Steelers' Elandon Roberts Admits Surprise Over The Physicality Of Training Camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers are reporting for training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. Every year, when players arrive, the fans and media are frantic to see exactly how they will arrive. It's tough to top Antonio Brown's helicopter, though. There is also eagerness to hopefully get a quick word from players about their hopes for the season. 

Every year, some players stop and speak with the media, and some don't. Some send a silent message about how they are feeling with what they are wearing and that is certainly the case with linebacker Elandon Roberts. Roberts arrived in Latrobe channeling another incredible Steelers defender and fellow Texan, Mel Blount, in coveralls and a cowboy hat. According to a video shared on X by Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporter, Chris Adamski, he told the media he is ready to get to work and prepared for how physical Steelers training camp always is. 

"I enjoy it," said Roberts when asked about the physicality. "Personally, last year, I was like, 'Dang, we really be tackling in camp.' I was cool with it, but I wasn't expecting it. So just being able to see that last year, go through a year of training camp. This year it's kind of like, let's get the ball rolling."

Roberts is entering his second year with Pittsburgh after they signed him to a two-year contract in 2023. The New England Patriots originally drafted him in the sixth round in 2016 and he also spent a few seasons with the Miami Dolphins before arriving in the Steel City. 

During the 2023 season, Roberts became a fan favorite. He consistently worked hard, playing through some injuries so as not to let down the city or his teammates. Considering Pittsburgh's defense was racked by injuries last season, Roberts proved to be a valuable commodity. It seems that he is ready to continue that hard work this season. He told the media on Wednesday, as seen in a video shared on X by ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor, that the outfit he arrived in displays his tough Texas work ethic. 

"I'm coming to work. In Texas, man, throw that hat on, throw these overalls on, and you go to work. That's the whole thing behind it."

During the 2023 season, Roberts had 2.5 sacks and 101 combined tackles. Although the Steelers signed Patrick Queen during the offseason, Roberts is still likely to be in the game quite a bit. There is no definitive answer on Cole Holcomb's status as he continues to rehab after a significant knee injury last season. 

Roberts has the same hunger for success that the other Steelers defenders do. He won two Super Bowls with the Patriots and wants badly to get back there again. During a season that saw nearly every inside linebacker go down with an injury, a reliable player like Roberts is indispensable. 

How Many Steelers Inside Linebackers Will Remain Standing?

The Steelers' struggles to find solid and healthy inside linebackers are well-documented. They currently have six on the roster, including Roberts, heading into camp. Queen is a lock to make the roster, considering he is the biggest free agent signing ever made by the Black and Gold. The newly drafted Payton Wilson will also make the roster. That leaves newly signed Tyler Matakevich and returning veteran Mark Robinson to battle it out for the likely last spot. 

Some think that, given that history, the Steelers will keep six inside linebackers on the roster, which means both Robinson and Matakevich would stay if nothing else changes. Roberts will be fighting for that second spot across from Queen. He is off to a good start, showing his coaches and teammates that he is ready to put his nose to the grindstone. 

What did you think of Roberts last season? Click to comment below.

#SteelerNation