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First, tell me how you became a Steelers fan – how did it all start?

I’ve been a lifelong Steelers fan – since I was four years old. I was born in California so it’s a bit strange why I became a Steelers fan.  It was dumb luck really.

I was four, and I was at my Aunt Jan and Uncle Don’s house. My cousins weren’t there so I didn’t have them to play with. I was watching TV – turning the dial – you know – when we all had those! I came across what I later found out was a football game. My parents weren’t big sports fans, so I didn’t know what it was. It turns out it was the 1975 Super Bowl versus the Vikings, so that was my first Steelers game. The first play I saw was Bradshaw throwing his only passing touchdown of the game to Larry Brown and then seeing and hearing the fans going wild. It was love at first sight and I was hooked from that day forward!

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Minority Owner Paul Sams”

First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing since your time playing football?

Well, after I played in Green Bay I went to school and got my law degree, I’ve been practicing now for 51 years! I’m a trial lawyer and have racked up a few awards here in South Carolina. I came back to the town I grew up in and went to high school and college in. Still practicing law!

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Ed Holler, 1964”

First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing with yourself since you’ve retired?

Well, I have four kids, so being a daddy and a husband now is my number one thing. Dealing with my health has been the toughest thing. I’ve had a lot of physical issues- two back fusions, a hip replacement. Things like that. I’ll just leave it at that – it’s all been football-related.

Outside of the physical issues, how hard has the post-NFL adjustment been?

Well, one thing I wanted to start off with, just to be upfront. I went to the Steelers at the high-point of my career. I was really excited to get things going there. It was a good team with a good defense. I had The Bus behind me.

Continue reading “Exclusive with former Steelers Quarterback Kent Graham, 2000”

First, can you let us know how retirement has been treating you – what have you been up to?

Well, I am retired now, and I’m very good at it!  I loved being in football and I love being out of it now. I’m fortunate to have my grandkids in the same town as me here in Northeast Georgia – in a small town we love called Clarksville. Every day I’m going to a swim meet or basketball or baseball game. We love this little town and my wife and I love the slow life here!

Was retirement difficult for you – getting to sleep in now fun?

Actually, I still don’t sleep in! I still get up around five or six every morning. It’s a habit you get into through the years that’s hard to break.

Retirement wasn’t that difficult for me. I do miss the camaraderie with the coaches and players. I miss that. Other than that the stress and hours I don’t miss. I loved the competition in football but I get that now with golf and little league games!

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Coordinator Chan Gailey, 1994-1997”

First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing since your time playing pro football?

Growing up, I used to do contracting jobs before I went to college to make some money – roofing, siding, remodeling….a family member had the business and it gave me an opportunity to learn some things.

I went to high school in Pittsburgh – at Blackhawk, near Beaver Falls. Then I went to Kansas State – they had an engineering curriculum – a construction sciences degree and that interested me.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Safety Greg Best, 1983”

First, what’s the offseason plan as you get ready for camp? Did the coaches tell you anything to get ready for in camp?

I’m just working out – running and lifting. Just getting ready for the start of rookie mini-camp.

The coaches haven’t told us to do anything – not really. I just signed so it’s early for that.

Why did you decide to sign with the Steelers? I’m sure you had other offers?

I signed because I thought Pittsburgh would be the best fit for me after the departure of Mike Hilton and Steven Nelson. I have the chance to go there and compete right away. Regardless of how I got there I have the opportunity now to show what I’ve got and to play – especially as a hometown guy.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Safety LaMont Wade”

First, what’s offseason plan – did the coaches tell you to work on or do anything specific?

It’s really just to stay in shape and stay ready. That’s been my motto the whole time – to stay ready and be ready to prove myself when it’s time.

When Coach Tomlin called and talked to me we didn’t about anything specific – he just sounded excited to get to work.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Cornerback Mark Gilbert”

These two following exerts are from my recently published book: Dancing in the Shadows, available from my art website: larrygagner.com                             

My first participation as a rookie in a regular season pro-football game for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1966 was preceded with a common occurrence executed, somewhat, uncommonly. Since we won the coin toss, we elected to receive the opening kick-off. That meant the Steeler’s offensive team was to be individually introduced over the PA system before the hometown crowd at Pitt Stadium.

There were several linemen introduced prior to me. At the end of each player’s run from the stadium’s field entrance unto the field, they would shake the hands of the preceding introduced players. When my name was announced, I followed suit. At my run’s end, I shook a couple of white player’s hands, and they said the traditional, “Have a great game.”

Continue reading “In His Own Words Larry Gagner”

First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing with  yourself after your time in the NFL?

Well, after Chuck Noll told me I should get on with my life’s work, I became a teacher and a coach at East Allegheny High School – where I went to high school. It was called Westinghouse Memorial then. So I went back to my roots and taught for 35 years and coached for 25 of those years, then retired.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Wide Receiver Dave Kalina, 1970-1971”