Villanueva’s latest assignment is left tackle
Steelers tackle Alejandro Villanueva is shown during a preseason game against Jacksonville.
Steelers tackle Kelvin Beachum is helped from the field after sustaining an injury Sunday.
PITTSBURGH – The first time Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin noticed his new starting left tackle, he was standing on the opposite sideline in a Philadelphia Eagles uniform saluting during the national anthem prior to a preseason game.
When you’re 6-9, as Alejandro Villanueva is, it’s tough not to get noticed, even on an NFL field.
Villanueva was playing defensive end for the Eagles at that time in the 2014 preseason. When it came time for final cuts, he was one of the players Philadelphia let go.
Tomlin, remembering the big man he saw towering over teammates on the other side of the field, was intrigued.
“There was a guy standing over there about a head taller than everybody else saluting during the anthem and it kind of got my attention,” Tomlin said. “I wanted to know about this enormous human being over there saluting. He had the frame of a tackle, and he had the tackle background. We thought it was worth our time to take a shot with him, and he’s proven that it has been worth our time.”
Little did the Steelers know how valuable Villanueva would prove to be.
They signed Villanueva, who at that time was in the 270-pound range, to the practice squad and moved him to offensive tackle, one of several positions he played in college for Army.
When the Steelers (4-2) play Sunday at Kansas City (1-5), Villanueva, who is now 340 pounds, will be at left tackle because starter Kelvin Beachum suffered a season-ending torn ACL Sunday in Pittsburgh’s win over Arizona.
Mike Adams was to be the Steelers’ top backup at offensive tackle, but he had back surgery a week before training camp opened. He was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform List at the start of the season though he’s eligible to resume practicing this week. Adams is not yet ready to play.
The Steelers are comfortable lining up with Villanueva at left tackle.
“I’m inspired by my teammates and my coaches,” Villaneuva said. “Kelvin Beachum, the guy I actually replaced, works even harder than me. Antonio Brown is the hardest worker on the team. Cam Heyward is a guy that makes sure that I’m up to (par at practice) with my technique and football skills.
“I’m just feeding off the energy of my teammates and coaches. That’s what’s making this team so special.”
Villanueva is listed on the roster as a first-year player, but at 27 he’s not the typical wide-eyed newcomer.
He served three tours of duty in Afghanistan following graduation from West Point, completing Army Ranger training and earning many honors, including the Bronze Star.
The pressure of playing in the NFL doesn’t compare to some things Villanueva has seen.
That’s why, even though he played well in the nearly three quarters of action against the Cardinals, Villanueva was his most harsh critic.
“I need to improve a lot. I just have to get better,” said Villanueva. “Get lower. Get faster. Get sharper and be a little bit better.
“You know that you have to perform like they expect you to. You can’t sit back and make excuses.”
Not that anyone would blame him if he did.
Villanueva had not played offensive tackle since the 2008 season. He played wide receiver in his final year at Army. Villanueva led the Black Knights with 34 catches for 522 yards and five touchdowns as perhaps the biggest wide receiver in college football history.
With linebackers Justin Houston, who led the NFL in sacks with 22 last year, and Tamba Hali and defensive end Allen Bailey, who has 4 1/2 sacks this season, Kansas City presents problems for even the most experienced of offensive linemen.
The Steelers, however, believe Villanueva will get the job done.
“I’m not shocked by anything Al does,” said Tomlin. “He’s a unique man, he’s a talented man, he’s a sharp guy and a very gifted athlete. I think he’s capable of doing anything he puts his mind to. I mean, he played wide receiver his last year at West Point. So, I wouldn’t put anything past Villanueva.”