Larry Ogunjobi is looking forward to the upcoming season with the Pittsburgh Steelers after a successful 2022 campaign, which saw him rack up 48 tackles in 16 starts. The defensive end, who signed a three-year, $28 million deal with the team in March, is finally healthy and ready to contribute to the team’s defensive front.
A year ago, Ogunjobi was at home rehabbing from a Lisfranc injury to his right foot and subsequent surgery that ended his 2021 campaign and changed the trajectory of his 2022 season. He joined the Steelers on a one-year, $8 million prove-it deal after minicamp to help fill the void created by Stephon Tuitt’s surprise retirement.
Although Ogunjobi fought through injuries that severely limited his practice availability, he was a key piece of a top-10 run defense that held opponents to 108 yards per game. But according to coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers didn’t see the best version of the former third-round pick last season.
Tomlin believes that Ogunjobi’s return this year, with both continuity and health, will be a significant presence in the team’s defensive front. Ogunjobi is now ahead of schedule this offseason and is able to be on the field with his teammates during organized team activities.
Last year, the Steelers were cautious in easing Ogunjobi into training camp, but he still dealt with a barrage of injuries to his back, knee, and toe. Although the injuries kept him out of most practices, Ogunjobi played 636 defensive snaps altogether. He had to exit a Week 5 game early against the Buffalo Bills because of a back injury and sustained a knee injury that kept him out against the Philadelphia Eagles, his only missed game of the season.
Ogunjobi leaned on his experience to keep him on the field for game day, but he admitted that it was hard to stay consistent without practicing during the week. With no limitations to his offseason training this year, Ogunjobi believes his personal game is coming back quickly.
The energy of the team and how they took care of him last year were super important to Ogunjobi, which is why he decided to re-sign with the Steelers. He is excited to be able to practice and do it full speed and fast, which he believes will translate to better performance on the field.
Ogunjobi is excited about the upcoming season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is finally healthy and ready to contribute to the team’s defensive front. With no limitations to his offseason training, he believes his personal game is coming back quickly. The energy of the team and how they took care of him last year were super important to Ogunjobi, which is why he decided to re-sign with the Steelers.
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