talked about a much. I know you
guys are just backing the facility, but has it been
something that everyone's sort of talking about in the locker
room as well, just sort of looking to have to.
Speaker 4 (08:08):
Be oh yeah, you know, it's excitement around it.
Speaker 2 (08:12):
It's also you know, a lot of uncertainty.
Speaker 4 (08:14):
Around like you know, whenever we're gonna lead, where we're
gonna stay, you.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
Know, just you know, just simple things like that.
Speaker 4 (08:21):
But like I said, it's all excitement because, like I said,
last year, that was my first time going at the country.
So I'm sure for a lot of guys it may
be their first time as well, or and now I
know for a lot of guys to probably be their
first time for sure going to Ireland, you know. And
so for all of us, you know, we definitely talk
about it and we're very excited, and.
Speaker 2 (08:39):
So you know it's gonna be.
Speaker 4 (08:42):
It's gonna be awesome to go over there, and it'll
be even better to leave there with the win awesome.
Speaker 3 (08:47):
Like I mean, I know all that will be finalized.
It's all TVC at the minute. But week four in
these coast, Week five and sorry, week free in these Coast,
Week four in Ireland a nice by in week five,
so I guess from a player's downdpoint, that's pretty cool.
Sometimes you don't get the chance to have a byewake
oft to these games, so you guys are gonna have
the chance to relax. You mentioned meeting the kids over here,
playing flag football, coaching up kids. I know that, you know,
(09:10):
it's I do want to bring it up because you've
obviously done stuff in the off season, and you've got
to camps over the summer as well. How important or
how much do you enjoy giving back to not just
people abroad, but you know, just the local community as
well where you're from in Tennessee.
Speaker 4 (09:24):
Oh yeah, you know, I love getting back just because
I mean I remember being younger and like just for
personally me back in Memphis where where I'm from. Even
though guys that were like on the college team, the
Memphis College football team, like they weren't like looking back,
none of them guys really had any I guess besides
(09:47):
The'angelo Williams, but I mean he's obviously the main one.
But like I used to look up this like some
receivers like Duke Calhoun, a guy from Melphis. But like
I remember those moments when I was younger looking up
to those guys, and so I remember that now. So
whenever I'm have an opportunity or in a position to
(10:07):
where I can, you know, talk to specifically like the youth,
kids and everything is where I feel like it really
hits home for me because for one, obviously I'm not
the biggest person.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
So I just like to inspire and just tell, just tell.
Speaker 4 (10:24):
The youth that like not just in football, but like
but football it does give you, you know, great skills
in life.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
But you know, just in life.
Speaker 4 (10:32):
You know, you may be counted out, you may be doubted,
but it's all about you know, just believing in yourself
and believing and doing it for the people who always
believed in you. And so anytime I get to, you know,
give back to the community that has shown me so
much love.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
I mean being able to go back now.
Speaker 4 (10:52):
And you know, hear how people like something, people like
say about me, how highly respect I am.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
It's kind of surreal. And so you know, it's all
about when.
Speaker 4 (11:01):
You are blessed with those when when you are blessed
with deposition, it's all about, you know, trying to be
a blessing to others.
Speaker 3 (11:09):
Absolutely, I can't imagine what that's like as well. And
just to sort of luck at the last few weeks
and months since we last spoke, the biggest I guess
for a lot of Staders fans in Ireland on in
Europe especially, the biggest offseason story outside of the outside
of the dubling game is out of upgrading the team.
You know, before we look at the draft, DK matcof
coming in. Have you had the challenge to chop to him?
(11:30):
How excited are you to play alongside him on that offense?
Speaker 2 (11:34):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (11:34):
Yeah, you know, he he's been here in the building
working and everything. And he's from Mississippi, and so I'm
from Memphis, so we kind of you know, neighbors right there.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
And so.
Speaker 4 (11:47):
You know, just seeing how he came in, how he works,
how he was you know, talking to guys. Anytime he catches,
he finishes like ten fifteen yards. You know, having a
guy like that is not only good for the team,
but for you know, just the offense offense specifically, just
you know, opening opening the field up, great for our
(12:10):
great for our receiver room. To have a veteran guy
like that who done played a ton, who have paid
a lot of plays and everything, and so you know
having him on the team is good just from a
standpoint that he'll just make us more more explosive on offense.
Speaker 3 (12:26):
How much do you stay tuned into like the NFL's dropped,
especially when you go after and get a running box
and stuff. Is that something that you guys look at
and then have a chance to see. Have you met
any of the guys that were drafted or is it
still very much for you? That's your first second dead back.
Speaker 4 (12:40):
So yeah, I don't I wouldn't say I pay attention
like I watch it the whole time, but I definitely
pay attention to who we draft. You know, some guys
from my college I pay attention to, but you know,
definitely the guys that we draft. I mean, anytime we
have somebody, I usually go and look up their highlights
or something, because I mean they're on our team now,
you know what I'm saying. There are going to be
a part part of helping us accomplish our ultimate goal.
(13:04):
And so yeah, the rookies they got here, I want
to say a week or two. I think two weeks
ago maybe, but yeah, I mean as soon as they
got here, they instantly you know, in the locker room,
instantly on the field working. And you know it's always
obviously you know, you're coming from college into a professional
locker room with people you really probably majority of people
(13:24):
you do not know, and so just seeing how the
past couple of weeks they've opened up, you know, we've
been just and that's also on the people who like
the people who are already on the team. It's up
to us to you know, make them feel welcome, because
at the end of the day, we were once in
their shoes and so you know, they've hit the ground
running though. They got here and he immediately started working.
(13:48):
So I think we got some guys that'll definitely have
the team this year.
Speaker 3 (13:51):
I know a lot of guys that are here excited
to see what guys that Caleb Johnson can do, especially
in the running game, which is gonna compliment you guys
as well, and well alvious to see what happens with
the quarterback.
Speaker 2 (14:00):
You're go me it's in there.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
We've got Will hired there as well, So it's gonna
be an exciting few weeks and a few months ahead.
What's the vibe like, especially when you're looking at guys
like Arvur Smith, when you've got coach a Zani there
as well, what's a vibe like when you get back
into the facility after you know, a few months off
officially to like extend when you go back in for uts.
Speaker 4 (14:20):
You know, the vibe is we can't warm up to it.
We can't. We can't like, we can't like try to
just start off you know at step one, step two,
step two, Like we gotta at some point, you know,
we got to put those like those building block stuff away.
And you know, people say it's early, but just like
(14:42):
you said earlier, like it felt like it was just January,
like while we're talking right now, would probably be we'll
be talking before our and I imagine soon, so you know,
stuff happens that quick. So the vibe has been from
coach Smith from but I mean obviously from coach Tomlin
down like we can't wait, we can't you know, Okay,
let's we'll ease into it.
Speaker 2 (15:01):
It's no easing into things, you know, we have to.
Speaker 4 (15:04):
This is really the time when you can separate from
teams because a lot of people are just you know,
going through the motions. But this is the time when
we have to you know, not talk about the ABC.
We gotta talk about the X, Y Z of things
and really you know, hone out the details and actually
try to get better, not just check boxes.
Speaker 3 (15:24):
Just going on your performance. In twenty twenty four, you
have four touchdigns. But for me anybody watching, seem to
be a real breakout year where we've seen a lot
more of you on the TV over here, for example
on a Sunday evening early Monday morning at how's your
mindset going into twenty twenty five for you?
Speaker 4 (15:41):
It's somewhat build on it, but really just forget and
just start back over, you know, Like I just put
on that in college, all of the walk on so
I mean I just kind of carry that mentality with
me throughout that. You know, people are downing me, people
are you know that I just got to show people,
(16:02):
you know, And I mean that's been my what I've
done my whole life, that's been my not my ultimate drive,
but that's been definitely you know, a prominent force and
what I and that makes me work the way I
work and do what I do. So just you know,
to continue what I'm doing and to continue to be
a good steward of God's gifts and just be the
(16:23):
best that I can be.
Speaker 3 (16:25):
Just running them finally, Calvin, obviously this game is week
four Cedars Vikings and Crew Park, September the twentieth for
fins in Ireland, listening and obviously across the world. Judas
seventeenth ticket, certaince healed NFL dot com slash Dublin. Have
you a message for Irish Theedars Funds before you go?
Speaker 4 (16:42):
Man, I about to say when I when I went there,
you know, I could kind of feel the vibe and
the love, and so I'm excited for my teammates to
feel that, you know, that love and that passion that
y'all showed me, and so we're excited to get over
there and hopefully play some good football and front of y'all.
Speaker 3 (17:01):
You and Connor were the ogs we've had cam over,
we've have had over so we're excited to have you
guys all back over here again later on whenever the
season starts. In the meantime, Calvin, I just want to
wish it a very our best luck. Hopefully get a
chance to chat to you in the trough with some points.
But enjoy these next few weeks and thanks for coming on.
Speaker 2 (17:17):
Appreciate it, Thank you, good talking to you.
Speaker 1 (17:26):
Irish Airline. Aer Lingus will proudly serve as the presenting
partner of Steelers Ireland twenty twenty five. Airlingus's growth in
North America continues in twenty twenty five, as the airline
prepares to fly to two new US destinations, Nashville and Indianapolis,
using its new Airbus eight three twenty one xl or aircraft.
This brings the number of transatlantic routes operated by the
(17:47):
airline from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester to twenty four. Steelers
Fans traveling to Ireland for the Big Game can enjoy
a relaxing journey when they fly with air Lingus. Air Lingus,
You're very welcome.
Irish airline aer Lingus will proudly serve as the presenting
partner of Steelers Ireland twenty twenty five. Airlingus's growth in
North America continues in twenty twenty five as the airline
prepares to fly to two new US destinations, Nashville and Indianapolis,
using its new Airbus eight three twenty one xl or aircraft.
This brings the number of transatlantic routes operated by the
(00:21):
airline from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester to twenty four. Steelers
fans traveling to Ireland for the Big Game can enjoy
a relaxing journey when they fly with air Lingus. Air Lingus,
You're very welcome.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
Everybody.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
Welcome into the Irish Staters podcast Michael mccuatior as we
get through a novel week of this offseason and Steters Nation,
It's time to take flight with Airlingus, an official airline
partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and founding partner of Steeters Ireland.
There's never been a better time to book your trip
to Dublin. With nineteen North American gateways, including flights for
(01:03):
nearby Cleveland. Get ready for warm Irish hospitality. And plenty
of room on board for your terrible tiele, whether it's
game day or a getaway. Erlingus looks forward to saying
you're very welcome to the players and fans of the
Pittsburgh Theaters. You can book now at airlingus dot com.
And yes, folks, that's right, and you're very welcome to
this week's edition of the Irish Theaters Podcast presented by Aerlingus.
(01:26):
And this week we actually celebrated the second anniversary of
the Staters presence in Ireland marketing wise, with the international
marketing agreement with Steeters Ireland and it's really mad like
obviously the Staters have had a great presence throughout the
last few decades and really from whenever the Rony family
emigrated from Ireland to North America. And to see it
(01:46):
now in this official rule two years on is really
really special. It's a really interesting time. Steeters are back.
They started OTAs this week and we're obviously getting closer
to tickets being on seal for the Dublin game in
the seventeenth just to let people know, and I got
this clarified from the NFL this week, So if you're
twenty twenty four Tottenham season ticket holder with the NFL,
(02:10):
and you've got an email, you will be in a
pre seal with thanks to your loyalty on June twelfth.
More information to sign up is at NFL dot com
slash Doublin. But my understanding is if you were a
season ticket holder, you will get an email already. Please
feel free to reach out to me if you need
any more information or that. But I know a lot
of people are very excited for this game coming, and
(02:31):
I hope and prayer that everybody here gets tickets. NFL
dot com slash Dublin. This week, we've got a really
cool podcast with a friend of the podcast, now obviously
a lot more than that. He's a guy on the
roster of the Pittsburgh Staters. Wide receiver pump returner Folks.
Calvin Austin joins us for a great chat ahead of
what promises to be a historic autumn this year. As
(02:52):
we get closer to Staters training camp this summer, on
every week passes, we get closer to the historic first
NFL game in Dublin. We're delighted to welcome back friend
of this podcast, Steters player Staters wide receiver Calvin Austin
Calvin Falter, How are you doing money good?
Speaker 2 (03:05):
I'm doing good. How are you?
Speaker 3 (03:08):
I'm doing good? And we're talking this week as we
I guess you guys, get back to work, get back
to the grind ots. How have you found the first
few days of it so far?
Speaker 4 (03:18):
You know, it's always good to get back in and
I mean we've been you know, we've been in the building,
you know, doing workouts and stuff on on the field
with the coaches here and there, but to you know,
to have the team out there going against you know, offense, defense, competing.
It's always gets you back into that football mode in mindset.
Speaker 3 (03:37):
It feels like January was like last week. The time
just flies in. Have you had a chance to sort
of refresh time out, did you get to go away
on vacation anywhere, or have you really been just sort
of focused on the head of the season or a
bit of.
Speaker 4 (03:48):
Both, a little bit of both, you know, spending time
with the family, traveling a little bit. But you know,
obviously it's about you know, finding that mix of relaxing
after a long season, but also you know, staying on
top of things and making sure you're in the you know,
the right shape and form to where you can to
(04:10):
me at the end of it. At the end of
the day, you're always trying to improve year after year,
So it's about just making sure you are refreshed and
also staying on top of things.
Speaker 3 (04:21):
We'll talk about the Dublin game in the second, but
obviously the sort of big news that dropped last week
and the week before that was obviously with the twenty
twenty five schedule. As a player, you guys obviously know
ahead of time the number of teams that you're gonna fix.
You know you're going to fix the AFC North. But
just how much are you guys locked in whenever our
self is released and how much do you examine it
(04:41):
and watch your faults just generally on them.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
You know.
Speaker 4 (04:46):
I feel like thus players don't really pay that much
attention unless it's like one of those games like we
have this year where we're going to Ireland, you know,
because that's you know, that's kind of that's a once
in a lifetime opportunity because like a lot of people
aren't afforded that opportunity to go there and that and
to let alone play football over there. So you know,
(05:07):
we definitely, you know, have those few games I would
say that are circled, but a lot of us sometimes
you know, at the end of the day, we know
that we're gonna have teams and you know, not to
go out there and compete and get some regardless, and
there's only so many teams you're going to play.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
But I would definitely.
Speaker 4 (05:24):
Say those like you know, those prime time games and
those games that are overseas definitely catch our attention to most.
Speaker 3 (05:31):
Yeah, like what's first off, I guess the thing for
people listening aren't where you have the challengs to come
over here. You were in Baleface doubling Cork and you
went to the Balfos Troosian facility, the Cork Gobmers facility
for flag football comps last year. I know what the time,
you would have had a fair idea of this is cool,
it would be awesome to play here. Now it's happening,
and first off, you sort of mentioned that there are
(05:53):
How cool is it for you?
Speaker 2 (05:54):
How excited you afford it?
Speaker 3 (05:55):
Especially when you have the chance to see what it's
like over here, because I know when you get over
here it's going to be full game. But then secondly
as well, call then week four of the season. It
seems like the right sort of time to get over
It's the first international game on the slid for any team,
and also it's early, but more so as well, it's
not historic first time. It's never going to be done
for the first time again. It's pretty cool.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Oh yeah, most definitely.
Speaker 4 (06:18):
And that's what makes it, I feel like even more
special for me personally having the opportunity to go last
year when that opportunity was brought up, like like I said,
I jumped on it because you know, there's not many
times that I would have thought of going to Ireland
or have an opportunity to you know, spread the game
that I love in another country. So and then getting
(06:41):
getting over there was very cool as well because that
was my first time. I mean, I've done it like
a cruised kind of thing before, but I feel like
that was my first time you know, out the country
overseas like and being able to you know, see the
cities and stuff.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
Get a feel for the people and everything.
Speaker 4 (06:58):
And that took me about prize because everybody was so
just welcoming, the food was great, and so now being
able to go over there a second time, it's like,
you know, it's exciting because now I can you know,
I already get some stuff that I already saw checked off,
and you know, obviously we go over.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
There gonna be football mode, but you know, I kind
of got a.
Speaker 4 (07:18):
Feel for the city, the people, everything, and just going
over there again, I think the players on our team
would definitely be able to feel that the love quick
because I mean just from doing the camps and everything
and hearing how the kids were, like, you know, some
of the kids were like, oh, I played with you
on Madden and saying this up and I'm like, you know,
you have to put things in perspective, like I'm, you know,
(07:40):
seven eight hours away and they're talking about how they
play with me on the video game, like they know
who I actually am, And so just putting that in perspective,
that's something, you know, Lord Willing, twenty thirty years down
the line, you.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
Would be able to forever have that story and that moment.
Speaker 3 (07:58):
I know a lot of people over here are excited,
and have people talked about a much. I know you
guys are just backing the facility, but has it been
something that everyone's sort of talking about in the locker
room as well, just sort of looking to have to.
Speaker 4 (08:08):
Be oh yeah, you know, it's excitement around it.
Speaker 2 (08:12):
It's also you know, a lot of uncertainty.
Speaker 4 (08:14):
Around like you know, whenever we're gonna lead, where we're
gonna stay, you.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
Know, just you know, just simple things like that.
Speaker 4 (08:21):
But like I said, it's all excitement because, like I said,
last year, that was my first time going at the country.
So I'm sure for a lot of guys it may
be their first time as well, or and now I
know for a lot of guys to probably be their
first time for sure going to Ireland, you know. And
so for all of us, you know, we definitely talk
about it and we're very excited, and.
Speaker 2 (08:39):
So you know it's gonna be.
Speaker 4 (08:42):
It's gonna be awesome to go over there, and it'll
be even better to leave there with the win awesome.
Speaker 3 (08:47):
Like I mean, I know all that will be finalized.
It's all TVC at the minute. But week four in
these coast, Week five and sorry, week free in these Coast,
Week four in Ireland a nice by in week five,
so I guess from a player's downdpoint, that's pretty cool.
Sometimes you don't get the chance to have a byewake
oft to these games, so you guys are gonna have
the chance to relax. You mentioned meeting the kids over here,
playing flag football, coaching up kids. I know that, you know,
(09:10):
it's I do want to bring it up because you've
obviously done stuff in the off season, and you've got
to camps over the summer as well. How important or
how much do you enjoy giving back to not just
people abroad, but you know, just the local community as
well where you're from in Tennessee.
Speaker 4 (09:24):
Oh yeah, you know, I love getting back just because
I mean I remember being younger and like just for
personally me back in Memphis where where I'm from. Even
though guys that were like on the college team, the
Memphis College football team, like they weren't like looking back,
none of them guys really had any I guess besides
(09:47):
The'angelo Williams, but I mean he's obviously the main one.
But like I used to look up this like some
receivers like Duke Calhoun, a guy from Melphis. But like
I remember those moments when I was younger looking up
to those guys, and so I remember that now. So
whenever I'm have an opportunity or in a position to
(10:07):
where I can, you know, talk to specifically like the youth,
kids and everything is where I feel like it really
hits home for me because for one, obviously I'm not
the biggest person.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
So I just like to inspire and just tell, just tell.
Speaker 4 (10:24):
The youth that like not just in football, but like
but football it does give you, you know, great skills
in life.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
But you know, just in life.
Speaker 4 (10:32):
You know, you may be counted out, you may be doubted,
but it's all about you know, just believing in yourself
and believing and doing it for the people who always
believed in you. And so anytime I get to, you know,
give back to the community that has shown me so
much love.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
I mean being able to go back now.
Speaker 4 (10:52):
And you know, hear how people like something, people like
say about me, how highly respect I am.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
It's kind of surreal. And so you know, it's all
about when.
Speaker 4 (11:01):
You are blessed with those when when you are blessed
with deposition, it's all about, you know, trying to be
a blessing to others.
Speaker 3 (11:09):
Absolutely, I can't imagine what that's like as well. And
just to sort of luck at the last few weeks
and months since we last spoke, the biggest I guess
for a lot of Staders fans in Ireland on in
Europe especially, the biggest offseason story outside of the outside
of the dubling game is out of upgrading the team.
You know, before we look at the draft, DK matcof
coming in. Have you had the challenge to chop to him?
(11:30):
How excited are you to play alongside him on that offense?
Speaker 2 (11:34):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (11:34):
Yeah, you know, he he's been here in the building
working and everything. And he's from Mississippi, and so I'm
from Memphis, so we kind of you know, neighbors right there.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
And so.
Speaker 4 (11:47):
You know, just seeing how he came in, how he works,
how he was you know, talking to guys. Anytime he catches,
he finishes like ten fifteen yards. You know, having a
guy like that is not only good for the team,
but for you know, just the offense offense specifically, just
you know, opening opening the field up, great for our
(12:10):
great for our receiver room. To have a veteran guy
like that who done played a ton, who have paid
a lot of plays and everything, and so you know
having him on the team is good just from a
standpoint that he'll just make us more more explosive on offense.
Speaker 3 (12:26):
How much do you stay tuned into like the NFL's dropped,
especially when you go after and get a running box
and stuff. Is that something that you guys look at
and then have a chance to see. Have you met
any of the guys that were drafted or is it
still very much for you? That's your first second dead back.
Speaker 4 (12:40):
So yeah, I don't I wouldn't say I pay attention
like I watch it the whole time, but I definitely
pay attention to who we draft. You know, some guys
from my college I pay attention to, but you know,
definitely the guys that we draft. I mean, anytime we
have somebody, I usually go and look up their highlights
or something, because I mean they're on our team now,
you know what I'm saying. There are going to be
a part part of helping us accomplish our ultimate goal.
(13:04):
And so yeah, the rookies they got here, I want
to say a week or two. I think two weeks
ago maybe, but yeah, I mean as soon as they
got here, they instantly you know, in the locker room,
instantly on the field working. And you know it's always
obviously you know, you're coming from college into a professional
locker room with people you really probably majority of people
(13:24):
you do not know, and so just seeing how the
past couple of weeks they've opened up, you know, we've
been just and that's also on the people who like
the people who are already on the team. It's up
to us to you know, make them feel welcome, because
at the end of the day, we were once in
their shoes and so you know, they've hit the ground
running though. They got here and he immediately started working.
(13:48):
So I think we got some guys that'll definitely have
the team this year.
Speaker 3 (13:51):
I know a lot of guys that are here excited
to see what guys that Caleb Johnson can do, especially
in the running game, which is gonna compliment you guys
as well, and well alvious to see what happens with
the quarterback.
Speaker 2 (14:00):
You're go me it's in there.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
We've got Will hired there as well, So it's gonna
be an exciting few weeks and a few months ahead.
What's the vibe like, especially when you're looking at guys
like Arvur Smith, when you've got coach a Zani there
as well, what's a vibe like when you get back
into the facility after you know, a few months off
officially to like extend when you go back in for uts.
Speaker 4 (14:20):
You know, the vibe is we can't warm up to it.
We can't. We can't like, we can't like try to
just start off you know at step one, step two,
step two, Like we gotta at some point, you know,
we got to put those like those building block stuff away.
And you know, people say it's early, but just like
(14:42):
you said earlier, like it felt like it was just January,
like while we're talking right now, would probably be we'll
be talking before our and I imagine soon, so you know,
stuff happens that quick. So the vibe has been from
coach Smith from but I mean obviously from coach Tomlin
down like we can't wait, we can't you know, Okay,
let's we'll ease into it.
Speaker 2 (15:01):
It's no easing into things, you know, we have to.
Speaker 4 (15:04):
This is really the time when you can separate from
teams because a lot of people are just you know,
going through the motions. But this is the time when
we have to you know, not talk about the ABC.
We gotta talk about the X, Y Z of things
and really you know, hone out the details and actually
try to get better, not just check boxes.
Speaker 3 (15:24):
Just going on your performance. In twenty twenty four, you
have four touchdigns. But for me anybody watching, seem to
be a real breakout year where we've seen a lot
more of you on the TV over here, for example
on a Sunday evening early Monday morning at how's your
mindset going into twenty twenty five for you?
Speaker 4 (15:41):
It's somewhat build on it, but really just forget and
just start back over, you know, Like I just put
on that in college, all of the walk on so
I mean I just kind of carry that mentality with
me throughout that. You know, people are downing me, people
are you know that I just got to show people,
(16:02):
you know, And I mean that's been my what I've
done my whole life, that's been my not my ultimate drive,
but that's been definitely you know, a prominent force and
what I and that makes me work the way I
work and do what I do. So just you know,
to continue what I'm doing and to continue to be
a good steward of God's gifts and just be the
(16:23):
best that I can be.
Speaker 3 (16:25):
Just running them finally, Calvin, obviously this game is week
four Cedars Vikings and Crew Park, September the twentieth for
fins in Ireland, listening and obviously across the world. Judas
seventeenth ticket, certaince healed NFL dot com slash Dublin. Have
you a message for Irish Theedars Funds before you go?
Speaker 4 (16:42):
Man, I about to say when I when I went there,
you know, I could kind of feel the vibe and
the love, and so I'm excited for my teammates to
feel that, you know, that love and that passion that
y'all showed me, and so we're excited to get over
there and hopefully play some good football and front of y'all.
Speaker 3 (17:01):
You and Connor were the ogs we've had cam over,
we've have had over so we're excited to have you
guys all back over here again later on whenever the
season starts. In the meantime, Calvin, I just want to
wish it a very our best luck. Hopefully get a
chance to chat to you in the trough with some points.
But enjoy these next few weeks and thanks for coming on.
Speaker 2 (17:17):
Appreciate it, Thank you, good talking to you.
Speaker 1 (17:26):
Irish Airline. Aer Lingus will proudly serve as the presenting
partner of Steelers Ireland twenty twenty five. Airlingus's growth in
North America continues in twenty twenty five, as the airline
prepares to fly to two new US destinations, Nashville and Indianapolis,
using its new Airbus eight three twenty one xl or aircraft.
This brings the number of transatlantic routes operated by the
(17:47):
airline from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester to twenty four. Steelers
Fans traveling to Ireland for the Big Game can enjoy
a relaxing journey when they fly with air Lingus. Air Lingus,
You're very welcome.
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