Benny Snell loves life right now.
That's apparent when he flashes a smile like the one atop this article, and it's apparent when talking to him, too. Snell beams when you bring up the fact that he's living out his dream with the Steelers, working behind the likes of Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro and Ramon Foster on a daily basis.
This week in particular, with Jaylen Samuels recovering from a knee injury and James Conner working back from a quad injury that sidelined him late in the Steelers' Week 6 win over the Chargers, Snell saw an increase in first-team reps throughout practices. And when those reps came, I thought I detected a noticeable shift in Snell's fire.
So I asked him about it at the Rooney Complex ahead of the Steelers' Monday Night Football showdown vs. the Dolphins. Are you taking those first-team opportunities to heart and shifting into another gear out there, Mr. Snell?
"I definitely am," Snell fired back. "It's been a learning process. I take it every step of the way to show what I can do. And whenever I'm in with those guys, especially with the firsts, with our line, that's when I show my talent. So I'm definitely fired up, especially on special teams, and I'm ready to get after it this week."
Within that statement rests a common theme with Snell throughout training camp and OTAs: He's here to do much more than just run the ball. He's always quick to acknowledge the importance of special teams, of pass protection and of catching the ball out of the backfield. This is no accident. Snell's placing a special emphasis on these areas — for one reason in particular.
"Oh, man. I take it to heart every day — only because those are areas I lacked in college," Snell said. "And this is the NFL. You gotta be at the top notch of your game. Week to week, I'm trying to work at what I'm not so good at. So I focus on those things; then once I get in the game, I'm well-prepared."
When it all pays off, as it did when Snell posted 75 yards on 17 carries against the Chargers, it's easy to spot that passion. Snell's fiery and feisty on the field, which has opened the door to some criticisms. Is he taking it too far? Is his ego approaching an undeserved level early?
Snell assured me it's just the result of him living out his dream in the black and gold. All of it excites him. A 21-year-old rookie living out his dream under the bright lights? Yeah, it's pretty cool.
But c'mon, man. It's still gotta be pretty cool to flip on SportsCenter and watch yourself make some plays for the first time, right?
"It's cool to me. But me? This is my job," Snell said. "I'm kind of a video games [guy]. I like 'Spongebob' here and there. So I'm not really always locked in on 'SportsCenter' but I'm always locked in on the football world. This is my job, so when I'm away from football, I try to enjoy myself."
For today's fun fact that'll make you feel old, chew on this: Spongebob Squarepants was released in 1999. Snell was born in 1998. He quite literally grew up with the show, so I had to get an expert's take on the animated series.
Which is the best episode of all time?
"Easily the one where Spongebob and Squidward had to deliver the pizza. Classic," Snell laughed.
