Moses Lake grad to play in NFL

PITTSBURGH - Moses Lake graduate Jordan Reffett said he was at home Monday night in Moses Lake with his family when his phone rang.

"It was pretty late," Reffett said. "My wife and I were putting the kids to bed."

Reffett said looked at his caller ID and the area code was from Pittsburgh.

The voice on the other line was Kevin Colbert.

Colbert is the Director of Players and Personnel for the Pittsburgh Steelers and wanted to offer Reffett an opportunity to play football for the Steelers this season.

Reffett accepted and participated in his first regular season practice with the team Wednesday.

A former Washington Huskies football standout, Reffett is in his second stint with Pittsburgh.

"I signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in April after the draft," he said. "I was basically the last man out. I didn't make the final roster."

After failing to make the team following preseason games, Reffett returned to his home in Moses Lake and continued to prepare for an opportunity.

"I spoke with a couple of teams since then," he said.

In four preseason games with Pittsburgh, Reffett finished with eight tackles and two sacks.

Reffett is excited for the opportunity to play football in the NFL.

"The Steelers called and said they wanted to sign me," he said. "I am sitting in my hotel room (in Pittsburgh) right now."

While Reffett has not practiced with the team in weeks, he said he feels welcome.

"It was good to see the guys and coaches again," he said. "They welcomed me back with open arms."

Reffett is excited for the opportunity to play football professionally, but it doesn't define him.

"I found out in college there are a lot of things I can do," he said. "I worked hard in college to be successful in something other than football. My main goal is to make sure my family and my friends are taken care of."