Updated

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark never wanted to be a captain. When his teammates failed to name him one during his collegiate career at LSU, Clark says he was relieved.

Still, Clark didn't turn the honor down when the Steelers named him one of four captains for the 2013 season. The 11-year veteran called it a "blessing" and feels he's at the point in his football life where he is ready to embrace the role.

The 33-year-old is coming off another fine season as the backbone for Pittsburgh's top-ranked defense. Yet his teammates say it's the way he carries himself off the field that makes him a worthy captain.

The always vocal Clark is a teacher in meetings and rookie safety Shamarko Thomas says he hopes to adopt Clark's "all business" attitude in practice.