First, can you let me know what you’ve been up to since your playing days?
We’ve been in South Florida for the last five years. My wife and I moved here from Columbus, Ohio with our two kids. We didn’t want that cold Winter life of Ohio!
I managed the guest experience and security for the Dolphins and Marlins for three years. From soccer to tennis to Super Bowls and college championships. I managed the security and guest experience for some of the biggest events here in South Florida. South Florida is a global destination – we have world class entertainment here.
Also, for the last six months I have also started as the Senior HR Manager for Coral Springs Dental here, in charge of HR, OSHA, HIPAA and other standards.
How did you get started in sports administration – and why?
That’s a great question. After Pittsburgh I played a little in Arena League one and Arena League two and even owned my own indoor team for five years. I always loved sports management. After I was done playing, I finished my degree in Sports Leadership at Ohio State that I started at Slippery Rock. Then I went to Ohio University to get a degree in Sports Administration – I wanted a bigger edge over other people in the field.
You still hold Slippery Rock rushing records – what made you so effective there?
To be honest with you I owe all the glory to God. He blessed me with good genes!
I went to Slippery Rock because I didn’t want to study and pass my SATs! I was a Prop 48 kid. Dennis Winston was the one who actually came and knocked on my door and got me to play at Slippery Rock under Coach Mihalik. I sat out a year then my Junior year I won the starting job when Coach Mihalik gave me the opportunity.
How did you end up with the Steelers after that?
Joe Linta was my agent and he called around to a few teams. The Steelers actually called me around round five of the draft – I thought they were going to draft me then. But Tom Modrak told me they wanted to see more of what I could do. I asked them what more they wanted to see. They told me they knew Slippery Rock ran the ball a lot but they didn’t throw much so they wanted me to come in for a tryout to see how I did catching passes.
It was a rainy Monday when I went to Three Rivers to try out. I was nervous out on that field. It was rainy and overcast. Coach Hoak came out and had me run different pass angles and threw the ball to me for 10 minutes or so then said he’s seen enough. They signed me after that.
Did any of those guys help mentor you as a rookie once you got to camp?
I was close with Fred McAfee. Fast Freddie! He took me under his win. Erric Pegram too. He was an Atlanta guy – he taught me to keep my head down and watch him.
The biggest thing for me was learning pass protection. As a running back for the Steelers you had to know how to block linebackers – like Lloyd and Chad Brown in practice. They really helped show me the different, right footwork for blocking bigger and smaller linebackers.
Any good memories stand out to you of your time there?
Super Bowl XXX – just the opportunity to be with the team was amazing.
One of the best memories was the week of practice before the Super Bowl. In practice Greg Lloyd came up and hit me and my foot stepped on his foot and he was hurt and really upset. Everyone thought we got into a fight – the media all surrounded me after practice asking what happened. Dick Hoak finally came in and put his arm around me and walked me into the locker room. He didn’t want me to let the media know that Lloyd was actually hurt. It turns out he needed some treatment but was fine. But this was in the days of pagers and my family kept calling asking why I was getting into fights with Greg Lloyd!
I also remember my first NFL touchdown in a scrimmage game versus the Redskins. Jim Miller was the quarterback then.
The funniest – another Greg Lloyd story – was the rookie talent show. All the rookies were expected to sing and dance but I decided I wasn’t going to do that. Well, Lloyd came up and whispered something in my ear. All of the sudden I got up and sang and danced.
What did he say?
Greg told me that if I didn’t do it the vets would tie me to the goalpost. I learned then that when the vets tell you to sing and dance, you sing and dance!
What happened after that first year there?
That second season I was assigned to the Scottish Claymores. We won the World League Championship but I hurt my shoulder and was sent back home. It was sad I couldn’t finish that season but it was actually helpful in helping me get ready for the next season. But I am still waiting to get my ring!
That offseason was when Bam Morris got in trouble and they traded for Bettis. They wanted to put me on the practice squad after that and I made the biggest mistake of my career. I told Tom Donahoe that I didn’t want to get put on the practice squad. That I’d rather test being a free agent.
Tom asked me if I was sure. He told me they had plans for me but there were a thousand guys who could do what I could and who could take my spot on the squad. I still decided to test free agency. And I never saw the inside of another NFL locker room again.
Do you follow the NFL and Steelers today – still a fan?
I love them – I’m still in contact with a lot of those guys. I was the VP under Eric Robinson for the NFLPA’s Southern Florida chapter for four years. I served my two terms and am very proud of the work we did and with guys like Dan Marino, Jason Taylor and Lawrence Taylor.
We were big supporters of Big Brother Big Sister – we helped with matching grants, camps, supplies, playing with the kids, helping with the technology at the centers….It was great. After a while they no longer saw us as football players- just big brothers.
Lastly, any thoughts on the Steelers?
I was born and bred in Pittsburgh to love the Steelers. I was a Steeler and am still a Steelers fan now. I’m excited to see Najee Harris play, and Big Ben’s poise and stature ensure the team has a chance to win. And Chris Boswell I think will continue to win some close games for the team as well.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
