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Exclusive: David Finoli on Two new Books: Where Pittsburgh Played: Oakland’s Historic Sports Venues and Integrating Pittsburgh Sports

First, can you talk about the inspiration behind these two books?

On the Oakland book, I was reading an article on when the Pirates opened in Forbes Field – it was on the same day of the Jack Johnson fight in the Duquesne Gardens. I thought about that – back then every major sporting event in Pittsburgh happened within walking distance of each other in Oakland. I thought about that and the four facilities that they occurred in.

With the Integrating Pittsburgh Sports book, Tom Rooney has done a lot of work already with the Josh Gibson Foundation for example. Integration in Pittsburgh sports – there have been a number of important aspects of that that started in our area and I wanted to celebrate those pioneers. Many didn’t get their just due in the past and we wanted to correct that.

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Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Tackle Jordan Tucker

So first off, what made you decide to sign with the Steelers as a free agent?

They were the first to reach out to me – they reached out before the seventh round and told me they wanted to sign me to a free agent contract if I wasn’t drafted. They called my agent first and he gave them the permission to call me. They FaceTimed me after that and offered some incentives that other teams didn’t, so they were the clear choice after that.

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Exclusive: Steelers Defensive Lineman Donovan Jeter

First, beyond the local connection, why did you choose to sign with the Steelers?

They called my agent – it was around the middle of the sixth round or so. They told him that if I wasn’t drafted they’d want to sign me.

I just think the Steelers fit my playing style and mindset. And of course it’s a dream come true to play for my hometown team. I didn’t think it was a real possibility though. There are 32 teams so I figured another team would get me.

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Exclusive with Steelers Outside Linebacker, T.D. Moultry

So first off, what made you decide to sign with the Steelers as a free agent?

The Steelers seemed like the best fit for me to have a chance to make the team. With Watt there I think I start off there and be part of the rotation – I think they still have some open spots at linebacker, and I can contribute on special teams as well.

Did you sense the team had any interest during the draft?

They and Miami both called my agent. I talked to my agent about which would be the better fit. The Steelers didn’t draft an outside linebacker – we felt Pittsburgh was the better fit in part because of that.

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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.

To be interviewed or if you have questions, feel free to reach out to me at pittsburghsportsdailybulletin@gmail.com. To search the interviews by name/key word, just use the search bar on the right!

Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Lineman Jake Dixon

First, beyond the local connection, why did you choose to sign with the Steelers?

Just the opportunity to play for my hometown team – it’s something I dreamed about since I was a kid. I don’t know if it has set in yet – it’s slowly becoming a reality. They are the best organization in the NFL – I couldn’t pass up a chance to play for them. It’s something I wanted my whole life.

The team has a big need at depth at offensive tackle. Is that something you knew going into signing with the team? Did it help influence that decision?

I like to think of myself as a versatile player. Anywhere Coach Tomlin or Coach Meyer think I should play I’m happy to play there. I’m just excited to learn the system.

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Exclusive with Steelers Safety Damontae Kazee

First, what are you up to now and what drove you to sign with Pittsburgh?

I’m back in Cali now to get a few things then I’m off to Pittsburgh. With the situation I was in last year – with all that stuff that went on off the field – I was just happy to get an opportunity to showcase myself again this season. It was tough last year because of all of that.

Was it a long courtship – we read about interest for a while – or something that just sprung up around draft time?

I honestly didn’t know anything at first – not for a while. I read about the interest but I never talked to the team at all. It ended up being a quick offer and acceptance once I got it. With all of the stuff last year I’m grateful to Pittsburgh – I just wanted to get the chance to play again.

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Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Lineman Chris Owens

So first off, what made you decide to sign with the Steelers as a free agent?

I just had a lot of faith in the Steelers organization. I’ve been a huge NFL fan and have seen how good Tomlin and Colbert have run things there. You can see their involvement in the community and the production of the team. It felt like a good fit for me.

Have you spoken to any of the Alabama guys that ended up with the Steelers?

The main guy I talked to was J.C. Hassenauer – more when he was still at Alabama. I learned a lot from him. He was a backup center there and he showed me then how you prepare and take care of yourself and stay ready for opportunities. How he made his name at Alabama and ended up getting his opportunity at Atlanta then Pittsburgh. He told me it’s a hard grind and you have to find ways to separate yourself and show you can do the job.

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Exclusive with NFL Agent/Pittsburgh Native Sammy Spina

Starting with your book – tell us why you wrote it and what it focuses on?

I wrote The Fight first as a coping mechanism for myself. That’s how it started. My father had cancer and I was in law school at night and working as an agent. I had no outlet for how I felt – I kept it bottled up. So at the hospital I started writing down my thoughts on my phone – in notepad.

The biggest thing I focus on is how I could use what I was going through to help others. How I could start handling the process of transforming what my father was going through to help others deal with issues. A lot of it is focused on perspective – shifting perspective so that it’s not “Why me?” – instead saying “Why not me? How can I utilize this experience to help someone else.”

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Exclusive with Steelers Camp Tryout, Offensive Lineman Jack Badovinac

First, I’m sure your head is spinning a bit with this quick turnaround. Tell me how the invite took place?

I fly in to Pittsburgh tomorrow and start rookie mini-camp on Friday. It’s all happening pretty fast. They reached out to my agent today and my agent let me know about the invite 10-to-15 minutes later. He got a call from a Steelers scout with the invite.

Was this your first option? Know anyone on the team or in the draft class?

My first and only option yes so I jumped on it right away. It’s been my lifelong dream to play in the NFL so now is my chance.

I don’t know anyone there no. Kendrick Green – I didn’t play with him but when he’d visited Illinois I met him a couple of times and will text him when I get to Pittsburgh.

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