National Football League
Steelers RB DeAngelo Williams sets reporters straight with first-day rant
National Football League

Steelers RB DeAngelo Williams sets reporters straight with first-day rant

Published May. 27, 2015 1:29 p.m. ET

New Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams knows his role, and he already has advice for those covering the team. 

Williams didn't hesitate to set the record straight when asked about his comfort level as Le'Veon Bell's understudy, a role that will require a heavy workload the first three games of the season while Bell serves his league suspension.

Here is the full one-minute rant from the start of OTAs Tuesday via ESPN.com:

"Let me make sure we get this straight. Because all the Le'Veon questions and me and if I’m able to fill the role or if I’m not and all this. I came from Carolina, where I started for most of my career, OK? So that’s not a heavy workload AT ALL. By no means is it a heavy workload. All I have to do is get the playbook down, which I am. Understanding the terminology, which is different than Carolina’s, which I am (learning). There won’t be any questions or problems with me answering these questions. Ya’ll just sit back and take a seat and relax and enjoy the show.
"Just sit back and enjoy the show and you can answer your own questions. If you watch practice, I get out here and work on my hands to get them right. I’m aware he caught 85 balls. I’m aware that Dri (Archer) caught a lot of balls last year. I’m aware that if the ball is thrown in my direction, I’m expected to catch it because the media is going to be on my back. I understand the role that I’m put in right now. I’m behind Le’Veon. I’m Le’Veon’s backup. There’s going to be a lot of emphasis on me. I get it. But guess what? I’m ready to handle that role. Whatever you guys are ready to throw at me, I’m ready for it. So shoot. Give me everything that you’ve got. Because it can’t get any worse than what you’ve already given me."

The 32-year-old Williams is an accomplished back with two 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, including a career-best 20 touchdowns in 2008. 

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Injuries cost him 10 games last season, and he's split carries with Jonathan Stewart for the majority of his career, leading some to question whether he can handle the workload with Bell out. 

Williams answered the question emphatically Tuesday. Now will he answer it on the field?

h/t: ESPN.com

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