Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First off, why did you decide to try out with the Steelers – what went into the decision?

It was kind of a weird process – I was trying to get a contract with any team – some teams showed interest but I didn’t get offers. Then the Steelers called – they said they were interested and  extended the offer to come to camp. My agent had reached out to Omar Khan and asked if he was interested in bringing me in – they were friends and Omar said he was interested and that’s when I got the offer.

I looked at their history of developing small school prospects and went with that.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Camp Invite, Offensive Lineman Gareth Warren”

First off, how did the tryout come about and why Pittsburgh?

Building up after the season, I signed with an agent with the expectation of getting a camp invite. Close to the draft I got some interest from the Steelers – they came out to my pro day and I saw them there. I know Casey Weidl – one of the Steelers scouts – he went to the same high school I did. Omar Kahn called me initially actually and said they wanted to bring me in for a tryout.  I accepted right away. Then I spoke with Casey later to confirm some things.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Camp Tryout, Pittsburgh Native QB Seth Morgan”

First, what’s the offseason been like for you?

Since the season ended – and in such an unfortunate way – my wife and I wanted to get away from football and business and connect with each other. Life gets busy – we wanted to take time off and get off the grid. We went to Thailand and spent two weeks in the jungle just deepening our connection and bonding.

Then we travelled to Nigeria – I have a development project there and my father-in-law lives there too so we visited with him. We killed two birds with one stone.

And of course every offseason is an on-season these days. So I have been training and trying to get better. The truth is at this stage you don’t continue playing if you can’t outpace the younger guys.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Tackle Calvin Anderson”

Congratulations on signing with the Steelers – did you know they had interest in you beforehand?

I knew that they had interest last fall. A bunch of scouts came and saw me and Sam Pitz and showed interest in me – the Steelers were the main ones. During the draft my agent Joe Linta called and told me the Steelers were super-interested and I should expect a call. I didn’t know if that meant as a draft pick or undrafted free agent. After the last pick of the draft by the Patriots, I kid you not, 20 seconds later the Steelers called.

I signed with them – I was super-excited – I’m stoked and honored to be a part of such an historic franchise with such great coaches.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Lineman Aiden Williams”

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”