HomeBleachers Exclusive Interview with Terence Garvin

The road to the NFL has many different paths something Terence Garvin has learned. Garvin who’s name wasn’t called during the 2014 NFL Draft didn’t have to wait long for a shot. The former West Virginia linebacker would get his chance as the Pittsburgh Steelers invited the Mountaineer to the team’s rookie minicamp.

The move would not only pay off for the Steelers but Garvin as well resulting in the team signing him to the team’s 90 man roster. Through the hard work and determination set at an early age the undrafted rookie suited up in 15 total games with one coming as a starter. This season Garvin has appeared in all 15 games recording 11 tackles.

For Garvin this season he had the chance to play with Steelers linebacker James Harrison. Like Garvin, Harrison went undrafted in the 2002 NFL Draft never gave up bouncing around for the first few seasons before blossoming into one of the top Steelers over the past 20 seasons. The experience and determination shown by Harrison after coming out of retirement this season could lead to Garvin landing a bigger role in the defense next season.

Garvin who played his high school football at Loyola Blakefield in Towson, Maryland switched from the safety position to the linebacker position as a junior. In his final season with the Mountaineers, Garvin registered 77 tackles, 11.5 for loss, six sacks, one interception and two forced fumbles.

High school, college or NFL. Where did you enjoying playing football the most?
Yeah that’s fine. All levels have been fun, and they all bring about their own challenge and different endeavors.. College is fun. You are living with each other you grow with each other it’s a little family that grows together and represents so I feel like that so far. Wvu.

Garvin has had an opportunity to lead his high school team to three MIAA Class A conference titles as well as earning All-State as a defensive back. The next step was a trip to West Virginia to play for high tradition football program with a great student body who like to have fun on and off the field. The last stop of his young career is now with the six time Super Bowl champions the Pittsburgh Steelers. All three stops have given him a chance to live life at a full including this season as the Steelers will be playing post season football in the playoffs.

What was your most memorable moment in the NFL?

My most memorable moment in the NFL has to be going to London that whole experience. Playing against the Minnesota Vikings, seeing a different country and different players. And still being able to play in a game was a great. Every time you’re out on the field is great In the NFL it’s a different vibe and different feeling that’s hard to explain but I enjoyed that. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers traveled to London in week 4 of the 2013 NFL season to face off against the Minnesota Vikings. Despite a late comeback coming up short with less than a minute to play the Steelers would fall to the Vikings 34-27. The NFL started the International Series in 2007 and stated to run till at least the 2016 season. In each of the first five seasons one NFL game was played with an expansion of two games in 2013 and three in 2014. Next season the team’s heading to London include the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs.

How does it feel playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Playing for the Steelers is great. It’s fun it’s a historic franchise that has a good vibe good atmosphere great fans. Historic and legendary players and coaches. It’s great.

The Steeler have a long tradition as one of the top NFL teams of All-Time with six Super Bowl titles. From the teams historic black and yellow team colors to the Immaculate Reception to the terrible towel to three rivers stadium. Throw in the names of the greats including Terry Bradshaw, Mean Joe Greene, Jack Lambert and Lynn Swann. Add in some of the stars over the past 20 years such as Hines Ward, Jerome Bettis, Rod Woodson, Ben Roethlisberger as well as young star wide receiver Antonio Brown. The tradition and history of the Pittsburgh Steelers is rich both on and off the field.

Being un-drafted, what motivation did you use to make it to where you are today.

Just proving myself. Proving myself everyday really I feel that I have talent and I can play at this level and accel it’s about proving every day and using everything as motivation to get better every day. Being undrafted is motivation in itself.
Garvin continued his hard work after college earning himself a shot to make the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite failing to get drafted the former Mountaineer never gave up and now is a part of a Steelers team heading to the playoffs. Over the years we have seen multiple players show up on the NFL scene who has failed to get drafted including Kurt Warner, Warren Moon, Dick “Night Train” Lane, Antonio Gates, Wes Welker and Rod Smith to name a few as well as his teammate James Harrison. \

Who was the biggest inspiration in your life.
The biggest inspiration in my life has to be my parents. My mom and dad have been everything my whole life always trying to make them smile and make them proud has always been a thing to me. They by far are my biggest inspiration. 

Do you feel it’s hard to be a Christian athlete in today’s world?
I don’t feel that it’s hard to be a Christian athlete, no The Lord Jesus is the only reason I am here today, so he deserves everything I receive a credit and love and everything goes to him. Without him I wouldn’t be here or even close. I’m thankful for him I’m thankful I have him in my life. I’m thankful for his forgiveness and love. It’s everything. 

In a world that continues to change from one day to another continues to lead us all to our faith. Through that we have seen over the years a long list of athletes pay respect the Lord Jesus Christ. Through his sacrifices the NFL and it’s players have a chance to do something they love for a living and get paid doing it.

Image © Terence Garvin Instagram.