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The success of Dolphins star and former Canadian Football League standout Cameron Wake has been an inspiration to fellow linebacker Shawn Lemon.
The undrafted Wake played two years in the CFL before taking his talents to the NFL. Lemon hopes to follow the same path with the Steelers.
"He has opened a lot of doors for us," Lemon told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "I watch a lot of film on Cameron Wake and I try to do some of the things that he does and some of the things I do and put it into one. What keeps you motivated every year in the CFL is knowing the NFL is looking for pass rushers."
Pittsburgh signed the former Calgary Stampeder in January to a three-year deal worth $1,582 million after he racked up 13 sacks and a team-record seven forced fumbles a year ago. The 27-year-old Lemon chose the Steelers after visiting 13 other NFL teams because he believed it would give him the best opportunity. The Steelers have since re-signed linebackers Arthur Moats and James Harrison, then drafted linebacker Bud Dupree in the first round. But Lemon remains optimistic.
"If you are a young guy, you are kind of looking at the numbers," he said. "I know that if you go out and produce, that you are going to be on the field. ... Playing over there for three years and being second in the league in sacks, I know what I bring to the table."
