Ladarius Green: Fans played big role in decision to sign with Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't have to do much persuading in their pursuit of former San Diego Chargers tight end Ladarius Green.

"I had some (offers), but everyone knows the Steelers, the history behind the team," Green told Ray Fittipaldo of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Everybody has seen the offense as well. It wasn't too hard of a choice."

Green signed a four-year, $20-million deal with the Steelers on the first day of free agency, leaving behind the team that selected him in the fourth round of the 2012 draft.

A big factor in Green's decision to join the Steelers was the loyalty of their fan base, which he experienced firsthand last season when the Chargers hosted Pittsburgh in Week 5. There were so many Steelers fans in attendance that the Chargers had to use a silent count on offense.

"Did I notice?" Green asked about the Pittsburgh invasion. "I think everyone noticed the number of Steelers fans out there. When you saw the towels in there it was pretty bad for us because we had to go on silent count. We knew they were there.

"You want to be around that kind of stuff," he added. "It was a pretty big point in coming."

Green underwent ankle surgery after last season, but said he expects to be ready for training camp in August.