Author: pittsburghsportsdailybulletin

You came to Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent last year – what made you choose Pittsburgh as a landing spot and what did they tell you when you got there about what it would take to make the roster?

Actually, I didn’t choose Pittsburgh. After the draft last year, I didn’t get signed. There was some talk with the Jets those two days after the draft but nothing came into fruition with them. I had invites to the Packers’ and Steelers’ rookie mini-camps. If I didn’t stick with Green Bay, then it was on to Pittsburgh, and after that (worse case scenario) I would either wait for a call and stay in shape, or move on to a new profession. I went to Green Bay for those four days for their rookie mini-camp, however they already had their set guys that they wanted and needed. I also had food poisoning the whole time there and I literally felt like I was going to die the night before

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Lineman RJ Prince”

First, I was sorry to hear about your being let go by the Raiders after being their Director of Player Personnel. Was that a surprise?

After they let go Reggie Mackenzie you had to assume it would be the case. I wasn’t caught off guard, that’s correct.

What are the next steps for you ?

Hopefully I can stay in the business. I’ll start reaching out to contacts – there are a lot of things going on. Hopefully I’ll still be associated with it. I’ve been doing this now for 26 years. It’ been a long time and I’m excited for the next chapter.

Any interest in the seemingly hundreds of new leagues now forming?

Ha! It’s not a knock on the AAF or XFL, but the NFL is the creme’ de la creme’. I started my career there and hopefully will stay in the NFL.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Wide Receive Joey Clinkscales, 1987-1988, PT Scout 90’s”

First, let me know why you chose to get involved with coaching in the AAF?

Well, until Randy Mueller called me, I knew nothing about it really. I was in Green Bay for five years before this. Something happened to one of the coaches here – he had a health issue – and Randy called and asked me if I’d be interested in coming to Salt Lake and finish the season off here.

I’ve been impressed with the league – the players and organizations. It’s an exciting league and I think they are going to have some success.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Special Teams Coach Ron Zook, 1996-1998”

First, tell me about life as a scout – what got your started as a scout and what do you enjoy about it?

When I was playing I would always go into the scouting room and talk to Bill Nunn and the other guys there that were so integral to the guys we drafted. I was always interested in understanding how all of these talented guys got there and would ask them questions about how we found all of these amazing athletes.

They tried to deter me about the job – said it was too much travel. But after I played for as long as I could I called a number of teams asking for a chance to internship with them, and Phil Kreidler in Pittsburgh gave me a chance to pursue that interest.  After it was over he called and asked me if I was still serious about being a scout. Now, ten years later, here I am!

Continue reading “Exclusive with Mark Bruener, Steelers Tight End 1985-2003/Steelers Scout”

First, what’s the offseason plan – what are you looking to work on for next season?

The little things really. Focusing on my body – core stability and getting stronger i my upper body – and improving my speed. I know what to expect now snd just want to be in top shape and feeling good for the OTAs.

What did the coaches tell you in your exit interview?

They told me a lot of positive things mostly and what to work on. A lot of positive versus negative. I had a good season I thought, but I can improve. Coach Tomlin told me he liked my vision as a runner and my ability to get out of the backfield and make people miss.

They liked what I could do in college and i think I surprised them on how much I showed that in my first year. Tonlin was happy with my vision as a running back and wants me to excel as a true running back.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Running Back Jaylen Samuels”

First, can you let us know what you’e been doing since retirement? 

Well, a big part of what I’m doing now is speaking to schools about drug addiction and abuse. It started when I started going to AA meetings and met a woman who later became my wife. She was speaking and talked about her daughter who she lost when she wandered away during a party and drowned.

She was doing various speaking engagements on the effects of alcohol on families. We started dating soon afterwards and I watched the effect she had on people when she was speaking.

And that’s how you got started? 

I waited a couple of years first – I wanted to be able to go into schools and say for sure that I was clean and sober. Other asked me if I would speak but I wasn’t a public speaker. I hated speaking and hate the attention. But a friend had a program called New Beginnings and I spoke for them a couple of times then started doing it with my wife and the Drive to Save Lives Tour. Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Defensive Lineman Chris Sullivan, 2000-2001”