First off, what have you been up to since your time in the NFL?
For the last 24 years or so I was in automotive sales – I retired from that in 2024. I was recently hired by the school system here to be a teacher’s assistant. When I was young I was influenced by my coaches and teachers – I patterned myself after them.
Was the post-NFL adjustment difficult?
I had no problem whatsoever. When I took of my helmet in September 1989 for the last time I didn’t look back. I always had support of my family and knew when I played that you can’t put all of your eggs in one basket. You have to provide for your family.
What do you say to those players who feel having a plan B means you’re not fully invested in plan A?
Well, to each his own. But you can do several things at one time. I’ve heard people say that planning for something else takes away from your first plan. Whatever. You need a plan to make sure you can provide for yourself and your family. That’s my opinion.
Did you know the Steelers were interested in you before they drafted you?
I did – they called me before the draft several times. The Browns did too. I didn’t go to the combine but I had a lot of workouts with them and others teams.
I spoke to Bill Nunn – he told me his was aware that I had the ability to play in the NFL and that if I was available, they’d draft me. The Browns said the same thing, but Pittsburgh picked me right before the Browns would have.
What did Bill speak to you about?
Back then it was different – that was the only way they could really feel you out. That was part of their process – just like if a Fortune 500 company wanted to hire you. It’s like an interview.
How hard was that transition from a smaller school to the NFL?
Practice in the NFL was easier. We devoted a lot more of our time in college to practice. But there was is no one looking over your shoulder in the NFL. That’s the biggest adjustment and some can’t make it and don’t succeed because of it. You have to have self-discipline in the NFL.
Did anyone help mentor you though when you got to the NFL?
I grew up with eight siblings and my mom and dad were both around. So I always had family support and didn’t need mentors. But without a doubt – I did look up to Carl Hairston when I got to Cleveland. He has been in the league 13 or 14 years by then and had played in a Super Bowl. I had the upmost respect for him.
I wasn’t in Pittsburgh long, but Tony Dungy was my defensive coordinator and he talked to me from a Christian standpoint. I loved that about him – my father was a church elder so that meant a lot to me.
What was your experience in Pittsburgh like and why didn’t it last longer?
When I first came to Pittsburgh after I was drafted we were introduced to the staff and the facility then we went to mini-camp. That was for the rookies and second-year players first – we reported first so the coaches could evaluate you before the vets came in.
Unfortunately I got blisters on my feet and couldn’t practice. When the blister healed I twisted my ankle so still couldn’t practice. Then the vets came in – so my time was up. I got cut over Labor Day weekend and went back to my hotel. Before I could get to my room Mike Lombardi called me and told me he wanted to sign me. I told him I wasn’t able yet to even work out – that my ankle was still messed up. But he told me he knew and didn’t care – just to get in the car and drive up the Turnpike!
You had a good season for the Browns once you could play…
I did yes. I took advantage of the opportunity and had five sacks in nine games. It was interesting – we played the Steelers and Tony Dungy came up to me that game and told me how proud he was of me. “You’re doing great Buck! I’m praying for you,” he said. I just thought “Wow. That was interesting. He cut me in Pittsburgh!” But as you get older you realize it wasn’t his choice. Pittsburgh was rebuilding then and didn’t have time to wait for me. That Spring I found out I had a ruptured disc too and had to have back surgery. They didn’t think I’d be able to play at all. I was just fortunate to get the chance to play.
After a strong season, why didn’t you stick around there?
Marty Schottenheimer took the head coaching job at Kansas City after the ’88 season and the Browns hired a new staff under Bud Carson. They switched to a 3-4 and moved me to outside linebacker – I was one of the smallest defensive linemen then. But they also drafted an outside linebacker round one and round four and I got caught up in that. I just wasn’t part of Bud Carson’s group at that point. I wasn’t part of the clique.
Looking back on your time in Pittsburgh, albeit short, what moments stand out most to you?
Going to Pittsburgh for my first visit after being drafted and walking into the facility – the first thing you saw were those four Super Bowl trophies. There’s nothing like that. You feel that – being surrounded by such a winning culture.
I also had a great time with Joe Greene – that was his first year as a defensive line coach.
What was he like as a coach?
Very hands-on. He was all about teaching. He wanted you to be great. And he was real gentle. I know he’s known as Mean Joe Greene – but that’s just a name. As a person he was just an outstanding coach and person to be around.
One other memory stands out too. When we first got to camp as rookies, we went inside the stadium and I look up and see someone running all of the stadium steps. I was thinking “Who is that?” Well I come to learn later it was Mike Webster. This was a guy 14 years into the league. I was just like “Wow. You can see why he is such a great player!” This was the offseason! It was amazing and stuck with me. Even with a player like that – there’s always someone trying to get your job. You have to stay in shape and stay ready.
Do you watch football today – are you still a fan?
I’ll always be a fan but I tell people my wife has watched more football since I played than I have. I have watched more since I retired. The Browns are one of the best organizations in terms of talking care of past players. Every year they invite us to alumni weekend and give us hotel rooms and game tickets. Last year was the first time I took advantage of it but I will do that every year from now on.
I got to play the game I dreamed about as a kid. My junior high school coach was the first person to tell me that I could play pro ball. I was 12 or 13 and he said he thought I had the talent to make it. He believed in me and that helped me to believe in myself. I didn’t stay as long as I wanted to but I reached my goal.