Author: pittsburghsportsdailybulletin

First, can you let us know what you’ve been doing since your time playing football?

Since ’98 I’ve been retired.  I was in a car accident when I played for Kansas City that was career-ending – I broke my arm, had internal bleeding and a concussion. What’s crazy is I was number 57. Derrick Thomas was later killed in a car accident – he was number 58. And Wayne Simmons also died in an accident – he was number 59. We all had lockers next to one another.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Reggie Clark, 1994”

Franco Harris: “I always say that the Immaculate Reception was the biggest play in Steelers history and beating the Raiders in the ’74 Championship game was the biggest game in Steelers history. The Immaculate Reception gave us the winning attitude we didn’t have before. The ’74 game – when we won that and went to the Super Bowl – we knew then that we were the best team in the NFL. The ’72 win was about attitude. the ’74 win was when we knew we were the best. I was nervous that entire game until the final whistle blew!”

Continue reading “Celebrating the Anniversary of the Immaculate Reception”

Cliff Stoudt: “I remember in May in mini-camp, I watched Franco take a handoff and run 80 yards downfield into the endzone on his own. He was spinning and pretending to jump over guys. We asked him what he was doing and he told us he expected to score on every play. So the next day all the rookies started doing the same thing – just in warmups.”

John Dockery: “Franco – some thought he was quiet because he was just distancing himself from everyone else. But that wasn’t the case. He was one of my favorite players – he was such a warm guy. He was just quiet.”

Seth Myers: “When I hosted the NFL Honors Award Show, I got to meet Franco Harris. He told me that if I was ever in town to give him a call. Well I had a chance to take my dad with me to dinner with Franco in Pittsburgh. My dad has met Obama, but he could care less about that compared to meeting Franco! Giving that to my dad was a gift. And Franco – his integrity. He’s probably told many of his stories a million times, but when he tells them it doesn’t seem like it. Those stories are like gifts.”

Continue reading “RIP Franco Harris: Steelers Players & Other Comments on Franco”

First, can you let mw know what you’ve been up to since you retired from football?

I’m the Director of the K Club at Kansas State University Athletics – where I went to school. K Club is for all alumni across all Kansas State athletics that ever donned a K-State logo.

My job is to keep them engaged with the athletic department – reunions, connecting with old teammates and friends and to keep them engaged with current student athletes. We want to make it a great experience for current players and alumni.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Offensive Lineman B.J. Finney, 2015-2019, 2021”

First, can you let us know what you’ve been up to since your time in the NFL?

I’m an Athletic Director now at a middle school and high school. We’ve started a new school and are in year three here. This is the first year of sports – we have a number of different sports teams we’re launching, so I’m excited about that.

How difficult was that post-NFL adjustment and how did you come about that direction?

It’s something I always wanted to do. Growing up I had a good mentor who was an athletic director where I played. What he did for me was great – he was a mentor for me and I wanted to be that same kind of voice for kids.

The opportunity came so fast and at such a young age for me. I was still interested in playing football but to get that kind of opportunity…I spoke to my wife and family and decided to take the opportunity.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Running Back Alvester Alexander, 2013”

First off, can you let me know your next steps in your football career?

I’m deciding now on which Spring league to play for. The XFL or USFL or maybe the Canadian Football League. I’m working in sales and marketing while I wait to make the decision.

Of course I’d like to be in the NFL but it doesn’t always work out the way you want it to. So now I’m seeing what happens with the CBA in the XFL and USFL – waiting to see how things unfold. Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Offensive Lineman Jarron Jones, 2020-2021”

First off, can you give some highlights on your life after football?

Back when we played the players all needed offseason jobs – we didn’t make the money these guys make today! So I had a job selling Wrigley’s gum – I was a gum salesman! I stayed with that for a time then after 12 years I decided that I wanted to work with young people – to teach and coach.

I went back to Pitt and got a Masters in Education and got my teachers certificate. I taught and coached at high school and became an Athletic Director. After that I coached at California State University and then went to work at Robert Morris College for 11 years as their Assistant Athletic Director. Then I became a high school Athletic Director at the end of my career.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Bill Priatko, 1957”