Goodwin wants to catch on with Steelers
Former California University receiver C.J. Goodwin was part of the Steelers’ practice squad last year.
Brook Ward / For the Observer-Reporter Antonio Brown likes the growth he's seen in former Cal U. receiver C.J. Goodwin.
PITTSBURGH – As the Steelers prepared for a workout during OTAs last week, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger rounded up some receivers to throw to.
One of them was C.J. Goodwin.
The former California University wide receiver has come a long way since being signed June 4, 2014, by the Steelers.
“Ben told me to come with him. I love that,” said Goodwin. “You never know. I’m here trying to do what I can.”
That’s been Goodwin’s method since he was given a tryout at the behest of Mel Blount last spring. Yes, that Mel Blount.
Goodwin, a Wheeling native and graduate of Linsly High School, was working as a counselor for Blount at his youth home in Taylorstown after finishing his senior season at California. Goodwin caught just 11 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown in his one season after transferring from Fairmont State.
The Steelers were looking for another wide receiver at the OTAs and Blount suggested they give Goodwin, who began his career as a basketball player at Bethany before heading to Fairmont State, an opportunity. After all, he had run a 4.41 40-yard dash at an on-campus workout and possessed a vertical jump of more than 40 inches.
Not only did the Steelers like what they saw of the 6-3, 190-pounder at OTAs and mini-camp, they were impressed enough with his athleticism to sign him to their practice squad last season.
It was a big step for Goodwin.
“The practice squad just developed me,” Goodwin said. “Going against pros every day just helps you build confidence. Being with those guys and having them help you along the way is just a tremendous help.”
Goodwin has his sights set on bigger things this year. He wants a spot on the 53-man roster.
It might seem like a long shot, as Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton, Martavis Bryant and rookie Sammie Coates, a third-round draft pick, are locks to make the roster. But the Steelers typically carry at least five receivers and have carried six into a season in the past.
“You always look at the numbers,” said Goodwin. “But you look at progress, too.”
He made plenty of that last year on the practice squad, seemingly making at least one leaping catch per week that had his teammates – who are accustomed to seeing guys make athletic plays – take notice.
“I’ve seen a lot of growth,” said Brown of Goodwin. “I think he’s hungry. He’s got a year under his belt. I think he understands it more. He’s only getting better.
“He’s one of those guys, like a basketball player. He’s got exclusive hops. He gets off the ground and gets the ball anywhere it’s at.”
If Goodwin can stay healthy and show he can play special teams, he could turn into the next Nate Washington, another undrafted small-school receiver who had a lengthy career in the NFL after signing with the Steelers.
“That’s always the goal,” Goodwin said. “I love this organization. They’re good people. For them to believe in me and keep me around, it’s a blessing. I definitely want to be on the 53.”
And he’ll have Blount to thank for it, at least in part.
The Steelers sent their rookie class to the Mel Blount Youth Home for a tour and to meet with Blount, a Hall of Fame cornerback.
“Mr. Mel called me and told me to come down and show my face,” Goodwin said. “He’s a great dude. I actually got there late because I had some work to do here. They were finishing up eating.
“He did a whole speech about me. It almost brought me to tears. It was good. Hopefully, it can have a happy ending for me this year with me making the 53.”
The Steelers will hold their final four practices of voluntary OTAs starting Monday. The following week they will hold mandatory mini-camp before breaking until training camp begins at the end of July. … Steelers head orthopedic surgeon James Bradley was named one the top North American shoulder surgeons for 2015 by “Orthopedics This Week.” Bradley was chosen for the award along with New England Patriots doctor Matthew Provenchar.