Levi Wallace appreciates reunion with Minkah Fitzpatrick

Former Alabama defensive backs Levi Wallace and Minkah Fitzpatrick have reunited on the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, and the duo looks to replicate their collegiate success in the NFL. After starting their professional careers elsewhere, the duo now meets up in the AFC North for the first time since the 2018 College Football Playoff national championship win over Georgia.

Since Levi Wallace has joined the Steelers this offseason, he says he has spoken with Minkah Fitzpatrick at length but still holds seniority.

“I’ve definitely taught Minkah everything he knows back at ‘Bama,” joked Wallace. “So it’s like talking to myself back there. No, I’m just playing. Minkah’s just a leader day in and day out. Even when we leave here, he always wants to do extra stuff like go swimming to work on our lungs or get another lift in. And I’m like, ‘Yo, Minkah, relax dude. I’m 27, you’re just 25.’ So it’s fun being with him again and just the leadership he is. He’s easy to talk to, easy to ask questions to, as he’s always been. He just wants the best for everybody here. So just to have a guy like that in the secondary… it’s definitely benefitted me.”

While the exact role Wallace will play in the secondary remains up in the air according to him, the veteran hopes to make a big impact. With help from his old teammate adjusting to the new language and scheme, things are already off to a good start.

Minkah Fitzpatrick seeking new deal

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator and safeties coach Teryl Austin believes star defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick‘s contract situation will be in the rear view mirror by the time the first snap of the Steelers’ season is played come September.

“I have zero concerns about Minkah Fitzpatrick,” Austin told a local Pittsburgh radio station, via steelersdepot.com. “He’s a unicorn. He is always in great shape. He loves football. He’s got all the stuff he wants. So I have zero worries about it, and that stuff will take care of itself.”

Fitzpatrick is attending Pittsburgh’s mandatory minicamp, but likely will not participate in team drills while seeking a long-term contract with the Steelers.

In four seasons in the NFL, Fitzpatrick has earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors twice. Last season was the most impressive by far on the stat sheet for the former Alabama standout, leading the Steelers with 124 tackles, seven pass deflections and two interceptions.