First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing since your time in the NFL?
I’m the regional VP of a security company now – Walden Security. I’ve been here nine years. We’re contracted with different businesses to supply officers and services to companies that need them.
A friend of mine heard about the opportunity – that’s how I got word of the job. Before that I worked for an underground utility company. But I wanted to get out of that when the construction industry wasn’t very good and found this new job. I’ve been here ever since.
Was the post-NFL adjustment difficult?
I retired in 2002. It took a couple of years – it was difficult at first. But I still had some hours I needed to complete to finish my degree at Tennessee, so I went back to school. When I was there I got a job as an assistant strength and conditioning coach, and that helped me to transition out of being a player to working in a regular job-like atmosphere. It gave me a taste of football to help me transition.
I won’t lie though – it was difficult at first. I had played football for so long – you have that internal schedule and mind-frame. It’s funny – every July for a few years I’d have the same strange dreams that I couldn’t find my helmet and cleats! It could have been worse though. Going back to school really helped.
Who helped mentor you early on as a player and then in Pittsburgh?
I was drafted by Kansas City and they had a lot of veteran players there. I didn’t know if I’d make the team but I made the roster. Dave Szott, John Alt, Will Shields… they all helped.
In Pittsburgh Russ Grimm was there and he was a big help to me. We had a mutual friend in Ralph Tamm who he played with in Washington. He helped mentor Ralph as a veteran player then.
Russ showed me the ropes in Pittsburgh – including where to eat. He was one of the best offensive line coaches I had – he was able to teach me the offense in 30 minutes.
What made you decide to sign with the Steelers?
As a kid in my day you were either a Cowboys or Steelers fan, and I loved the Steelers. When they called me I was excited to take the opportunity to play for them. I wish I could have played longer – I was signed in the mid-season. They had a need to bring another lineman in. Jerome Bettis was so welcoming. He was happy to see me there. Alan Faneca and Jeff Hartings too. They were really great as well. I still keep in touch with Alan – he had such a great career of course.
Did Pittsburgh live up to your expectations – how was it different than Kansas City?
I loved the city as a visitor – coming in to the city through the tunnels and then “Boom!” – you see the city. The fans there were great – the organization was top notch. Mr. Rooney was great – he was always around. Coach Cowher was phenomenal as well. There was no better organization.
Kansas City was top notch as well. Of course they were around since the AFL. They did everything the right way and have had great success lately as well. They may have the best quarterback ever to play the game – time will tell on that one.
Really, Kansas City and Pittsburgh were pretty much the sane. Both cities have a great passion for football.
Any good memories from your time in Pittsburgh that stand out to you?
My first game in Pittsburgh was against the team I had just played for – Jacksonville. We whipped them, so I loved that. Jeff Reed I think kicked five field goals that game. Some of the Jacksonville guys joked with me – called me a traitor, but it was all in good fun. My old offensive line coach told me I had to go to Pittsburgh for them to finally beat us! I got some self-satisfaction there.
Tom Coughlin hated to lose too – talk about passion. Especially against the Steelers. Jacksonville had so much success early on, I told those guys it would take a bit of time to bounce back from those down years afterwards.
Any other ones?
For one off the field I have one. Like I said before, Russ always gave me good recommendations for places to eat. He told me once I should go to this place that had the biggest chicken wings you have ever seen. It was called Philthy McNasty’s – the only place I’ve been where you could get a gallon pitcher of beer.
Well I went with a couple of the younger players. I was in Pittsburgh on my own and the veterans had their families to spend time with, so I went with a couple of the younger guys. Russ was right – the wings really were the biggest I had ever seen. I didn’t know they grew chickens that big!
What happened after that 2002 season that caused you to retire?
I was open at first to coming back, but I had issues with my knee. I couldn’t run like I used to and it was showing. I couldn’t perform like I wanted. I ended up retiring – I limped away from the game. I made up my mind then to hang up my cleats.
Do you watch the NFL today? Favorite teams?
I have a 17-month old, so I watch as much as I can. I have stepsons that play fantasy football too so they ask me for insight sometimes. I still root for Kansas City and Pittsburgh. I got my teams. If not for those teams I wouldn’t be where I am today. Kansas City drafted me and gave me the chance to play in the NFL and Pittsburgh was a dream team to sign with.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
