First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing with yourself since your time in the NFL?

Well, I got into coaching about eleven years ago at the high school level. I always wanted to be have a career in the police force but wanted to coach as well. At the high school level I was able to develop younger players – transition them to college and help not only   educationally, but as athletes. The high school level is a great age – a great foundation to build on their fundamentals.

My son also played football, so from that standpoint that was good. I love the game so it was natural for me.

And did you fulfill your dream of entering the police force?

Yes – I was a homicide detective for the LAPD. I just recently retired. I actually was coaching for five years as a volunteer while I worked as a detective. I also recently coached at Bethany University after getting an internship through the NFL Player’s Associations
Internship Program. I caught the bug and am searching for opportunities to coach now. I’m not currently coaching but am visiting campuses and learning new things and techniques.

Any stories you want to relate about your detective work?

I’d rather not.  That detail was not glamorous. I loved it, but I was always dealing with homicides which is not easy on a family. I would like to preserve that.

What are the things you’d like to work on most to improve upon as a coach?

Learning how to instill competitive toughness. There are times when things get tough and you need that competitive edge. You have to be mentally tough. Sometimes you need to get in the trenches – to make a big play and score. When you’re dead tired and need to stay focused. That’s what I try to teach guys – perseverance and hard work.

What are some of the most memorable lessons you’ve learned form the coaches you played under?

Chuck Noll taught the fundamentals. He broke things down to their most simplest forms. That was one of his greatest attributes. And Tony Dungy on building a winning culture. He believed in open communication and also taught guys the fundamentals. He was part of Noll’s coaching tree. The fundamentals and culture are the two ingredients I took from Pittsburgh and built them into my repertoire.

On to your playing days….you were drafted in the third round by Pittsburgh out of smaller school (Long Beach State). Were you surprised to be drafted by Pittsburgh?

I knew I was being considered – I was talking to different teams prior to the draft – at the combines and workouts. But you never really know – I was just happy to be drafted.

I had a great time in Pittsburgh. I was there for two years then I signed with the Redskins but tore my quadriceps in training camp. That was a one-year setback, then I went to the World League. But I was never the same after the injury. I ran a 4.4 before it and a 4.6 after. I wasn’t explosive any more – I lost my speed and quickness. That’s when I went to my second career as an LAPD Detective.

How did you learn you were drafted by Pittsburgh?

Chuck Noll called.  He said “How would you like to be a Steeler?”  I said “I would love to are you kidding me?”  Then he said “Well, we are about to select you with our next pick.”  I said “Thank you!” then hung up the phone and said, “Yes!”

Who helped mentor you as an NFL rookie, and how?

John Stallworth was the first guy. I played behind him. Lipps and Sweeney…they all took me under their wings. Of course you got the jokes…

Like?

Like the soaked mattresses. Latrobe was hot. I went after practice to my room and laid down on my bed and it was soaking wet. That was a tradition then. I just laughed it off. I was so tired I just put a piece of plastic on it and went to sleep! I just took that stuff in stride.

We also had to sing in front of the players as rookies too. I can’t remember what I sang – I think it was a Michael Jackson song. I was so scared but five seconds in they started booing me and throwing napkins at me and telling me to get out of there. I figured only having to sing for five seconds was good!

What did the veterans teach you most as a rookie?

I learned how to practice. There were guys that won four Super Bowls. Green, Shell, Woodruff, Woodson – watching them practice…It was a culture of working so hard – I learned that work ethic. That was so valuable. You watch how they get things done and emulate that.

After two years you left Pittsburgh – how did that happen and how hard was that for you?

I got a great offer from Washington at the time.

So you were on a two-year contract?

Exactly. I took the offer to go there because they threw the ball much more. I had more opportunities and got to learn from Art Monk. They had Mark Rypien there so there were good opportunities, but I didn’t get the chance due to the injury in camp.

How hard was the move for you?

You take it from the standpoint of opportunity. it was hard but it was best for my career. It’s a business. It was hard but I had a better opportunity to grow and have success.

I had great coaches in Pittsburgh – Noll, Dungy, Tom Moore, Marvin Lewis – Hall of Fame guys. Just being around them…I learned so much.

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