First, can you let readers know about your new broadcasting career – why you retired from the NFL, how you got started in broadcasting and what specifically you are covering?
My last year in Pittsburgh, I tore my hamstring and I never got 100% healthy. That injury lingered with me after the season so I decided to shut it down and retire.
I actually got started in broadcasting while I was playing in Pittsburgh. I had my own TV show called the BMAC Corner that gave me the opportunity to talk about sports and bring some of my teammates on the show. So, when I retired, I wanted to get involved in sports in some way, so I did an internship at a local station in Miami. I used the reels from that station and sent it to 120 Sports and the rest is history. At 120 Sports, I cover all sports, not just football.
How much does having played professional ball help you in this new career – and is it difficult separating yourself from the game emotionally as you broadcast?
Being a former player helps a lot because I’m able to analyze the game and break it down to the viewers in the same way I used to study game film. The only time I get emotionally involved in a game is if the Steelers are playing.
You were second round pick in the 2005 draft – was it frustrating having to find your role behind veteran DB’s like Willie Williams, Ike Taylor and Deshea Townsend? And how much did they help you as a rookie?
It was a blessing playing behind quality veterans like Deshea, Willie and Ike. I learned how to be a good pro on and off the field. They helped me with film study, the play books, etc. They were like my big brothers.
What was your biggest adjustment to the Steelers – both on and off the field – and who helped you the most in making those adjustments (and how so)?
The biggest adjustment with the Steelers was trying to match the intensity that was required on a Steeler defense. All 11 starters helped me with that because they showed me what kind of intensity was needed every day at practice.
You won the Super Bowl as a rookie. Were you able at the time to keep that in perspective and really appreciate how rare that was?
What helped me keep winning the Super Bowl in perspective was the ongoing conversations I had with veterans and hearing them say time and again how hard it was to reach that achievement.
You played for one of the great assistant coaches in Dick LeBeau – who of course just left the Steelers organization. How was he different from other coaches, and how open was he to input from players in terms of play calls and strategies?
Coach LeBeau was very different because he had the resume to back up everything he preached about on the field (60 interceptions, Hall of Fame). He was the ultimate players coach. No matter how big the game got he always remained calm.
How hard was it as a rookie corner to learn the system – and what makes it so difficult to start as a rookie in his system?
The system wasn’t difficult for me to learn because we ran a similar scheme at FSU. The issues with players who struggle learning the system stems from them not having the luxury of running similar plays in college.
Who were some of the biggest characters on those Steelers teams you played for, and what made them so? Do you have any funny stories to share that happened with teammates either on or off the field?
Joey Porter, Jerome Bettis, Troy P, Hines, Chris Hope, etc. ALL of these guys had a great sense of humor.
How hard was it for you to leave in free agency in 2009 – and what prompted that decision? And how much grief did you colleagues give you when you were traded for by the Steelers in 2010?
It was difficult leaving because I loved Pittsburgh. The final draw for me was the difference in the money, but when I got traded back, I didn’t receive any grief from the guys. They understood the business side of things.
What are your thoughts on how the game has changed today and the direction of the NFL?
Today, the game is directed for the offenses to score at any given time.
Any last thoughts for readers?
I will ALWAYS have love for Steeler nation.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
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