Muse eye’s bigger role in Pittsburgh
Published May 30th, 3:38 EDT
by Bo Marchionte
Pittsburgh – During individual drills Tanner Muse is seen working with the inside linebackers, but his real value to the team will be his ability to excel on special teams. Currently, Pittsburgh James Pierre is the only returning Steelers special teams’ player that registered at least 10 special teams’ tackles.
Derek Watt (14), Ulysees Gilbert III (13), Justin Layne (12), and Robert Spillane (11) all ranked ahead of Pierre but are currently not on the roster in Pittsburgh. That leaves Muse a perfect opportunity to carve out an identity for the Steelers.
“My job here is to be that special team’s guy,” Muse said. “That leader. Lead from the front. So, I’m ready to step into a new role. Try to lead from the front, take charge and be the best player I can be.”
Drafted out of Clemson in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Muse, a two-time College Football National Champion began his career with the Las Vegas Raiders. He was placed on injured reserve September 7th of the same year with a foot injury. Almost one year exactly on September 6th, 2021, Muse was waived by Las Vegas without ever taking a snap for the Raiders. Muse spent the last two seasons in Seattle, appearing in 23 games for the Seahawks.
“I feel great being here,” Muse said about his time thus far in Pittsburgh. “It’s a very welcoming environment and I’m appreciative of that. There have been a few places I’ve been to where it hasn’t been like that. It’s good here and I like it here.”
The welcoming committee of teammates has also been a big bonus for Muse who is settling into his third in as many years in the NFL. Pittsburgh, like most big cities, can be a bit tricky to navigate, especially with the bridges and tunnels looming in all directions.
“Connor (Heyward) has been really nice to me,” Muse said. “Mark Rob (Robinson), Cole (Holcomb) and those guys have been really good to me. (Miles)Killebrew is another guy that has really helped me along the way. Looking forward to working with those guys and seeing them in a live setting.”
Last year, Muse was a key contributor to the Seattle special team’s unit. Registering 325 snaps along with 16 tackles last season this 6-foot-2 and 227-pound hybrid safety/linebacker should provide the stability needed in Pittsburgh with the departure of many of their top special team performers.
“It’s a fresh new start for me,” Muse said. “You got to go all in because there is no looking back. Old team is old team. I just gotta put the work in and gain the respect and trust of the guys in here.
“Hopefully they will anoint me as one of those guys. Obviously, I must put the work in that comes through camp and be available the whole time. Staying healthy and being the best player I can be.”
For Muse a lot has changed since leaving Clemson. Sporting a military type of hair cut during his NFL Combine workouts, in 2020, one might wonder if this Belmont, North Carolina native has gotten his haircut since then. His long flowing locks of hair sort of fit what wild man mentality it takes to earn your keep in the National Football League.
“I never take any of these days for granted,” Muse said. “Any time I can suit up and be healthy is a blessing to me. No better place to be than with this historic franchise. Ready to get in that black-n-gold and really get after it on Sunday’s. I’ve been here a few times to play the Steelers and the environment is insane. Ready for ‘Renegade’ to hit. Seeing those Terrible Towels swing.”
There is nothing special about playing special teams. It’s the part of the game that goes unnoticed. Offense and defense capture our imaginations as fans. No one grows up and dreams of becoming a special teams ace. However, once you create the niche to succeed in this realm, you become a vital commodity to the team.
This is what Muse wants to bring to Pittsburgh.
