STEELERS LB Foote takes on big role at home: dad to 8-year-old

The third year player recently discovered he's a father.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Unexpectedly becoming an NFL starter changed Steelers linebacker Larry Foote's life considerably this fall. Unexpectedly becoming the father of an 8-year-old boy changed it far, far more.
Foote, a third-year inside linebacker from Michigan, has played a substantially upgraded role in the Steelers' defense with Kendrell Bell out all season with a groin injury. Foote is third on the team with 29 tackles and got his first sack Sunday against Cincinnati.
But while suddenly switching from backup to starter took some adjustment, it's nothing compared to the changes brought about by becoming a single parent at age 24 -- of a son one-third his age, no less.
Rather than going out with his teammates or friends after practice for dinner or to relax, Foote heads home to help his son with his homework. Maybe they watch a little TV or talk a little football after that, but it's early to bed and early to rise for both father and son.
Big transition
"I'm getting a lot of rest because I've been home every night," Foote said. "It's been a big transition. It's a little rough because he's old, but I'm blessed -- I wish it didn't happen this way, but I'm happy he's with me."
Especially considering Foote didn't find out until recently he was the boy's father. When he learned about son Trey-beion's unsettled home life, he agreed to seek legal custody and raise the boy himself.
Foote doesn't plan to remain a single parent for too long -- his fiancee is a reporter for a Flint, Mich., TV station -- but, for now, Foote must be both mother and father to a son who still doesn't know him all that well.
"I took him out of the home where he's been for 8 years, so we're bumping heads a little bit," said Foote, whose own father, Larry Sr., is a standout amateur bowler in Detroit. "Just sitting him down and making him do his homework every night, it's a battle. We butt heads sometimes. He hasn't had a male influence in his life that disciplined him, so he's adjusting."
Maturation process
So is Foote who, until recently, had the normal social life that most 24-year-old single NFL players enjoy. Becoming a parent admittedly is maturing him quickly.
"It's changed my whole life around," he said. "I've got to be home at night. He comes first and I come second. I've got a lot of responsibilities now."
To coach Bill Cowher, the dramatic changes in Foote's life haven't affected him at all.
"I think he has played very, very well," Cowher said. "He has been very solid. He has made plays for us. He has been very productive."