LaMarr Woodley Not Bothered By Criticism of Pittsburgh Steelers Locker Room
By Josh Sanchez
The Pittsburgh Steelers had a disappointing 2012 campaign that was followed up with some negative talk about the atmosphere and chemistry in the locker room. One of the players who was at the center of the conversation was Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley. Pittsburgh coaches had stated they wanted Woodley to work harder and more committed this offseason, while an unnamed teammate said that Woodley “was awful” and out of shape.
While Woodley was at the center of the criticism, he made it clear that it doesn’t bother him one bit.
“It doesn’t bother me at all. They’re coming at the wrong person when they try coming at me. I don’t listen to nothing,” Woodley said, according to Ed Bouchette of thePittsburgh Post-Gazette.
“Playing football my whole life growing up, and you’re in the spotlight sometimes it comes with the good and the bad. You just have to know how to accept it. I’m one of those guys, I don’t pay attention to much at all. I just go out there and do what I’m supposed to do. And these guys on the team know what I go out there and do each and every day.”
Woodley has been reportedly working a lot harder this offseason, so while he says he isn’t phased by the criticism it may have served as a bit of extra motiviation.
Whatever the reason behind Woodley’s more aggressive approach to offseason workouts, the Steelers are hoping it will work. They will need improved production from his this season, especially with the loss of James Harrison.