Steelers All 90: Larry Ogunjobi Wants Sees Steelers as ‘My Team’

Just four years ago, Larry Ogunjobi was public enemy No. 2 in Pittsburgh after knocking down Mason Rudolph from behind following the infamous helmet-hitting incident with Myles Garret and the Cleveland Browns. Nowadays, he is a vital piece of the Steelers’ defense and just re-signed with the team on a huge three-year deal.

After playing the 2021 season in Cincinnati, Ogunjobi decided to take his talents to the Windy City but failed his physical examination with the Bears and evidently did not officially sign with the team. This led him to join the Steelers on a much smaller and cheaper one-year contract in 2022.

Ogunjobi played to or above expectations last season with the Steelers and received a new contract because of it. While the money was definitely a factor, Ogunjobi felt at home with the Steelers.

“I think it just felt right,” said Ogunjobi. “The team really welcomed me with really open arms. The environment was cool. … I just felt like it was the right place and some things just feel right so it was a no-brainer. Obviously, we went back and forth in negotiations but really just sitting down and having a place where you can consistently build and grow was really important to me.”

The Steelers found their groove during the second half of last season as the team went 7-2 in the final nine games. While that sounds nice, the team still missed the playoffs during Ogunjobi’s. Ogunjobi is positive about the situation in Pittsburgh even after the disappointing season. He said that while the team struggled early, the progression that the team made was noticeable by the end of the season.

“I think that’s just the key. When you maximize your role and understand exactly what your role is, then we all win,” said Ogunjobi. “It takes a team. You can be a guy but when you put a bunch of guys together, that is when you start seeing the true difference. I feel like we’re in that progression right now.”

After playing against and now for the Steelers, Ogunjobi has not taken much time to reflect on his experiences in the NFL and said that the reflection will have to wait until retirement. He claimed that he is focused on how he can deliver the “best product” for the Steelers in not only 2023 but years to come.

“I think the biggest thing is being where my feet are at,” said Ogunjobi. “I’ve gotten to the point right now where I’m just really pouring into myself, my team, my craft, and really focus on how I can deliver [the] best product for the Steelers in this season and for seasons to come.”

99 • Larry Ogunjobi, Defensive Tackle, Charlotte
6-foot-3, 305 pounds, 29 years old, 7th Season

Acquired: The Steelers signed Ogunjobi to a one-year contract following the 2021 season. Ogunjobi originally signed a three-year, $40.5 million contract with the Chicago Bears following the 2021 season but failed a physical and never joined the team.

Last season: In 2022, Ogunjobi started all 16 games that he appeared in for the Steelers. He played a total of 636 defensive snaps while missing two games. His first start came in Week 1 against his former team, the Cincinnati Bengals. In that game, Ogunjobi tallied four tackles and three pressures (three hurries, one quarterback hit).

Ogunjobi recorded his first partial sack as a Steeler in Week 3 against his other former team, the Cleveland Browns. He recorded his first full sack of 2022 in Week 18 against the Browns.

In total, Ogunjobi finished with 48 tackles (25 solo), 1.5 sacks, 23 stops, 19 hurries, and nine quarterback hits.