Melvin Ingram excited for opportunity with Steelers: 'I’m like a kid in a candy store'

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed defensive end Melvin Ingram last week, adding a significant edge-rushing presence alongside T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.

As he begins his first training camp with the franchise, Ingram took the opportunity to praise both Watt and Highsmith, adding that he's excited to get to work in 2021.

"It's a blessing for me to be here to play on the opposite side of [Watt] and Highsmith," Ingram said, according to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "It's just great to play with all these guys. I'm like a kid in a candy store."

Ingram noted that the coaches in Pittsburgh have not specified what his role with the club will be. However, he felt good signing a "prove it" deal with the Steelers because the organization made him feel comfortable.

"They just said come in and work hard and everything will take care of itself," Ingram said. "So that's what I'm doing. I'm just working and falling in line with the guys."

Watt also said last week that he's excited to work with Ingram, who he believes "has a lot of burst off the line of scrimmage."

Ingram, who played just seven games last season due to a nagging knee injury, noted he's feeling good entering the upcoming season and feels he still has a lot more football left in him. 

The three-time Pro Bowler, who had spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Chargers before signing with the Steelers, has recorded 49 sacks, three interceptions, 28 pass breakups, 14 fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, 360 tackles, 70 tackles for a loss and 108 quarterback hits. 

Ingram wore No. 54 with the Chargers but recently announced he would wear No. 8 in 2021 to honor Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, who died in a tragic helicopter crash last year.