Getty Images
Steelers linebacker Avery Williamson arrived in Pittsburgh after Devin Bush suffered a knee injury at the end of the season and on Sunday he proved he was able to replace Bush, one of the Steelers’ best players.
Williamson contributed 14 tackles, the highest number of league players in Week 16, when Pittsburgh won AFC North. Winning a division title fulfilled a long-term goal for Williamson, who had never done so in his six years in the NFL.
“It was something I saw growing up and since I’m in the league, the teams win the division, hats and shirts, but something I’ve never experienced before and it was definitely a surreal feeling,” said Williamson, via Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “What [final] fourthly, when we finally left the field, I thought, ‘What !? We really won! ‘”
Williamson did not have much playing time in his first games in Pittsburgh, but he is now a starter and a major contributor.
“I’ve been a starter before, during my entire career, but it’s different when you’re on a new team and can’t work with the guys for camp and OTAs,” said Williamson. “But I thought I handled it the best I could. And I feel like all the coaches have been helping me mentally for the past few weeks. “
Bush’s defeat was great, but the Steelers defense showed on Sunday that it can still play well against playoff opponents, and Williamson played a big part in that.