FROM FOSTER HOMES TO 53-MAN ROSTER

Tuzar Skipper came into the small area where team photographer Karl Roser was taking head shots of players during the Steelers rookie minicamp in May.

He extended his hand, and in his deep voice, introduced himself.

“Skipper, correct,” Roser repeated.

The rookie there on a tryout basis smiled and nodded his head.

“Yep, like the Skipper of the ship,” Skipper said with a smile, which made all of those in the room smile, myself included.

It was that day, that moment when Skipper spoke with confidence in his voice and a strong presence that you had a feeling this guy could be something special, despite the fact that the odds were fully stacked against him.

First, this is a guy who saw player after player selected in the NFL draft while he never heard his name called. Then he saw the names of players who were signed