First – can you let us know what you’ve been doing with yourself since your time in the NFL and CFL and how you got started in that?
Well after my 2016 season with the Toronto argonauts I settled myself in Fresno, Ca. I attended college here and decided this is where I would buy my first home and grow some roots. The interesting thing about not playing football any longer is there is so much you can do, it just becomes a matter of what do you want to do.
I have always had a heart for this next generation of youth. So I decided to work with foster homes and kids on probation. I have built my brand and message as a life skills coach. My number one goal is to speak life and purpose into those I come in contact with. I’ve become a coach, mentor and speaker here in Fresno. Coached football on the side, invested in the Fresno community becoming a philanthropist, hosting charity events as well as seeking opportunities to go back to school for my masters.
How hard was the post-football adjustment for you – how did you prepare and what has made it easier for you?
It wasn’t easy at all. There was little preparation for life after football. It all stopped so abruptly. My mentors helped plugging me with job opportunities. Having connections in the city I went to college in helped as well.
Stepping back to your time in the NFL. You had spent some time with Buffalo and Indianapolis before signing with the Steelers in free agency. Why Pittsburgh – and were you aware of any interest they may have had in you pre-draft?
I was actually undrafted. I don’t think Pittsburgh had any interest in me prior to me coming out of college. I spent some time in Buffalo and Indy. Got a shot to put some plays on film while I was in buffalo. I played well, and I thought I would be on that team for a while. Bounced to Indy in the middle of the season and then ended up in Pittsburgh towards the final games of the season. The cool thing was I had a chance to go back to Indy on a futures contract, but it was something about being in that Pittsburgh organization. The culture there was a perfect fit for me. Tomlin and those guys did a great job creating a place where competition was welcomed. 80% of the time the best players will play. I would have been a fool if I didn’t stay in the ‘Burgh.
Who helped take you under their win when you got to Pittsburgh and showed you the ropes – both on and off the field? What did they help you with most?
I wouldn’t say any one person took me under their wing. I have great stories about all the vets in that locker room. Ike Taylor was a stand up guy. Troy Palamalu was one of the first to welcome me with a generous gift to a steak house. Tomlin was the most welcoming of them all. Appreciated being able to speak to him about issues off the field. I have a lot of respect for him as a man.
As a guy who spent most of his time on the practice squad, how frustrating was it fighting for reps and what was your role on the squad?
Its life. The strong survive in this business. I was undrafted so I loved fighting for what I wanted. I was a “ little guy” – only 5’10 180 . I loved to hit. Pittsburgh loves to hit. When I got my chance to hit somebody, I made sure it showed up on camera. I mean you’re playing on a team with 9 – 12 year vets like Ike Taylor, Will Gay, Will Allen. The competition was fierce when I arrived. Cortez Allen, Antwan Blake, Curtis Brown, Van Dyke – it was a strong field. So, bring your strengths to the table and have fun. I eventually ended up on the 53. That’s how It works.
You played under Carnell Lake and Dick LeBeau. Tell me how those guys helped you and what you learned from them and their approach to football?
Lake and LeBeau were two of the greatest to do it. I mean LeBeau is already in Canton, Ohio. That speaks volumes. They were coaches you could learn from. Coaches who understood their players. Arguably two of the best coaches I’ve had the privilege to be under.
A lot of fans speak to the difficulty for cornerbacks to succeed and make plays in the Steelers defensive scheme. Can you talk a bit about how hard the scheme was to pick up and how corners can best succeed in that scheme?
It wasn’t that hard. Fans don’t know the playbook. The scheme wasn’t hard at all. You always have some animals up front going to work so it always makes the backend easier. Study, period. The only way to succeed is to know where your supposed to be when you’re supposed to be there and bottom line, make plays.
I get at least one good story from everyone. Can you relay a funny or other story of your time in Pittsburgh – a locker room prank/joke, on field occurrence or some other story we’d enjoy?
Ha ha the Locker room was pretty chill. Nothing comes to mind that I can call a “funny story.” I will say being in a locker room next to the greats like James Harrison and Antonio Brown always made for good entertainment.
You left in 2013. What brought that on and what did the coaches say to you. And – how hard was that for you?
I don’t remember the exact words that were said in the meeting. At that point you only hear a few words anyway. It was hard for me when having to return home. You can only hope that next call from another team comes in sooner than later. Thats the challenge, its no longer in your control. But my faith keeps me encouraged, my support kept me encouraged and I received a call from the CFL a couple months later.
You played a few seasons in the CFL. How did the experience differ from the NFL for you and did you enjoy it?
I’m glad I got to play in Toronto. It might be the best place on earth, so that was a plus. I remember trying to incorporate everything I learned in the NFL to the CFL game. Didn’t work. The first couple weeks I remember saying to myself, “forget everything you’ve learned, this is a different game with different rules.” I enjoyed every moment of it.
Lastly, any advice/thoughts for guys trying to make it as undrafted free agents in the NFL?
Great question. My Advice would be to know who you are, and know what you bring to the table. It can be a rollercoaster ride sometimes, but never allow your mind to join that ride. Stay even, know who you are and the strengths you bring to the table. This way the “status” of your occupation cannot define you. Be great in whatever you do. The NFL is really “ not for long” , but take advantage of it while you’re there. If you’re on offense, make your plays. If you play defense, hit somebody, and make plays. Period.
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