Joey Porter Jr. says compliments from Patrick Peterson 'mean a lot'
For some rookies, all they need is a good veteran to put them on the right path to success. In Pittsburgh, that already seems to be the relationship between Steeler rookie CB Joey Porter Jr. and veteran corner Patrick Peterson.
Porter Jr. shared his appreciation for Peterson’s tutelage in an interview after his first ever OTAs in the NFL. He did say it was a lot at times. Still, he was honored to learn from Peterson as a player who he watched while growing up.
“I mean it means a lot. At the end of the day, that’s Patrick Peterson. I’ve been watching his highlights since I was a little kid,” Porter Jr. said. “Like I’ve said before, to be in a room with him and learn from him? That means a lot to me. Just learning the game and soaking it up from him is a lot.”
As far as what he’s learning from Peterson, Porter Jr. said he’s picking up everything from the vet ahead of his 13th season as a pro. From major pointers on the field to small things off of it, he says Peterson has truly taken him under his wing in order for him to adjust to the next level.
“He’s given me tips on how to watch film, how to take care of my body before and after practice. What I’m looking for and what I should look for in my read. Steps with my press coverage, my off coverage. Just little details about the game,” said Porter Jr.. “What I see in route recognitions and stuff like that. It’s just really the whole game that he’s really just giving me. It’s a lot but it’s a good problem to have.”
There are far worse players for Porter Jr. to be taking notes from than Peterson. The former Cardinal and Viking has seen a lot over his decade plus in the NFL with 184 starts under his belt with 46 takeaways to show for it. He has achieved a lot as well as an eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro.
Porter Jr. doesn’t need Peterson to show him what a top-notch defensive player in the NFL looks like considering who his father is. Still, having a pro’s pro in the room and on the field with him as he prepares for his rookie campaign could go a long way in determining how good he could end up being in Pittsburgh.