All Articles – Page 124 – Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

Bryant McFadden, Steelers Cornerback, 2005-2008, 2010-2011

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.

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Steeler Players’ comments on Dick LeBeau

Darren Perry: “Dick was great. He gave me great advice – to not get caught up in the political stuff – its such an insecure business. I’m so glad he told me that, There’s so much insecurity and self-preservation with these adults in coaching. It helped me to keep above that stuff. It doesn’t matter – just do your job and work to develop the players. I always held on to that.”

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Mortty Ivy, WVU/Steelers Linebacker, 2011-2012

First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing since you’ve retired from the NFL and how you got started in these new ventures?

Well, I have been trying to do better for my two daughters and family by getting into work that I enjoy – work that involves helping others.

How hard was it for you to adjust to the CFL and to non-NFL-related work? What heaped you make that adjustment?

Playing in the CFL was just a faster paced game but it’s still football. I just strive to be great at everything I do.

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Jimmy Smith, Steelers Wide Receiver, 1977-1982

First, can you let readers know what you are doing with yourself these days and how you got started in this career?

I am in the automotive business with Group1 publically traded fortune 500 company. I started in the business over 20 years ago and that transpired to me and my partner owning Saturn dealerships in Texas for 12 years.

What about your time in the NFL helped you in your post football career, and how hard was it for you to adjust to the post professional football life?

Any business is competitive and obviously so is the NFL. I found out that the daily repetition – ie practice – will win out at the end of the day in business life as well. I tell my team we are going to better prepared and outwork the competition every day.

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Johnny Dirden, Steelers Return Specialst, 1981

First, can you let readers know about your post-NFL work – how you got started and what aspects of the job do you enjoy the most and why?

Over past thirty years, it was difficult getting work but have settled in with a great career with Oxygen and medical related equipment sales, for past fourteen years.

How did your time in the NFL help prepare you for your post-NFL life?

Post NFL life was challenging to say the least. But somehow managed.

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Mike Vrabel, Steelers Linebacker, 1997-2000

First, can you let readers know about the 2nd and 7 Foundation – how it got started and what your role is with the organization?

Ryan Miller, a former teammate at Ohio State came up with the idea as a way to give back after our time together at school. My involvement was very high until recently when I began coaching.

Why did you choose to align yourself with this particular cause, and how can readers help support the organization?

We were very familiar with the right to read week after participating in it through Ohio State as players and we were comfortable going into second grade classrooms with books. We eventually decided to write out own series of books to read and give to each child. People can contribute online at secondandseven.com, or just check out the website and spread the word.

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Anthony Madison, Steelers Cornerback, 2006-2012

First, can you let readers know about your post-NFL career- how you got started and what your role is there?

I am currently attending graduate school at California State University, Fullerton. I’m pursuing a master’s in Counseling (Sports). The NFL has a continuing education program that reimburses current and former athletes who aspire to further their education. Eventually with my degree, I will work with athletes at every level concerning their transitions from their specific sport. Also, my Wife and I are attending a bible ministry school in Anaheim, Ca.

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Roger Duffy, Steelers offensive Lineman, 1998-2001

First, can you let readers know about your post-NFL career- how you got started and what made you decide on this career path?

Next month I’ll be celebrating my 11th year as a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial. In 1998 the NFLPA offered programs during the off season in order for players to start preparing for life after football. I had interest in this type of career so I signed up and spent 2 months experiencing what this line of work entailed. After retiring in 2001 I contacted the branch manager to inquire about job opportunities and the rest is history as they say.

What aspects of the job do you enjoy the most and why and how did life in the NFL help you in this new role?

The most enjoyable part of my job is interacting with my clients and helping them realize their financial dreams. The values of hard work and integrity that were instilled in me during my playing career plays a big role in developing relationships with current and prospective clients.

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Tyrone Carter, Steelers Safety, 2004-2009

First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing since your time in the NFL and how you got involved in this post-NFL direction?

I’m trying to help young players to be professionals – to maximize their true potential. I started a training school to help develop players’ skill sets for their specific positions. Giving them the X’s and O’s at the high school level. If I had that coming up I’d have been twice as good as I was. I’m trying t change the culture in Minnesota at the high school level for football training, here in my home away from home.

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Russell Stuvaints, Steelers Safety, 2003-2006

First, can you let readers know what you are doing with yourself these days?

I work now for the PCA – Packaging Corporation of America here in Pittsburgh. I have two sons – eight and six – and enjoy spending time with them and coaching them in their sports. They are making me proud – they play baseball, t-ball……

Are you considering getting more involved in coaching?

I love coaching. I get so much joy out of it. My football days are done now but I still love football. I would love to coach football for a high school, college or the NFL.

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