Steeler’s safety Minkah Fitzpatrick covers a lot of ground in a Q&A session with Post columnist Steve Serby ahead of Sunday’s wildcard playoff clash with the Browns.
Q: How hungry do you feel that QB is Ben Roethlisberger to win his third Super Bowl ring?
A: I think he is extremely hungry. I’ve seen a bit more spunk in his step in recent days, now there’s a ring at stake. And we go out and try to get it to him.
Question: Describe your mentality on the ground.
A: I am instinctive, then go out and try to dominate from click to whistle. It’s a competition for me. I go out and play with a lead and that chip on my shoulder.
Question: Describe the personality of the Steelers defense.
A: It’s aggressive … it’s physical. … Our main goal is to dominate from click to whistle, and let you play the way we want you to play.
Question: What’s your definition of a Pittsburgh Steeler?
A: A working class mentality is how I like to approach it … work hard, fight through everything.
Question: What is it about big games that you love so much?
A: I love it because we are going up against great competition. You know you’re playing against an A-plus team, and you need to have A-plus prep all week. You must have A-plus who takes care of your body, takes care of your mind and when you go out. It’s an accumulation of everything you’ve been doing all week.
Question: How would you compare Alabama coach Nick Saban and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin?
A: They have a lot in common. The way they prepare for the game is crazy. They are very detail-oriented, they don’t miss a step.
Question: What drives you?
A: The competition aspect of it. I want to be the best at what I do, be it on a daily or historical basis. But also the opportunity that this game and the competition offers and everything that comes with it – whether it can create opportunities for my family, whether it is just being able to pay bills for myself and all that stuff and for my future family . I’ve had that before without it, so I’m able to create opportunities for the people around me and live a good life.
Question: Why are you driven to be great?
A: I stick to that standard myself. I know I could, and I know it could be the Hall of Famer-esque guy because I hold myself to that standard every day – be it in the practice or at meetings, in the movies or the take care of my body. I feel like I’m holding on to that standard, so I feel comfortable setting that as a goal.
Question: Why are you proud to be a so-called Swiss Army knife?
A: I think it is a compliment. There are not many guys who can move and do a lot on the football field, because it demands a lot. When people say you could, it’s your teammates and coaches. They say they trust you a lot.
Question: Do you see yourself as a player of the same type as Troy Polamalu?
A: I think we have similarities. I think we are both very instinctive guys. He moved a little more than I did, but he has that range, natural ball skills, natural athlete, and smart player.
Question: What quarterback are you looking forward to intercepting but haven’t intercepted yet?
A: (Laughing) I have a long list, man.
Q: What’s your favorite NFL interception so far?
A: My first was against Tom Brady, my rookie year. We [Dolphins] were big, so it didn’t really matter (laughs). He is the best who ever did this. It was pretty cool.
Question: What do you remember about playing for Adam Gase?
A: I’m not going to talk about that too much. The past is the past (laughs).
Question: Describe Browns running back Nick Chubb.
A: He has great visibility, he really doesn’t miss too many holes. Low center of gravity, good contact balance.
Question: His backfield friend, Kareem Hunt?
A: Same thing, frankly, he just has a bit more wobble than Nick.
Question: Browns QB Baker Mayfield?
A: We need to put pressure on him, make him feel uncomfortable in the bag.
Q: Some of your former Alabama teammates, what comes to your mind – safety from rookie Giants Xavier McKinney?
A: He’s a great player, I loved playing with X Man. He honestly reminds me of myself. He’s very smart, he’s a guy who was always studying and learning film and asking questions of the older guys. He’s been injured lately, but he came back and was already making impact plays.
Question: Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams?
A: He’s a funny guy, man (chuckle), but he likes the game of football, I don’t think there are too many guys out there who like it like him. His energy is an infectious energy.
Question: Heisman-winning ‘Bama receiver DeVonta Smith?
A: It is very explosive. He can’t do much on the football field. He is reliable.
Q: Crimson Tide RB Najee Harris?
A: He’s strong, he’s got a big back, he’s a strong back, but he’s also very athletic. You see him jump over people, miss people, and then run from DBs in the open field.
Q: Are you surprised by how former ‘Bama QB Jalen Hurts replaced Carson Wentz?
A: Not at all. He’s very detail-oriented, he’s also a competitor, so I’m not surprised by any success he had.
Question: What is your best football moment?
A: The national championships I won in college I have won two. Both made a lot of sense. … Those of my junior year [2018 season] when we beat Georgia in the last second on that deep bomb for DeVonta Smith. The first [2016 season], I haven’t played my best game. I have bittersweet memories of that.
Q: What was it like running off the field and losing to Deshaun Watson and Clemson in the 2017 title game?
A: It was difficult, but it motivated us. We had a lot of talent and we knew we should have won that game.
Question: What makes Deshaun Watson special?
A: He’s a very, very complete quarterback. I think in a way he’s underestimated – the way he can throw the ball, his accuracy, his arm strength. … I think it is being overlooked because of its good athlete. Even though he can run, play with his legs, he can throw just as well.
Question: What do you think of Ohio State-Alabama on Monday nights?
A: I think it will be a good game, two very good teams, great fouls, great defenses.
Question: If you could defend yourself against a tight end in NFL history, who would it be?
A: Tony Gonzalez.
Q: What is your favorite memory of Saint Peter’s Prep in Jersey City?
A: We won ours [2014] state championship last year [over Paramus Catholic]. It was played in MetLife Stadium. … I remember going crazy in the middle of the field holding the trophy with my teammates.
Question: Who was your boy idol?
A: I was a big Philly fan, so [defensive back] Brian Dawkins.
Question: What was it about him that you admired so much?
A: I liked his attitude with which he played.
Question: Two dinner guests?
A: Jesus, MLK.
Question: Favorite movie?
A: “Collateral Beauty.”
Question: Favorite actor?
A: Denzel Washington.
Question: Favorite actress?
A: Viola Davis.
Question: Favorite singer / entertainer?
A: I am a great Anthony Hamilton, John Legend guy.
Question: Favorite meal?
A: All types of pasta in pasta sauce and chicken.
Question: The flood from Hurricane Irene forced your family to rebuild your home.
A: It shaped me and made me who I am today.
Question: What would you like your football heritage to be?
A: I think I want it to be clear that ball hawk safety, but he’s also very intelligent, very instinctive, but also a good leader on and off the field.
Question: How would you describe the Steelers mindset for Sunday night’s wildcard game against the Browns?
A: We go into it focused on execution, focused on us, focused on controlling our emotion, and going out and playing at a high level.