Back in March, the Pittsburgh Steelers traded offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert to the Arizona Cardinals for a sixth-round draft pick in a move that completely devastated Gilbert.
It hurt Gilbert so much, as a matter of fact, that he has actually sought therapy since the trade.
“I felt like I disappointed a lot of people in Steeler Nation,” Gilbert said, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. “It hasn’t been easy.”
Back in 2014, Gilbert signed a five-year, $30 million contract extension with the Steelers that was supposed to keep him in Pittsburgh through the end of 2019. But, due to injuries, he wasn't able to see the end of that deal.
Gilbert played just 12 games in 2017 and 2018 combined due to a drug suspension, hamstring issues, and a quad tear. Overall, he has not played a full 16-game campaign since 2015.
“When you go from playing at a high level, then you’re not out there on the field, and you’re getting a lot from the fans, the coaches and teammates can’t rely on you because you’re not out there — all those things mount, and it’s tough,” said Gilbert. “Nasty tweets, lots of questions, and you read the articles. Athletes can say that doesn’t bother them, but you see it.”
There was a time when Gilbert looked like one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL, and back in 2016, then-offensive coordinator Todd Haley called Gilbert the best right tackle in the league.
Now, the 31-year-old is prepared to try and reach that level again.
“Once I get on the field, I’ll have my play speak for itself,” Gilbert said. “I feel like I have a lot of time left. I want to take on more of a leadership role.”
Follow Us
Subscribe