Aaron Smith "Class Act" stops by practice;

Smith spent time catching up with his teammates and coaches, who were all thrilled to see him.

Aaron said : “It’s the first practice I watched,” said Smith. “It’s nice to see the guys. It’s a little weird coming in to the building knowing I am not playing and watching them go out to practice.
Aaron also said: “This place is so special to me and has done so many good things for me and given me so much that I always feel comfortable coming here
What was uncomfortable for Smith recently though, was watching the Steelers first game of the regular season against Denver. Not being a part of it, not playing, really hit home when he turned the game on.

Lastly: “That was the hardest day,” admitted Smith. “Up to that point I didn’t miss the practice, going to camp, the long meetings at night. But game day was always so much fun. There is nothing like that in this world. That is the one thing I realized. There is nothing that can simulate that. Once you are done playing, you’re done.”

In closing: “I always tried to be positive and uplifting to the younger guys and encourage them and show them how small of an opportunity it is and how to make the most of it,” said Smith. I already miss Aarons leadership and presence on the Steelers Defense hopefully Heyward and Hood can match if not exceed what he did for the Steelers Defense

 

Class act 100% agree!!! The STEELERS should have let #91 sit for a few seasons!!! But dont get me started.

 

+1000

 

why not take him as a dl coach ? seems he is somebody that knows how to get the job done

 

Don`t take this the wrong way, Freak... I am not AT ALL questioning his mental ability, but...
You can`t coach heart, and strength... I think those were his best attributes.
Sure, he knew what he was doing on the field, but I think his success came more from effort, and raw, physical strength, that he obtained by devoting his training to it, than by learning "technique", or "film study", or things of that nature...(As Tomlin would say).
I`m sure he was a student of the game, and did his homework, when it came to breaking down film, on his opponent any given week. He wouldn`t have had the success he did, without that, but , I have a feeling with him, it was simply a matter of heart.
"Imposing your will", as they say...
He could try and teach that all he wants, but players either have it, or they don`t.
I remember reading some of the training camp reports on the old board, from people who were there, and they said things like...
"You could tell the difference in the POP, when Aaron hit the blocking sleds, compared to the kids coming in"....
THAT type of thing is what I don`t think he could coach, no matter how hard he tried. And I do believe he would give it his very best effort... That`s all he ever did while he was here...
Also, I am confused about the comment that Myronwemissyinz said, that Blair echoed, about...
"They should have let him sit a few seasons"...
?HUH?
Sit out at the beginning of his career? Sit out a few games to try and stay healthy? Sit on the bench, and not play at the end of his career?...
I just don`t get it.
I believe he was one of the only players they ever held a spot on the roster for, instead of putting on IR, after he got hurt, hoping he could come back...
I don`t see how the organization EVER treated him with any disrespect.
I am just not understanding what you are reffering to, by saying they should have let him "sit for a few seasons"???

 

OK yinz got me started......They should not have handed his number out this year or next out of respect for all his years of great play and leadership. ...

OK off the soap box.

 

OK, I get ya now, and I agree... There are VERY few numbers "officially" retired, with our team, probably `cause we woulda run outta numbers after the teams from the 70`s retired, then what was left, woulda been wiped out by the class of the mid 90`s, but, I feel ya... They SHOULD have let #91 sit for a while!

 

I'll be happy if they can each do half of what he did. He's a first ballot Hall of Famer if you ask me.

 

right so at least use him as a a scout to look around if he sniff someone with a piece of his heart . we need people that knows what to bring to the burgh

 

I hope you're not implying John Mitchell hasn't got the job done.

 

You know the saying... those who can, do and those who can't, teach? Just because he was a great player doesn't mean he would be a great coach.

 

I think Aaron smith exceeded everyones expectations......on AND off the field. The guy is a class act and i'm so glad and proud that he wore the Black & Gold.

 

i was thinking if he can help hood and heiward to be better

 

it couldnt hurt to try