DeAngelo Williams wants everybody to know he's more than capable of doing his job.
The Steelers running back went on a rant Tuesday after he was asked about his comfort filling in for suspended tailback Le'Veon Bell. Williams reminded media of his former starting position at Carolina. Here's his minute-long tirade, via ESPN :
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"Let me make sure we get this straight. Because all the Le'Veon questions and me and if I’m able to fill the role or if I’m not and all this. I came from Carolina, where I started for most of my career, OK? So that’s not a heavy workload AT ALL. By no means is it a heavy workload. All I have to do is get the playbook down, which I am. Understanding the terminology, which is different than Carolina’s, which I am (learning). There won’t be any questions or problems with me answering these questions. Ya’ll just sit back and take a seat and relax and enjoy the show.
"Just sit back and enjoy the show and you can answer your own questions. If you watch practice, I get out here and work on my hands to get them right. I’m aware he caught 85 balls. I’m aware that Dri (Archer) caught a lot of balls last year. I’m aware that if the ball is thrown in my direction, I’m expected to catch it because the media is going to be on my back. I understand the role that I’m put in right now. I’m behind Le’Veon. I’m Le’Veon’s backup. There’s going to be a lot of emphasis on me. I get it. But guess what? I’m ready to handle that role. Whatever you guys are ready to throw at me, I’m ready for it. So shoot. Give me everything that you’ve got. Because it can’t get any worse than what you’ve already given me."
Boom.
Bell was hit with a three-game suspension in April for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Williams signed a two-year, $4 million deal with the Steelers in the offseason soon after the Panthers released him after nine seasons . Williams suffered thigh and ankle injuries and a broken hand last season, rushing for 219 yards on 62 attempts in five games.