Joining Steelers was 'an easy decision' - Williams

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Former Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams claims he immediately felt right at home when he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this month.

Williams entered unfamiliar territory when he became a free agent this offseason, ending a nine-year association with the Panthers.

But the 31-year-old explained on Monday that a strong University of Memphis connection at the Steelers has helped him settle in Pittsburgh.

Williams was surrounded by familiar faces upon arriving in Pittsburgh.

The Arkansas-born running back previously worked with quarterbacks coach Randy Fichtner, who served as his offensive coordinator at Memphis, and played with defensive coordinator Keith Butler's son, Blake Butler, who blocked for him with the Tigers.

Williams also played one season with Steelers safety Mike Mitchell, who briefly joined the Panthers in 2013 before signing a five-year deal with Pittsburgh in 2014.

"I knew those guys coming in so I was already comfortable," Williams told the Steelers' website.

"And I had heard about the legendary Rooney family so having the opportunity to meet them and feel the history here I already felt excited."

Despite that, Williams claims he had no idea what to expect when the Steelers called him.

"I didn't know they wanted me. I had never been on a visit before," he said.

"I was with the same organization for nine years. When I got the call and they said, 'hey we want to bring you in for a visit' I took it as that. Had they said 'we wanted to bring you in for a signing' I would have had a different mindset. I had no idea what was going to transpire when I got here."

Williams signed a two-year, $4million deal with the Steelers following his release from the Panthers  on March 13. 

He is Carolina's all-time leader with 1,432 rushing attempts, 6,846 rushing yards and 46 rushing touchdowns in addition to 18 games with 100 or more rushing yards.

"It's the opportunity to take maybe one or two reps or whatever it takes to make this team better," Williams said.

"That is what I will do. I want to make it to a Super Bowl and win it. I know this team has that potential and they can do it."

"Coming here was an easy decision. This is a Super Bowl contending team. Every veteran out there, veteran or rookie, they want to go to the Super Bowl and win it and get the best opportunity. I think the best opportunity is here in Pittsburgh."

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