When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed wide receiver C.J. Goodwin to the roster a few weeks ago, word quickly surfaced that Hall of Fame cornerback Mel Blount had called and arranged for him to get a tryout. Recently, Blount talked about making that call.
“When I called Kevin Colbert, I said, ‘This kid, you need to take a look at him,’ ” Blount told Alex Nieves of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I’ve never called the Steelers and said, ‘Here’s somebody you all should take a look at,’ because that’s not what I do.
“But this kid, I’m willing to put my name and reputation out there because he’s an athlete, he can play and he’s a good kid. It’s more than just your ability to play and your talent. It’s also about your character.”
Blount has reportedly known Goodwin ever since he was in high school and the California University of Pennsylvania product even worked for the former Steelers cornerback at his youth home over the years.
While Blount was able to get Goodwin a tryout, the 6 foot 3, 190 pound wide receiver had no guarantees past that. It speaks volumes that he impressed enough to get signed to the offseason roster even though he only caught 11 passes for 131 yards and one touchdown last season.
While most of Goodwin’s playing time last season reportedly came on special teams, he did manage to register four total tackles and one blocked kick. He also reportedly recorded a 4.41 40-yard dash time and a 40-inch vertical jump at the regional combine in Detroit prior to the draft.
While Goodwin is an extreme long shot to make the Steelers final 53 man roster out of training camp this year, he certainly has great measurables. Assuming he makes it to Latrobe, he figures to have a shot at making the practice squad if he takes advantage of the limited practice reps and late preseason game snaps he is sure to receive. Blount likes his chances.
“I think that C.J. has a great opportunity, a great chance to make the team. But that’s just me from the outside looking in,” Blount said. “The main thing is that he’s in the door.”
