Holcomb eager to embrace high expectations of playing in Pittsburgh

Cole Holcomb's excitement about joining the Steelers goes beyond a paycheck or an opportunity to prove himself coming off an injury. There's legitimate excitement that hits on a number of levels.

Holcomb's addition is just one part of an overhaul of the off-ball linebacker position, leaving Mark Robinson as the only holdover from the 2022 squad. That can come with some high expectations. What's more, Holcomb knows just how high those expectations can be.

But, in speaking with local reporters via Zoom on Thursday, Holcomb not only acknowledged it, but made it abundantly clear he's the right guy to be part of the shakeup on the second level of the defense.

"There's a great history in this organization, especially on the defensive side with linebacker play," Holcomb said. "I know the history behind this organization. I know what they're expecting. I feel like I can fit in well, and I think this is my kind of organization."

Outside of playing in the league and hearing about the Steelers' prestige through the grapevine, Holcomb's ties to the Steelers go back to his childhood. While he and his father grew up as fans of the Raiders, mainly because his father loved John Madden's teams in the 1970s, Holcomb's uncle has been a diehard Steelers fan his entire life. Holcomb was exposed to that at a young age, and grew up watching plenty of Steelers' games in the process.

Putting pen to paper on a three-year, $18-million contract has made it possible for those childhood experiences to come full circle, and please some family members in the process.

"It's crazy," Holcomb said. "I grew up, watching the fourth-quarter Renegade, that hype, their traditions they have. My uncle would take us (to games). We've been to an AFC Championship game. I've seen that atmosphere. I love the atmosphere. I love the fan base. I love the organization. I love the coaching staff. And, I'm just super, super excited to get started and working with these guys."

Holcomb doesn't remember which AFC Championship game he attended. But, Steelers Nation made a lifelong impression on him.

"I don't remember the team or who we were playing but I mean, all I can remember is like the Terrible Towels and everyone is going crazy," Holcomb said. "I just remember the atmosphere and how crazy it was."

Holcomb's insertion into the defense doesn't come without some reservations from those who live and breathe by how the Steelers fare year in and year out. As previously mentioned, Holcomb is currently the guy atop the depth chart based on the additions and subtractions that have happened in free agency. Regardless of whether or not the Steelers address inside linebacker through the draft, the team is investing quite a bit into Holcomb for at least the 2023 season. Holcomb will have to perform on the field this season, especially since inside linebacker was the weakest link of the 2022 defense.

However, there's nothing to suggest that Holcomb isn't up for the challenge. The production over the past two seasons proves that Holcomb can rack up the tackles and cover a lot of ground. After recording 142 tackles and seven passes defended in 16 games during the 2021 season, Holcomb was on pace for a career year in 2022, racking up 69 tackles in only seven games before a foot injury ended his season.

Holcomb's not only confident in his ability to stop the run, but his 4.51-second 40-yard dash coming out of North Carolina is just one indication that he has the tools to be a solid coverage linebacker as well. Holcomb adamantly told reporters that he is "absolutely" prepared to be the coverage linebacker the Steelers have needed in the defense for several years.

"The way I look at it, I'm very excited for the opportunity," Holcomb said. "I had a great D-line in Washington. I'm joining another great D-line in Pittsburgh. I've watched a lot of these guys on tape. So, I feel very confident in my teammates, and that I'll be able to fill any role that they need me to fill."

The foot injury is another concern as his tenure with the Steelers begins. Foot injuries can hobble players at any position, but especially those that are required to cover a lot of ground. Holcomb passed the typical physical that's required before signing his contract, which indicates that team doctors signed off on all of his medicals. The other encouraging news is Holcomb is ready to go whenever he's asked to step on the field, even for OTAs.

"I feel like I'm progressing very well in my rehab. I feel like I'll be ready to go," Holcomb said. "It was a surgery. I've had a surgery before. I just took that mentality and just attacked it. I'm feeling good now, and I'm feeling like I'll be ready to go. ... I'll be ready to do whatever they need me to do."

Holcomb is more than ready to be a key part of the new-look linebacker room. Being paired with Elandon Roberts and working under new inside linebackers coach Aaron Curry has him salivating to get on the fields at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

"I'm excited to get to work with him," Holcomb said of Curry. "Every time I talk to him, I'm like, 'Dude, get me the playbook. Like, give me the playbook now.' I'm ready to go, let's go step on the field. He's awesome. I'm excited to work with those guys."

MORE NOTES FROM THURSDAY...

• Holcomb's mullet has already become quite popular among Steelers fans. He confirmed Thursday that he's sticking with the cut.

"No, it ain't going anywhere," Holcomb said. "I did trim it up a little bit at the end of season. The thing was getting a little too long. It was almost as long as my wife's hair. So, I was like, 'Okay, we gotta trim it up and start new.' But, it's definitely become part of the brand, part of what I am. It's kind of grown on me. I loved it. I mean, I wouldn't cut it for my wedding. So, I don't plan on cutting it anytime soon."

• Holcomb is already really close with one of his new Steelers teammates: Mitch Trubisky. Both are North Carolina alums, though Trubisky was drafted two years earlier than Holcomb. But, through that relationship, Holcomb already has a familiarity with some of his other new teammates.

"I got to know a lot of the guys through Mitch you know, because Mitch lives 10 minutes from me right now," Holcomb said. "We hang out a lot and I met some of the guys this offseason through them coming and hanging out with Mitch. And you know, it's been one of those things where we've always talked about it, you know, how cool it'd be to be teammates."

• Terrell Edmunds is signing elsewhere in free agency. It hasn't yet been reported where, but Edmunds posted a goodbye to Pittsburgh and his Steelers teammates on social media. I've got a separate piece on that.

• In other Steelers' free agency news, Trent Scott signed with the Commanders on Thursday. The Steelers need to add depth at tackle, either through free agency or the draft.

• The Steelers have a full contingency attending Alabama's pro day. Mike Tomlin, Omar Khan, Dan Rooney Jr., Mark Sadowski, Pat Meyer and Grady Brown are all in attendance. Not a surprise with Alabama being one of the premier schools in the country. But, it certainly worth noting -- especially with Edmunds' news today. Brian Branch is a potential first-round safety and would fit very well in the Steelers' defense.