Pure Steel
First and Ten
Tyrone Carter

Tyrone Carter joined the Steelers in 2004 after three years with the Minnesota Vikings and one with the New York Jets. The veteran defensive back has been a part of two Super Bowl championships with the Steelers and entered January with 88 games played in the Black and Gold, including 20 starts. PSR's Ken Torgent caught up with Carter before practice last month.

Q. How do you stay focused in the midst of a losing streak?

Well in this game, you know, somebody's got to win and somebody's got to lose. And you got to set the good with the bad, and losing streaks are sometimes with the bad. You just got to stay focused and continue to do what you need to do to be successful. You need to keep pressing on; not over-exaggerate and not try to do too much. Just be yourself and hopefully everything gets back on track. It's just one of those years, man, when it's just not falling our way, even taking into account that we haven't really been playing our best football. We just got to keep pressing on, keep working; try to find that comfort zone where we come away with plays and hopefully make some plays and turn this thing around. You can't overreact. You can't get sidetracked. You just got to stay focused, work hard, and play within yourself.

Q. How does it feel when the team breaks the streak?

It feels great, man… to come away with a win, to get back on track. You know, we had five-straight losses which hasn't happened around here in some years. It's good to get that monkey off your back.

Q. You've been pressed into action this season due to some injuries in the secondary. How different is it preparing as a starter in the NFL rather than a backup?

I prepare the same away because I'm always one play away from playing. My preparation doesn't change whether I'm starting or not starting. It's just now I'm getting more reps and more game experience, but with that in mind, I'm always preparing the same way.

Q. Who has had the biggest impact on you during your time here in Pittsburgh?

I would say my defensive backs as a whole; you know, the whole entire group. When I first got here, how close we were… they welcomed me in with open arms. It's like a brotherhood back there. You go out there fighting for your brother. It's close-knit. And the team as well, you know, it's one of the teams that I love to be a part because of the closeness, from the owners down to the coaches and the players. It just made my stay a lot better.

Q. What do you enjoy the most: a sack, an interception, or a big hit that forces a fumble?

All of them are plays. You're making the play. Me, I'm aggressive; I like to make a big hit. But now, I'm starting to love getting an interception and trying to take it back to the house. But, I'll tell you what man, whatever God's preparing for me… I'm happy to be part of any one of those.

Q. Who was your idol growing up?

Emmitt Smith was my idol growing up. I played running back and he's a guy who defeated all the odds. They always talked about how he was too small to make it and, you know, to see all the accolades he's accomplished and see his hard work. See him playing on Super Bowl teams with the Cowboys… I think that was great for me watching that happen.

Q. What do you see in your future?

I'm just grateful and thankful that God continues to bless me with another year. This is my tenth season and who knew that I would be playing ten years? Each year I just try to get wiser and better and understand the game itself more. Whatever the Lord has for me, it'll be good.