The Wolverine

MICHIGAN IN THE PROS Larry Foote Reclaims His Starting Role In Pittsburgh he Pittsburgh Steelers aren't off to the start they envisioned, hav- ing gone 1-2 through three games. For former Michigan linebacker and longtime NFL veteran Larry Foote Jr., however, the three games have pro- vided an opportunity to rejuvenate a career that's seen him go from starter and Super Bowl champion to special teams, then to Detroit for a season and back again. Foote has reclaimed his starting job in the Steel City, and his blue-collar work ethic has made him tough to replace, even at the age of 32. "The older you get, the longer you T play, the more you've got to convince them you're young and you still want to play," Foote told the Associated Press in September. "Guys upstairs are trying to replace you right now — they're trying to find somebody they can play cheaper." BY CHRIS BALAS Foote moved back into the start- ing lineup after the Steelers released stalwart James Farrior, and he quickly proved his worth with 12 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble in a season- opening 31-19 loss at Denver. He was tied for 15th in the AFC in tackles after three games with 23, showing many of the same instincts that made him an All-American at Michigan. Foote started 80 straight games in Pittsburgh between 2004-08 before joining the Lions. He spent one year with Detroit before coming back as a special teams player and backup, doing anything he could to prove his worth and providing leadership in the locker room. "Guys like Foote are a hot com- modity for any team," fellow Steelers linebacker Chris Carter said. "Not only can he fill in and be a starting middle linebacker for us, but he's been playing 11 years now and he still could start on every single spe- cial team because he's got the speed and he knows what to do." Foote's goal, meanwhile, hasn't changed. He expects to play at a high level and continue the Steelers' AFC relevance. 86 THE WOLVERINE OCTOBER 2012 Foote, who started 80 straight games in Pittsburgh between 2004-08, moved back into the Steelers' starting lineup this season, and he stood tied for 15th in the AFC in tackles after three games with 23. "I don't care what my stat line is," Foote said. "I want to play good … I'm just trying to win, and this league is all about winning. When you lose, it's a quiet ride home. player, and you've got to work to prove yourself. First-rounders don't have to prove themselves; they've got their money. But us fourth- rounders and guys that have to start off on special teams, you've got to steadily improve and when your op- portunity comes along, you have to grab it." "I came in as a backup, a role The New England Patriots find themselves in unfamiliar territory, standing 1-2 after three games for their first losing record at this stage of the season since 2003. It's through no fault of former Michigan quarter- back Tom Brady, who continues to play at an all-pro level. Brady entered the opener with Ten- nessee needing only 21 yards to be- come the 14th player in NFL history with 40,000 career passing yards, TO MOVE UP ON ALL-TIME PASSING LISTS TOM BRADY CONTINUES PHOTO COURTESY PITTSBURGH STEELERS

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