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Week 10 Blog: Adding a point guard
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Week 10 Blog: Adding a point guard

Adding a point guard: It didn’t take long for newly acquired Mike Williams to settle in with his new team and practice Wednesday for the first time since learning he was traded from the New York Jets to the Steelers.

Williams said he learned of the trade Tuesday after making multiple unanswered phone calls.

“I was sleeping,” Williams said. “I could feel my phone vibrating, but I thought I was dreaming. I got five missed calls from my agent, and then the Jets’ general manager called me and told me about the trade.

“I’m excited for the opportunity. I’m happy to be here. I’m looking forward to it. I’m ready to move this forward.”

“It’s exciting. It starts up front, the running game. And then everybody sees the plays the receivers are making. GP (George Pickens) is going out there, making big plays every play. So adding me adds another threat, a guy who can go out there and make plays.” .

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity. I’m a quarterback. I want to make plays. I want to take operations. I’m going to go out and work and show that I deserve to be on the field.”

Williams got the chance to play a few games in his first practice with the team, and even stayed on the field after practice to do extra drills with other players.

He’s excited about the prospect of working with quarterback Russell Wilson, who everyone says is familiar with what he brings.

“Russ, everyone sees this,” Williams said. “He puts the work in. Time in, time out. A leader on and off the field.

“I’m so thankful to have a guy like that on this team, a point guard. A leader who will put us in the right position to be successful.”

Williams knows it will take some time to get along with Wilson, but he’s willing to work on it.

“I can’t wait to see more reps alongside him,” Williams said. “Making that connection. Seeing where he likes. Where I like the ball is so we can be on the same page.”

Williams said it had not yet been discussed what role he would take on the team, especially at the start, and that he was just taking things on a day-to-day basis.

“I had a pretty good day today,” Williams said. “I’ve been inside a lot. I’ve been moving around all over the place. I’m trying to learn as much as possible. You never know what’s going to happen, people move, things change. So I’m just learning all the positions. I’ve got some reps with Russ, too.”

“So just keep building the rest of the week and see where we are on Sunday.”

Williams said he didn’t know where the trade would go or if he would definitely be traded, but he had heard his name mentioned in the rumors and some fans even brought it up to him when he was transferred to the Jets. He played the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Week 7.

“It was crazy,” Williams said. “When we played here, people in the stands were telling me don’t go back, don’t stay, don’t take the plane back. I thought it was funny.”