Steelers OTA’s Day 1 Buzz: Brown, Williams, Harrison, Mitchell, Roethlisberger, Thomas

STEELERS DAY 1 OTA’S

Antonio Brown weeks ago quickly opted against a hold out being the best course of action in getting a new deal but that doesn’t mean Brown is done seeking a new deal behind the scenes, which he is.

“Not my business to discuss,” Brown said about his contract and mentioned several times that any contract questions should be directed to his agent Drew Rosenhaus.

“This is a community that I love,” Brown said of Pittsburgh. My kids go to school here. I want to keep a good reputation.”

— Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger said playing the Patiots in Week 1 isn’t the same without Tom Brady. “I have a lot of respect for him [Tom Brady] on the football field and some of the unbelievable things that he’s done. “He’s a guy that I’ve said for a long time, he’s the best in the business,” Roethlisberger said. “He proved it again last year winning his fourth [title].”

Roethlisberger when asked about PSI’s said he never checks on footballs before the game.

“I have no idea,” Roethlisberger said of PSI levels in football. “I’m not even one who messes with the ball before I play,” Roethlisberger said, claiming he has no care of what type of footballs he plays with.

Roethlisberger wouldn’t be surprised if Brady was out there in week 1. “I guess we’ll wait and see what’s finally going to happen.”

— Le’Veon Bell said his injured knee is near 100%. Bell who will be suspended for three games of the season, has taken the suspension in stride. “Glad to get it out of the way,” Bell said today. “Want to keep moving forward.”

— DeAngelo Williams laughed at all of the questions today he was receiving of whether he can handle the starters role with Le’Veon suspended for the first three games.

— Mike Mitchell revealed he played with a significant groin tear that was more serious than anyone knew. He had double groin surgery, Mitchell told 937 the Fan.

— Cortez Allen another player who will be under the microscope this season, wasn’t in the business of making excuses today for his poor 2014 season. “It’s a new year,” Allen said which was a common phrase of his. Like Mitchell, Steelers players say Allen was hampered by injuries more than people knew.

— Arthur Moats and Jarvis Jones opened OTA’s as the starters at outside linebacker. James Harrison begins OTA’s with the 2’s behind Jones.

— Cam Thomas is now wearing No. 93.