Steelers' Pouncey reflects about undergoing 7 surgeries

Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey was in a contemplative mood Thursday, after undergoing seven surgeries last year to repair a broken fibula.

Pouncey missed the entire season as a result, but told reporters last month that he'd made a full recovery.

The Steelers' lineman is looking forward to the upcoming campaign, but reflected on his tribulations.

"It was scary," Pouncey said to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "I don't want that on my worst enemy."

The broken fibula was just the start of Pouncey's ordeal, as he suffered a staph infection when the surgical cut failed to heal correctly. As a result, Pouncey underwent numerous procedures to clean out his leg, including a skin graft.

"We had to figure out the best plan possible to get it right," Pouncey said. "No one really had that many infections like that (around here) ... I blame no one. We're all professionals. I respect this organization for everything they did to get me through this."

Pouncey said he used last year's nightmare as motivation going into this season.

"It's just another reality check, shows you how fast things can be taken away," Pouncey said. "At the same time, it's a humbling experience, shows you how much something is important in your life, and football is very important to me."