Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First off, tell us how you got into coaching?

At Utah I wanted to be a radiologist – I was at Utah preparing to get my science classes done while my wife was an executive assistant at BYU.  I interned at BYU – just helping them with techniques and pass rush skills. Then I went to Virginia with Coach Mendenhall and became their defensive line coach. After that I coached the defensive line at USC – and now I’m the special teams coordinator and linebackers coach here at Cal.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Vic So’oto, 2014”

First off, can you let me know what you’ve been up to since your time in the NFL?

Well, I’m back in New Jersey now and own a sports performance company – AY Sports Performance. I work with young kids to professional athletes – mostly on football position training. I also coach for a local high school here.

Were there coaches you played for that influenced you most? How so?

You pick up tendencies from all the coaches you play for. Eric Bienemy had a big influence on me. His attention to detail – he was the epitome of that. He taught us to be relentless with our work ethic and drive – and to leave no stone unturned. I learned so much from him as soon as I got to Minnesota. He was hard-nosed about how we went to work and was great at growing and adapting to the times. He was always expanding his bag.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Running Back Albert Young, 2011”

First off, how has the offseason been for you so far?

A lot of training – I’ve stayed down here in Ft. Lauderdale, working hard and spending time with my girlfriend and family and friends. Just recharging before the season.

Why did you decide to sign with the Steelers last season?

When I was let go by Denver -as soon as the opportunity came up to play for Pittsburgh I jumped on it. A couple of teams contacted my agent but my familiarity with Russell Wilson from Denver and Coach Azzanni made it easy. Coach Azzanni was my rookie year coach in Denver. I figured it was good to go where you know people and of course it’s a great organization.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Wide Receiver Brandon Johnson”

First off, what is the offseason looking like for you – what have you been up to?

Right now I’m here in Dallas training every day, five days  week. Just getting ready for when I go to camp in April – staying in shape.

I also like to do dog training – it helps keep my mind off of things at times.

Why did you decide to sign with the Steelers – and have you spoken to the coaches yet about what they are looking from from you and your role there?

I met Coach Tomlin years ago at the Senior Bowl – I felt like he was a coach I could see myself playing for. And my first year with the Chargers, Alfredo Roberts was my tight ends coach. I really liked him. When I knew he was in Pittsburgh it was a done deal for me – I had no hesitation. I am looking forward to playing for both coaches.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Tight End Donald Parham”

First off, what have been your plans for the offseason?

It’s been great – I’ve been training here in Arizona and am flying to San Diego today. I’m going with my girlfriend to a wedding in Cancun from there. It’s my first vacation this offseason – I’m excited!

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Defensive Lineman Daniel Ekuale”

First off, can you let me know how you got started working with the museum?

I was hired in July of 2022 as the manager for the Hall of Honor museum. The process for the museum’s creation was already in progress – I came in when they were working on the photos and text to write for the exhibits and museum in general.

The idea was to dedicate, preserve and celebrate the history of the Steelers.  Ambassador Rooney had the idea – he wanted to bring back and celebrate the team’s history with the fans. That’s what we do -relive and celebrate the Steelers history.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Julie Zeravica, Manager, Steelers Hall of Honor Museum”

First off, can you let me know what you’ve been up to since your time in Pittsburgh?

I graduated with an engineering degree at Colorado, so after I got cut from the Steelers I started working for a niche federal agency that designs and builds the roads on federal lands and the ones that lead into federal lands – for areas like national parks.

I’ve been doing that for 17 years and have been to a lot of cool places across the Western U.S. My office is close to where I grew up actually.

I’ve worked at Yosemite, Lake Mead, Mesa Verde …it’s all an extension of my engineering degree and I just developed my career since I was cut.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Ryan Olson, 1998”

First, can you let me know how you got into coaching at Northwest Mississippi Community College?

For the most part I’ve been here since 201o teaching the offensive line, with a one-year stint at Pearl River Community College before I went back to Northwest.

I grew up in Chicago and played at Notre Dame – I was never in Mississippi before and never expected to be. But nobody wanted to re-sign me anymore in the NFL. I was never a starter in the NFL – I was always battling to make a roster. For me, it took all I had to make it in the NFL as long as I did. By 2008, no one was going to pay me what it would take to pay a veteran player to be a backup. You can say I was drafted out of football.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Offensive Lineman Jim Jones, 2004-2005”