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First, how did you find your way to Pittsburgh as their Linebackers  Coach in 1973 when you started with the Steelers?

I was the Linebackers Coach at the University of Minnesota previously, but I had coached at Michigan State before that. George Perles was the coach there and he used to be the Steelers Defensive Coordinator. So when the job opened up he recommended me to Chuck and I interviewed with him and he hired me.

Why do you think he wanted you to take over?

I had no experience as a player or coach in the NFL. But he told me he was looking for a teacher. That was his primary goal – he wanted someone to come in and teach his stuff to the players.

Continue reading “Exclusive: Woody Widenhofer, Steelers Linebacker Coach & Defensive Coordinator, 1973-1983”

You’re a busy guy! So let’s start with some of the work you’re doing now with your LaMarr Woodley Camp5 6 program – tell us about that?

Well, Camp 56 is designed for all kinds of athletes. High school athletes who aren’t getting attention from colleges come to the camp – and we have coaches from D2 and D3 schools come in to work wth them to try to find those diamonds in the rough. Many of these kids are from small school, schools with bad teams or who have coaches that don’t do a great job of getting the word out about their players.

We give these kids the college feel – we bring it to life. I’ve been doing this for two years now. We had eighty kids last year – we try to keep it small so that all of the kids get reps and exposure. So far twenty-two of these kids have gotten scholarships.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Linebacker LaMarr Woodley, 2007-2013”

First, you more excited or nervous about camp starting this week?

I’m more excited about the opportunity ahead of me. It’s my first NFL camp – I’m just excited to get started.

How has being a local guy and Pitt alum helped you – especially as you’ve practiced as a college player next to the Steelers players? And how has having fellow Pitt alums like Orndoff, Conner, and Galambos helped you?

Yeah they’re familiar faces. You see those guys and they’re all faces you know and it makes you want to be the next guy. I’m just thankful as lots of guys don’t get that opportunity.

All of us Pitt guys – we all push each other. To do this or that and figure out what works and doesn’t work.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Cornerback Terrish Webb”

First, how is the offseason going for you – what have you been up to before camp starts?

Well, I’ve been back in Utah with my family – getting ready to move to Pittsburgh. I’ve been working out every day – twice a day – running at 6 am every morning…keeping my body healthy.

Coming off OTAs and your first camp, what were you biggest takeaways from those experiences?

The biggest thing is getting used to the speed of the game. The tempo – it slows down when you huddle but when it’s live, the speed is way different than college.  The terminology is different too. But the OTAs were great – minicamp was great too. Getting to work with the older guys helped a lot.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Cornerback Brian Allen”

First, let us know what you’ve been doing with yourself over the Summer between camps?

I’m down here in West Palm Beach with my family. I’m working out in the Florida heat – it gets hot in Pittsburgh but not like here.  It’ s a different type of heat. I’m working out in Boca Raton – running and lifting twice a day.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Safety Jordan Dangerfield”

As a local (IUP) guy, you signed this year as an undrafted free agent with the Steelers. Why Pittsburgh?

I have a close relationship with one of the head guys in scouting – a former IUP guy and he talked to me about signing. When the draft got into the later rounds I knew I wouldn’t be drafted and the Steelers reached out to me. Other teams did as well but I thought Pittsburgh was the best option. Continue reading “Exclusive with Ethan Cooper, Offensive Lineman, Steelers”

First, let us know how OTA’s and mini-camp went this year versus last?

The addition of more cover-2 is a good thing with these new defensive backs. These new corners and Coty Sensabaugh are really making this defense better.

Tell me more about the changes and how they affect you as well.

We’re playing as a team. No individuals – it’s a team thing. We’re playing all together and coming as one to get number seven this year.

The guys behind the starters – the guys behind us will be ready. I like where our defense is at. These cornerbacks can cover the backs out of the backfield and play bump and run – the whole lot.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers S Robert Golden”

First, tell us a bit about how what you’re doing in the offseason now in between camps to prepare for camp?

Basically, I’m just training and working out. I just want to be in the beast shape possible for camp.

How did OTA’s and mini-camp go for you? What were you hearing from players and coaches?

Pretty well. The main thing I focused on was learning the playbook. That’s the main thing – that and giving the greatest effort I can.

The coaches just told me the biggest thing I need to work on is my technique. To keep my pad level down.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Defensive Lineman Nelson Adams”

First, tell us a bit about your health right now-  you at 90%? 100%?

I’m healthy – looking forward to going into camp healthy this year. That’s where I’m at right now.

Last year of course you started of strong but there were some struggles the second half of the season. Can you talk a bit about what portion of the struggles were due to injury and how the struggles and injuries affected you?

All players play hurt. The downfalls get to you, but it was more mental, the mistakes. The injuries don’t play into it. You just have to play through them is all.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers WR Sammie Coates”

First, as a guy in his second round of OTAs and mini-camp with the Steelers, noticing anything different with the team and schemes this season?

Not really – it’s the same thing as last year – pretty much the same stuff. Same coaches…same players…

Your story is an interesting one – very similar to Alejandro Villanueva’s. You came out of college two years ago as a defensive lineman and are not playing offensive tackle. Talk a bit about how that happened.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers OT Brian Mihalik”