The Steelers are currently enjoying some rest, recovery and off-field preparation during their bye week, but when they return, it'll be a Week 8 Monday Night Football showdown vs. the Dolphins at Heinz Field on tap.
And that might be a little awkward for rookie Devin Bush, a Pembroke Pines, Fla., native.
"I just love football. And I was a Dolphins fan," Bush recently told WPLG's Will Manso during a jersey retirement ceremony in his hometown. At the event, Bush was honored by Charles W. Flanagan High School, where he graduated in 2015.
And while the Dolphins angle served as a fun aside for their interview, Bush provided a sincere message when asked what the ceremony meant to him.
"It's surreal right now, man," Bush said. "I'm trying to take it all in as it goes. Not in a million years would I thought my jersey would get retired at my high school. It holds a special place in my heart, man, just to be here, to be out here and see familiar faces and be in the community. I'm just super happy and so appreciative to be out here and accept this honor."
Steelers LB Devin Bush gets his No. 11 jersey retired by his alma mater Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines. Gets the honor just a day after being named AFC defensive player of the week. Strong start to his rookie season. pic.twitter.com/4Gy8stNkYU
— Will Manso (@WillMansoWPLG) October 17, 2019
In high school, Bush stood out as expected. He was named a Miami Herald first-team All-Broward football selection in each of his sophomore, junior and senior years, and was also named the county’s Big School Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. During his final year in his school, Bush's squad won the Class 8A championship.
Thursday, before his alma mater's game vs. Hallandale, Bush wanted to relay some of what he learned throughout that run.
"Man, just give them the right message," Bush said. "A lot of these days, I think kids are getting the wrong advice, the wrong guidance. For what I've been through, I think I can speak a lot about trials and tribulations and just about how the game of life goes. I don't know everything, but I feel like there are some things I can pass down to the youth, and hopefully it sparks a movement in them and they get started on their journey."
Thus far, Bush's success has translated at every level. As the No. 10 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Steelers, Bush has registered 52 tackles (32 solo) alongside two interceptions, four fumble recoveries, a sack, three tackles for a loss and a touchdown. He was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts during the Steelers' 24-17 victory over the Chargers in Week 6 and currently trails Nick Bosa just slightly by oddsmakers to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.