Author: pittsburghsportsdailybulletin

First off, what have you been up to since your time in the NFL?

After I was done playing I got into medical device sales. I’m selling neuro-modulation devices – nerve stimulators. I started because of Matt Kranchick – he asked if I could help him and I said sure – that was the start for me.

Was the post-NFL adjustment difficult?

It wasn’t difficult no. My mindset was to get to the NFL and play but I was also realistic that I wasn’t going to be a 10-to-15 year player. I knew another career was going to be needed – that I was going to have to do something else to make money.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Tight End Issac Smolko, 2006”

First off, what’s life like for Keith Butler now? Completely done with coaching?

Yes and no! I’m traveling quite a bit – seeing my grandkids, brothers and sisters. And playing a lot of golf and doing men’s Bible studies here and there.

My wife is eager to get me out the door! When you work 80-hour weeks then stop – well, she was used to having the house to herself. So it’s a tough adjustment for me, but for her too!

Continue reading “Exclusive: Steelers Linebacker Coach Keith Butler (2003-2014)/Defensive Coordinator (2015-2021)”

First, can you tell us what you’ve been doing since you retired from the NFL?

Basically, I’m retired now. After I retired I got married and have been able to watch my kids grow up and to be a part of their lives. I coached some of their football and hockey teams and have been happy just to be a dad.

How hard was that post-NFL adjustment for you?

It was a hard adjustment. A lot didn’t go my way. People try to take advantage of you – my ex-teammates and I talked about that – about there always being a target on our backs with the NFL logo. I had some businesses that didn’t work out, so I decided after a while to just hang out with my football friends and be with my family.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Offensive Lineman Duval Love, 1992-1994”

First off, what are you up to now?

Right now I’m just here taking care of my family and doing a lot of traveling. I’m open to getting back to the NFL or another sport if a spot opens up and working with good people.

You played first – at James Madison University – how important was that playing experience to your roles in the NFL?

It helped a lot. Playing and being in that team environment – you learn that you have to rely on your teammates no matter how good you are. That was instilled in me early on. At JMU I became very interested in scouting and evaluation. We had a few players scouts were coming in to see and I talked to them about what it took to be a scout. One suggested I write detailed scouting reports of teammates that had been drafted already and send them to coaches along with my resume. That helped me to plug in to future coaches and relate to them, having played.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Samir Suleiman, Steelers Football Administration Coordinator, 2013-2020”

First off, can you let us know what you’ve been up to since your playing days?

After I was released by Pittsburgh I played in the Arena Football League for several years with Philly and L.A.  After that I was the head of PeeWee Football in Riser, West Virginia – sixth to eighth graders – for a long time. Then five years ago I moved to  Fairmont, West Virginia and helped coach at the high school there. My youngest son was playing there at the time. He’s now playing at California University in PA, and I’m still here helping coach at the high school.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Fullback Wes Ours, 2003”

First off, what have you been up to – still working to get back in the NFL?

I’m still planning to play in the UFL next season for Houston. Outside of that I’m working with my college roommate Shaun Crawford on a sports media production company – creating content with that. My mission is still getting back to the NFL and I’m staying in shape right now here in Dallas.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Jamir Jones, 2021-2022”