Steelers Center Ryan McCollum credits his professional NFL career to his Houston upbringing

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Before Ryan McCollum became a center for one of the cornerstone franchises in the NFL, he was a star athlete at Klein Oak High School in Spring.

The Steelers lineman says his time there helped pave the way to the pros.

“Growing up in Texas, I think you’re blessed with a lot of opportunity and capabilities. Everything is right at your fingertips.”

Those opportunities led to multiple college offers out of high school. McCollum decided to stay close to home and signed with Texas A&M with dreams of going pro just like the legendary Texans players he grew up watching.

“JJ kind of just restructured everything that it was to be a Texans, and Andre Johnson was a dog.”

But the player he admired the most was head coach DeMeco Ryans

“DeMeco Ryans was actually my favorite as a kid. Because his last name is Ryans, so, I saw the jersey, and that’s my name, so I always liked that.”

McCollum went undrafted, but his NFL ambitions never stopped. After stints with the Texans and Lions, he signed with Pittsburgh in 20-22.

Years later, he’s now in a playoff matchup against the team he grew up watching

“I got some buddies, that a matter of fact, I played with in high school, that are coming up to the game. And I’m like, ‘No Texans gear. If you wear Texans gear, you’re buying your own ticket.’ So, a lot of good banter between family and friends.”

No matter what color uniform McCollum is wearing, he’s just grateful to live out his NFL dream, something that started at home.

“It’s awesome. You know, I’m extremely blessed. You know, I’ve been in the NFL for 5 years now. A lot of people can’t say that. I’m extremely fortunate,” McCollum said.

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