“Being on this side is little weird, but it’s fun. You want to be a part of it no matter what side you’re on.” – Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace on playing against the Steelers
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace will see one of the most intense rivalries in the NFL from a different point of view on Sunday.
Wallace spent the first four seasons of his career as a Pittsburgh Steeler before he bounced around to play for the Dolphins and Vikings for his next three seasons.
While in Pittsburgh, Wallace caught 31 receptions for 426 yards and one touchdown in eight games against the Ravens. A good portion of these receptions came at the expense of Ravens’ linebacker Terrell Suggs, who has been a part of this AFC North rivalry since 2003.
“They kept me out of the end zone pretty good,” Wallace said. “But they couldn’t stop me from getting a lot of yards.”
After disappointing stints with Miami and Minnesota, Wallace signed with the Ravens this offseason, where he has revived his career. So far, Wallace has caught 35 passes for 490 yards and three touchdowns. He leads the team in receiving yards and touchdowns.
Wallace’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed by Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.
“He’s still running by folks and ringing up the scoreboard. We’ve got a great deal of respect for what he’s capable of,” Tomlin said. “But more important than that, we’re proud of his success and what he’s been able to do in his career. We take a great deal of pride that it started here for him.”
As far as playing against Pittsburgh goes, Wallace has lukewarm feelings towards his former squad.
“I don’t know if I could ever hate them because of all the stuff I’ve been through in that organization,” Wallace said. “But I’m definitely on this side to win. When we line up Sunday, none of those guys are going to be my friend.”
With the status of wide receiver Steve Smith, Sr. being unknown, expect Wallace to be Joe Flacco’s go-to receiver against a mediocre Steelers secondary.
Emotions will be all over the place in this matchup, and Wallace recognizes this, as the Ravens have defeated Pittsburgh in their last three meetings. With first place and bragging rights on the line, this game should be a thriller to watch, no matter who you’re pulling for.
“You’re going to respect each other because it’s two great organizations, two great football teams going up against each other,” Wallace said. “It’s a battle for the division. It’s going to bring a lot of hate. Respect, but a lot of hate. No love.”
