Steelers sign Essex

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Steelers sign Essex

Trimmer Essex happy to be back

August 23rd, 2011
by Scott Brown


And back from our regularly scheduled earthquake to bring you this Trai Essex update…

The veteran offensive lineman is back after the Steelers were finally convinced that Essex had lost much of the weight he put on during the offseason.

Essex was pretty candid in saying that he nearly ate himself into football oblivion.

The Steelers, it turned out, saw just how big Essex had gotten when he attended Ben Roethlisberger’s wedding in late July.

“I had to take a look at myself and realize that if I want to play this game I’m going to have to be in shape,” Essex said today before his first practice back with the Steelers.

“They see there’s a huge difference between then and now and they knew I had spent some time losing weight.”

The 6-5 Essex, who is listed at 324 pounds, wouldn’t give a specific number as to how much weight he had shed. He did offer this gem: “It’s a significant amount. A couple of newborn babies.”

Essex, a third-round pick in 2005, said he changed his lifestyle. That meant cutting out night-time eating as well as McDonald’s and Burger King.

Essex, who is versatile enough to play tackle or guard, said he doesn’t know where the Steelers plan to play him. He is just happy to be playing period after getting a second chance with the Steelers.

“This never would have happened if I had put in the work,” Essex said. “It’s a good situation for both of us. They needed me to add depth and I’ve been here for six years so I know what I’m doing.”

[url="http://blog.triblive.com/steel-mill/2011/08/23/trimmer-essex-happy-to-be-back/"]http://blog.triblive.com/steel-mill/201 ... o-be-back/[/url]

[phillyesq]

Re: Steelers sign Essex

You'd think that Essex would have learned years ago to cut out the fast food and to eat healthy. It amazes me that somebody can spend years as a professional athlete and not consider their diet.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Steelers sign Essex

You'd think that Essex would have learned years ago to cut out the fast food and to eat healthy. It amazes me that somebody can spend years as a professional athlete and not consider their diet.

Welcome to the land of the Primanti's sandwiches and "O Fries" (both of which I ate when I was in town for the Iggles preseason game last week, by the way...at least it was a small fry, and I did share with another guy).

[birtikidis]

Re: Steelers sign Essex

You'd think that Essex would have learned years ago to cut out the fast food and to eat healthy. It amazes me that somebody can spend years as a professional athlete and not consider their diet.

especially a guy who ate himself out of TE position when he was in college.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Steelers sign Essex

Wednesday news and notes

AUGUST 24, 2011
posted by Dale Lolley


© Bruce Arians said today that Trai Essex, in addition to being capable of playing guard or tackle, is now the Steelers third center.

Everyone worried about that third center position can now rest easily.

The ability of Essex to play multiple positions, including center, which I had forgotten about, could help him lock up a roster spot, despite his late signing.

© David Johnson has locked up the No. 2 tight end position, according to Arians, but the No. 3 spot is wide open.

Ike Taylor is getting very close to returning to play, despite having a broken thumb.

Taylor won't play in this weekend's preaseason game against the Falcons, but he still working hard and will be ready to roll in the preseason.

© Former Steelers cornerback Jack Butler was nominated by the Hall of Fame senior committee for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Considering that no nominee by the senior committee has ever not made the hall, Butler is as good as in.

[url="http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/sidelines/"]http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/sidelines/[/url]



Jack Butler, who joined the Steelers as an undrafted player in 1951, set a franchise record with 52 interceptions, a mark later broken by Hall of Famer Mel Blount.

[Oviedo]

Re: Steelers sign Essex

Wednesday news and notes

AUGUST 24, 2011
posted by Dale Lolley


© Bruce Arians said today that Trai Essex, in addition to being capable of playing guard or tackle, is now the Steelers third center.

Everyone worried about that third center position can now rest easily.

The ability of Essex to play multiple positions, including center, which I had forgotten about, could help him lock up a roster spot, despite his late signing.

© David Johnson has locked up the No. 2 tight end position, according to Arians, but the No. 3 spot is wide open.

Ike Taylor is getting very close to returning to play, despite having a broken thumb.

Taylor won't play in this weekend's preaseason game against the Falcons, but he still working hard and will be ready to roll in the preseason.

© Former Steelers cornerback Jack Butler was nominated by the Hall of Fame senior committee for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Considering that no nominee by the senior committee has ever not made the hall, Butler is as good as in.

[url="http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/sidelines/"]http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/sidelines/[/url]



Jack Butler, who joined the Steelers as an undrafted player in 1951, set a franchise record with 52 interceptions, a mark later broken by Hall of Famer Mel Blount.

David Johnson as the #2 TE is an absolute disaster. Matt Spaeth is a future HoFer compared to Johnson who can't block or catch. Pray a lot that Miller doesn't get hurt.

If Essex can handle it from a conditioning standpoint he is a good add to the OL.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Steelers sign Essex

© Former Steelers cornerback Jack Butler was nominated by the Hall of Fame senior committee for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Considering that no nominee by the senior committee has ever not made the hall, Butler is as good as in.

I believe Bullet Bob Hayes needed to be nominated by the Senior committee twice before he was finally inducted.