First off, what have you been up to since your time playing football?
Now, I do work with Homeland Security and the TSA, helping them with budgets. I’ve been doing that for a while now. After I finished playing I taught for a year with my wife in Springfield, Virginia. I played in NFL Europe then after teaching I got into government contract work.
Now, I own my own staffing company, placing nurses here in Pittsburgh.
How hard was the post-football adjustment for you – what made it easier?
It was tough man. You play football forever and don’t realize how much was taken care of for you. All those things around you are taken care of, then you get into the real world. People don’t see you as a football player – that was your identity. Then you get into civilian life, and that’s a rough adjustment.
That adrenaline and intensity slows down and your schedules too. You don’t have that go-to-war mentality every week any more. It’s quite an adjustment – you slow down, get married and have kids…It’s critical to have good family around you to help. And Being Christian too – that helped me to stay grounded as well.
How did you end up with the Steelers in 2002?
I had a workout with them. It’s funny because at Toledo Chester Taylor was the starter and a lot of teams came to see him at games and pro days. When they watched the film they saw me and asked who that guy was. So thanks to him I got a lot of attention.
I got interest from a few teams during the draft – Jacksonville, Green Bay, Detroit….They and the Steelers called and told me if I wasn’t drafted that they wanted to sign me.
Choosing Pittsburgh was a no-brainer. Was it the best choice with Jerome Bettis, Amos Zereoue, and Chris Fuamatu Ma’afala there? I don’t know. But it all worked out. I had a Jerome Bettis poster in my room in college. I never though that I was going to play in the NFL – it was never even a possibility for me until my Senior year. It was always a dream but I was never sure it could happen.
How did being a local guy – having played at Chartiers Valley – help you? Or was it a distraction?
It helped me for sure – that family support helped a lot. Having my parents. siblings, cousins, uncles and aunts there was helpful. After every practice they wanted to know what was going on! It was a lot of fun to experience that with your family.
How surreal was it being on your local team?
I remember how surreal it was, yeah. We started with rookie camp – I was focused on the drills. But when the vets came in – seeing Kordell Stewart, Jerome Bettis, Plaxico Burress, Hines Ward…. I was like, “What? This is real!” It took a day to adjust to that. I remember catching passes that first day and trying so hard to make sure I didn’t drop any. My nerves were on end with those guys there. It took a day to settle back into things.
You were leading the team in preseason in yards for a while – what was working for you?
I just stayed focused and tried to work hard and stay prepared. I was determined – being local I couldn’t let my family down! I went all out every week. I liked contact but was more of a slasher than a physical back. It was fun – I just didn’t have the numbers on my side, playing behind Hall of Fame guys and those other guys.
Anyone help mentor you – on or off the field?
Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala collected high school tapes of a lot of the guys and talked to you about them. If you had questions about plays he was a genuine, good guy to talk to. He showed me the ropes and just gave me that support. He told me it would be ok, no matter what.
You have to learn everything so fast – a new offense and the speed of the game. It goes so fast and when you take your reps, you know some play sets more than others. In the huddle play calls come so fast. As you’re processing the calls, he’s giving the snap count. Chris would stand next to me sometimes and ask if I got it. He just helped support me even though we were competing for a spot.
What were those practice squad matchups like?
That defense was a nightmare! Bell, Porter, Harrison….I had to learn to pick up blitzes from those guys. It was rough. Running the ball is different. But as far as blocking, that was next level. Those guys were so strong and quick – as a rookie I wasn’t that strong. I could feel that strength when I engaged with them.
In college many of those guys were bigger than me, but I could cut them. But in the NFL those guys are better athletes. That scenario wasn’t always available to me. I was 215 pounds – they were 260-plus.
What are some of your best memories of your time there in Pittsburgh?
My best memory was a preseason game versus the Vikings at home. I did well – I had close to 100 yards and had a big run – I think 30 or more yards. In another game I remember Charlie Batch was the quarterback. I was open early on a flare route but the play broke down and he was scrambling. By then a linebacker was now sitting on me – covering me closer to the sideline. Batch looked back and threw the ball in the air – it was like a punt. I saw the backer next to me and just thought to myself the whole time as the ball was in the air “Hold on to the ball!” I ended up catching the ball but I got leveled. It was rough – a good and bad memory.
Also, just having my family on the field after games – seeing them there afterwards was fun. Having my wife, siblings, parents and uncle – it was always nice. I was never on that field before and to be there with friends and family was special.
What did they say to you in 2003 when you were let go – what happened?
I re-signed with them for 2003 but was let go. I went to Denver for a bit then the next season I went to NFL Europe. Bill Cowher told me he thought things would go one way but they went another instead. As a competitor you think you’re the best, but when it comes down to it you have to be realistic.
Any thoughts on the game and how it’s changed?
I watch every Sunday – it’s crazy how it’s changed. It’s gotten smarter about the hits which is cool – it’s a safer game. But it’s harder for defenses now – I can’t imagine plashing defense now. I know they are phasing out the older generation of players. Guys like James Harrison – they were taught since high school to murder players with the ball, but it changed quickly. It must have been very hard for them.
Now, it is fun to see the game – high-flying passes and more scoring. It’s good for the game. It’s evolution, just like anything else. The NBA and other leagues change too. But it’s still a great game and still the most violent sport.
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