Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!
More than 1,000 interviews of Steelers players, coaches, front office staff, media and more with those that played in the 50’s through today’s current roster.
First off, can you let me know what you’ve been up to since your playing days?
I’m working in behavioral health now – working mostly with youths but with some adults as well. I’m working for Mary’s Mission and am involved in a number of charities working with kids, to raise awareness on prostate cancer….I’m also the President of the NFLPA.
I’m a family man also – a grandpa now too!
Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Bengals Defensive Lineman Michael Bankston”
Before we head into 2025, a tribute to those #Steelers players who passed away in 2024:
LB Andy Russell (October 29, 1941 – March 1, 2024)
“Of course, as a gung ho player, I remember mistakes I made more accurately than those I made well. I think one of my favorite thing is that I was the Captain for 10 years.”
https://steelerstakeaways.com/andy-russell/
K Allan Watson (November 5, 1942 – March 1, 2024)
He tried out for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1969 and received a contract, later being sent to the Ohio Valley Ironmen of the Continental Football League. After returning to the Steelers in 1970, Watson played through preseason but was ultimately released in favor of Gene Mingo; however, after Mingo struggled late in the season, Watson was re-signed and played in the final four games.
Continue reading “Remembering Steelers Players & Family That Passed Away in 2024:”
First, can you tell us a bit about what you’ve been doing since your time in the NFL?
Since football, you can say I’ve become an addicted entrepreneur. I’ve started up many businesses – sport facilities, I was a successful sports agent, opened up a transportation company and car business. I’ve had several endeavors and am still busy running those day-to-day operations.
How was that post-NFL transition for you?
It was a smooth transition for me – only because I was prepared for it. The NFL is a revolving door – all who go in come out. You have to understand that going in.
Everybody goes in wanting longevity and has goals of being a starter, Pro Bowl player … everyone sets some goals for their career. Not everyone thinks about what happens afterwards. I was fortunate to play for 10 years and was able to walk away on my own accord.
Continue reading “Exclusive With Former Bengals Wide Receiver Tim McGee”
First off, what have you been doing with yourself since you stopped playing?
Right now I’m just enjoying my downtime. I’m a high school coach and a teacher here in Sweeney, Texas. I’m just gearing up for another football season!
As a coach, were there coaches and coaching lessons that impacted you most? And how?
You can always learn from somebody. I’ve taken a piece of something from everyone and incorporate that into what I do now. Even going back to my playing days. One of my first coaches was Bill Cowher when I was in Kansas CIty – there are certain aspects I take from him – his high energy and enthusiasm.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Tracy Simien, 1989”
First to all, can you let us know about your new role at VisitPITTSBURGH?
I just recently joined VisitPITTSBURGH – I come from a fairly deep background in professional sports. I worked for over 20 years with the Penguins – the bulk of that with team operations – travel, logistics, things like that. I also led the Penguins Foundation – building community relationships and partnerships throughout the region.
I’m excited – my work now is about highlighting the city to bring exciting events here. I work with the Pirates, Steelers, Penguins and the vibrant amateur and youth sports in the area to help bring other events to the city.
Continue reading “Exclusive: Jim Britt, Vice President of Sports Events, VisitPITTSBURGH”
First off, any upcoming projects/shows we should be aware of?
Well – we’re doing our annual holiday extravaganza we like to call it at the Crafthouse on December 28th. We’ll have two sets – the first with the old stuff with the Iron City Houserockers then the new stuff with Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers.
I also have two new records coming up and was involved in a new musical that premiered in New Jersey called East Carson Street.
Continue reading “Exclusive: Pittsburgh Musician Joe Grushecky”
First off, can you let me know what you’ve been up to since your playing days?
Currently, I’m working for Marathon Petroleum. I moved to Indianapolis here in May and work in the transportation and logistics division and manage everything in this region. We have three operations in Indiana and one in Champaign, Illinois.
How was the post-NFL transition for you?
The initial transition was difficult. At that time I was till trying to figure out what discipline I could transition into. This was right after the economic downturn. I relocated home – my dad had just passed away and I wanted to be closer to my mother and siblings. I looked at different opportunities – coaching, scouting…then I thought back to high school.. Back then I had wanted to learn more about manufacturing and oil and gas. The area I am from in Louisiana – we had a lot of oil and gas facilities there. A lot of people we knew worked in those facilities – my dad also worked at a steel mill for a time. So I became interested in the process of making finished products.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers (2010) and Ravens Cornerback David Pittman”
First – how’s the health of the Eagles – I saw Dallas Goedert was placed on IR – how big of a hit is that?
Well we’re a lot healthier than the Steelers! Then only guy we have out is Dallas Goedert – and he should be back by the end of the season. Earlier on Davonte Smith, A.J. Brown and Jordan Mailata were out but they’re back now and we’re almost at full health.
Grant Calcaterra has done a great job too at tight end. He’s more of a pass-catcher than a blocker though.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Mike Gill, Philadelphia’s Host of the Sports Bash on 97.3 ESPN”
First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing with yourself since the NFL?
I’m doing full-time ministry now. I started off in banking and finance after football but was very active in the church at that particular time. So it seemed like a natural progression.
In the mid-80s everyone stayed with their company forever. It’s funny, when I told my best friend I wanted to talk to him about a change in career and told him I was going into the ministry, he wasn’t surprised. He thought I was going to get into coaching or something. That he said would have been a real surprise!
Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Running Back Dwyane Hooper, 1985-1986”
First off, what projects should we be aware of that you’re working on now?
Well, I just finished shooting season one of an Apple series. I signed an NDA so I don’t think I can give away the name of the series or many details yet, but it includes Olivia Munn, Jon Hamm and Amanda Peet. I have a re-occurring character. It’s a great series directed by the same person who directed Banshee.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Pittsburgher/Actor Manu Narayan”