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George Perles: “Chuck Noll saw me as a teacher and that was important to him.  I saw him as a determined man and an outstanding leader.”

 

Fred Anderson: “George Perles, my first NFL coach, I remember how he would tailor our  gameplan to take away what the opponent did best offensively. We would eliminate their best plays which forced them into their junk plays. Amazing how that works if everyone executes.”

Jim MIller: “George Perles modeled Michigan State after Chuck Noll and the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Our practices were just what the Steelers did back during their four Super Bowl run when George was defensive coordinator.  Our uniforms were even modeled after the Steelers down to the stickered emblem only on one side of the helmet.”

Continue reading “George Perles Passes Away”

First, what are you looking to improve on most this offseason – I know you just got on the phone after working out?

I always try to find something to be better at. One day it’s trying to get my hands on the ball more and get more turnovers in practice, one day it’s working out more in the slot, another more on man defense. You can choose what you want to work on in practice and I try to work on everything.

The coaches say anything to you about what they want you to focus on?

Well I came in late, so I think they’re still learning me too.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Safety Tray Matthews”

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

I’m just being a dad. Going back and forth between Pittsburgh, Vegas and splitting time with the kids with their mother in Denver. I’m also doing some real estate and just being a dad and chilling out.

I do some volunteer work at my former high school and help with the boosters at Colorado State too. I’m just happy and blessed to have put enough money away to be able to support my kids so they can do what makes them happy.

How hard was that post-NFL transition for you?

I’m good. It’s hard when you don’t hear your named called sometimes. That’s why they say the transition can be hard. That and it was so regimented. Everything was on a schedule – especially during football season. Everything was consumed by practices, film study, workouts, obligations on and off the field…  So adjusting from that is hard.

When I grew up my mom and dad raised me and exposed me to a lot of things. We grew up on the beach. So when I stopped playing I still hung out at the beach with friends and worked out – took my kids to the beach. I’m happy now being able to mentor guys and give back. That’s occupied my time. That time I missed with my kids and mother and sister – I’m catching up with them all now.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Clark Haggans, 2000-20007”

First, can you let us know about your post-NFL career?

Well, I have a career in medicine now as an orthopedic surgeon here in Birmingham, Alabama. I actually chose my career path while I was a rookie in Latrobe, during training camp.  I was an inside linebacker in college and in Pittsburgh they moved me to outside linebacker which was an entirely different position for me. I put a lot of pressure on myself  – I was hard on myself. I didn’t think I’d make the team.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Gregg Carr, Steelers Linebacker, 1985-1988”

First, can you let us know what you are doing now and how you got started in this new coaching venture?

The opportunity came up when Herman Edwards reached out to me – we talked about what I wanted to do in the future. I did some TV work and enjoyed it and committed myself to that, but no one offered my something substantial for the rest of this year.

So, when Herm offered me the chance to help work with the coaches at Arizona State, it was a very exciting opportunity for me. Herm and I worked together before and we have a good relationship..

What is the major difference for you in coaching at the college and professional levels?

I haven’t coached at the college level since back when I was at Pitt in ’90 and ’91. At that time, everyone expected to go to the NFL, but no one really talked about it. We didn’t talk about it as openly as we do today. It’s more acceptable – more open to discuss it now – so it’s different. That is a change for me. The model here still is to first promote the opportunity to get a degree, then if you’re good enough, then you can get a chance at the NFL too. That’s the setup here, but I know it’s not the same everywhere.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Coach Marvin Lewis, 1990-1995/Former Bengals Head Coach”