Matt Taylor and Jeffery Gore recently sat down with the nose tackle of the Indianapolis Colts, Grover Stewart. These camp interviews from Colts Audio Network are fantastic, and they are a great look into the minds and lives of Colts players. Stewart carried a laid back, happy demeanor throughout the interview while describing his acceptance of his role in the organization and his favorite passion besides football, barbecuing.
Grover Stewart is the Coolest Teammate on the Indianapolis Colts
Grover Stewart is another Colt who hangs his hat on his work ethic and constant determination. His humility and dedication to team success allowed him to accept the non-glamours role of nose tackle (one-technique) starting during the 2019 NFL season. The nose tackle of a team tends to fly under the radar. This garnered Stewart the title of the team’s most underrated player by Sports Illustrated‘s Conor Orr. This comes from the lack of stats and flashy plays that come with the responsibilities of the position.
“You know me, that’s in my blood… I wake up I’m ready to get to it.” Grover stated when asked about his acclimation to the season and his role with the team. He continued, “Double team, triple team, I’m ready.” Graciously accepting a triple team must be music to the ears of his fellow defensive linemen.
Stewart’s teammates continue to reiterate how he makes all of their jobs easier. Stewart broke down what they mean and why they say this, “I’m the guy in the middle and I take on two guys. Or I get back there and mess up the line of scrimmage.” Pushing back the line of scrimmage or completely blowing it up, creates wide open rush lanes for his teammates. Simply Stewart summarizes it, “I get in there and do my job, and make it hard for the offensive line.”
With this attitude Stewart has become a favorite amongst the team and coaches. It also might have something to do with his off-field passion.
The Barbecue Master of the NFL
Stewart’s expertise was revealed to the national audience on the last season of HBO’s Hardknocks, which featured an inside look at the 2021 season of the Indianapolis Colts. The second episode of the season had a portion where Stewart prepared a team dinner. His barbecue chicken drew rave reviews and the sauce was the star of the show.
Back to 2022, Stewart is bettering both of his crafts. “Anything you can really name I’ve been cooking it. I’ve been trying different sauces. So I’m trying to come out with this white barbecue sauce. I’m gonna make it for the guys after we break camp and see how they like it.” I’m sure his teammates are absolutely pumped for this news.
Grover Stewart is an Important part of the Indianapolis Colts in 2022
Stewart looks to continue his improvement on the field. His philosophy and his determination give him an edge against others. He treats every season, practice, game, and snap like it is his very first. He uses every play as a chance to show his worth and solidify his role on this team.
Stewart is on record saying, “I will never get cut, until I retire.” He keeps that same mindset to this day. He said, “Every morning I wake up and I be like ‘I can’t get cut’. I’m still hungry, I’m still fighting for a position. I will always have that (mindset). I give the ones my best and they give me theirs.”
Grover Stewart will continue to fly under the radar for most NFL fans. For the Colts organization he is a vital player and the perfect teammate.
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