Category: All Articles

First, can you let me know how you got into coaching as a second career?

It wasn’t my first choice actually. After Pittsburgh, I played in Canada for a short while then left Canada in 2000. I was part of the XFL’s first season in 2001, but my knee was still hurting from my injury in Pittsburgh – I had to give up playing. I couldn’t even finish my time in the XFL.

After that I got into private enterprise with some buddies – we started a graphic design business and I did that for a couple of years. Around 2013 I started coaching for a private school in Dallas – a prominent school – St. Marks. That’s when I found my calling – I realized this is what I was supposed to be doing.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Wide Receiver/Kick Returner Mike Adams, 1997”

First, let me know what you are doing with yourself now?

I’m in the car business now – I started about seven years ago. I was with Homeland Security  when my buddy told me that he thought I’d be great as a car salesman. I told him no way – I was used to carrying a gun and badge – no way I was going to go sell cars.

But my buddy had me visit him at the dealership and it got so busy there I ended up helping him sell three cars, The next day the manager called me and I thought he was going to tell me to stop hanging out at the dealership.  But he asked if I would like to sell cars and told me I could double my current salary.

I had some vacation time so he asked me to come in then and sell during that time to see how it goes. I sold a bunch of cars and enjoyed it. I love working with people and really love it.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Defensive Lineman Israel Raybon, 1996”

First, can you let me know what you’ve been up to since our playing days?

I work for Stryker now, selling joint replacements as a sales rep. Mostly knee and hip replacements. When I was done playing I shot my resume out to companies in Philly and Pittsburgh and got a job in Pittsburgh – that’s how I stayed out here.

And as a former offensive lineman, I can tell you I’ll probably need one when I’m older. That’s the nature of being an offensive lineman. Your knees and hips get shot.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Offensive Lineman Kyle Friend, 2017”

First, let me know what you’re doing with yourself now?

I’m working at Carnegie Mellon University now on their communications and marketing team. My job is to tell the stories of alumni, students and staff and promote the university’s endeavors.

I started here last June and love it here. Carnegie Mellon has always been at the forefront of innovation and research – artificial intelligence, space-related work, robotics, business, fine arts…. It’s been great hopping on this moving train!

When I left football I went into local government and that was a complete 180 degree turn. I’ve found a happy medium in academia.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Public Relations Specialist Ryan Scarpino, 2010-2017”

First, tell me about your post-NFL career and how you got started – it’s a fascinating career?

I knew even in college that I wanted to pursue a legal career. After the NFL I went to law school at Fordham.

After law school I became a prosecutor with the Manhattan D.A.’s office. I always had a childhood dream of serving in the military as well. So, I joined the Army Reserves in ’97 – I planned to do a few years in the reserve to feel like I did what I wanted to do for the military. Then 9-11 happened.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Rob McGovern, 1991”

First, I know it’s been a while since you played, but let me know what has been going on lately with you?

Well, when I retired from the NFL I moved to North Carolina. But recently my body has broken down. My back and leg have gone out. I moved now to Ohio and live with my daughter in her condo. I have trouble walking and have been here the past three-to-four years.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Dick Modzelewski, Steelers Defensive Lineman, 1955”