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First, I know you’re involved with NASCAR now – how did that happen?

Well, after the NFL I went to Canada for two years, but I found out then that Canada wasn’t it for me – I wasn’t enjoying it.

I was living in Charlotte, North Carolina – that’s where the national headquarters of NASCAR is. I grew up in Lamar, a short distance away. My friend was involved in NASCAR and when he heard I was back he asked if I would be interested in trying out the crew side of NASCAR. I had no idea about NASCAR – even though I grew up right there, I never watched it or anything. But I gave it a try.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Marshall McFadden, 2012”

First, tell me about your post-NFL work and how you got started in that?

I’m a police officer. I used to work for the Tampa Bay Police Department and now work for the public school system.

I figured I’d give it a try. We were all about helping others when we played football so it was something I wanted to do when I was done as well.

Was the post-NFL transition difficult?

Not for me. I was always thinking about life after football. I wasn’t what you’d call an elite player and wasn’t being given a big tv contract after I was done.  I knew I had to find something to do after football eventually and was prepared for it.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Defensive Back/Return Man Donnie Elder, 1986”

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.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Tackle Jordan Tucker”

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.

Continue reading “Exclusive: Steelers Defensive Lineman Donovan Jeter”

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.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Outside Linebacker, T.D. Moultry”

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.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Lineman Jake Dixon”

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.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Safety Damontae Kazee”

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.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Lineman Chris Owens”