Linebacker Mark Robinson takes interception of Steelers QB Kenny Pickett in stride
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Mark Robinson didn’t have to be reminded the identity of the quarterback he intercepted late in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ organized team activity session Tuesday.
The second-year inside linebacker — a rare holdover at his position from his rookie season — picked off starting quarterback Kenny Pickett on an underthrown pass over the middle.
“Of course,” Robinson said, smiling, when asked if he knew who he intercepted.
Then, Robinson tried to play coy.
“What’s crazy for me is I only see the helmets and the numbers,” he said. “I could care less who throws it. I’m here to play against anybody that shows up — nameless, grey faces.”
It helps, though, when the interception comes at the expense of the starting quarterback. If Robinson makes more of those type of plays at OTAs or in training camp, he can carve out a bigger role for himself in the Steelers defense.
Robinson is competing to be the top backup behind free agent acquisitions Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb. With Holcomb still nursing a foot injury, Robinson has taken his share of reps with the starters.
“Anytime you get a chance individually, anytime you get a rep on that grass, it’s all gold,” Robinson said. “I treat it as such and plan to keep doing so.”
A running back before he was converted to linebacker before his final college season, Robinson showed Tuesday he has a knack for holding onto the ball once it hits his hands.
“I like to think so anyway,” he said, smiling again. “It’s just ball awareness. It came to me, and I took advantage of the opportunity.”