Category: All Articles

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

Well I went to work as a safety director in Charleston. But they wanted to send me overseas and I was worried it was too close to the war, so I started working after that as the athletic director for Little League here instead -for ages six through 13.

Was it hard adjusting to post-NFL life?

To be honest I didn’t like football at all. So no. I had a gift for sports and I played most of them pretty well.  But I didn’t like the physicality of football. I didn’t want to go to college to play football but that’s how I got to college – that’s where life landed me.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Running Back Henry Odom, 1983”

First, how are you staying in shape and staying ready for the season?

Well, what I’ve been doing now- I’ve been treating it like my college Spring days. I’m working on my legs – a lot of squats – and just staying in shape. Staying at it.

Why did you decide to sign with the Steelers as an UDFA?

They have a good defense and tradition. I know a couple of guys that were there – Artie Burns and Devin Bush. Devin texted me a a short while ago just telling me what to expect. I’m excited to earn a spot on the team.

I also spoke with Xavier Rhodes how told me a lot about the NFL and what to expect as a pro too.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Cornerback James Pierre”

First, how are you handling getting ready for the season aright now considering the issues we’re all experiencing?

This past week things have sped up – I’ve just been working out and staying in shape. Now our Zoom meetings have started- Terry Cousins- the Directory of Player Development – he’s been letting us know what’s going going and what to expect. It’s so far really just been an orientation for the rookies so I’ve just been staying in shape waiting for camp.

What made you decide to sign with the Steelers?

First – really, it was an honor to have an opportunity to play at the highest level – let alone with an established organization like the Steelers. They have a great defense – that the coaches thought that highly of me to bring me in and to take a chance on me means a lot. They felt I had a chance to make the team with my style of play. I talked to my agent and the Steelers’ GM and we felt this was the best opportunity for me to make an NFL team.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Linebacker James Lockhart”

First – how are you preparing for start of season amidst this craziness?

Really, I’m just working out on my own and trying to stay in shape. I spoke to a few of the Steelers defensive linemen, just asking for some advice on how to get ready.

Who did you speak to?

I can’t really tell you!  But they gave me advice on how to get in shape and on how important it was to be in good shape heading into camp.

Were you surprised to be drafted by Pittsburgh – what did they tell you?

Well, I had a FaceTime interview with Kevin Colbert, Coach Tomlin and one of the scouts and I really liked them coming out of that. I liked the relationship there – so when I got the call I was ecstatic. To go to such a great organization – I’m just thankful they’re taking a chance on a kid from Blue Springs, Missouri.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Defensive Lineman Carlos Davis”

How staying ready amidst all this craziness?

Well, right now I’ve just been trying to stay in shape – working out at home – running and lifting and working on football stuff. I have some equipment at home. I’m just trying to stay n shape and will keep training to stay in shape and be ready for whenever we can get started.

Any idea on what the virtual workouts can do for you?

I think they’ll help a lot – and getting the playbook in my hands too. I just want to do everything I can to get ready for the season and make the 53.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Defensive Lineman Josiah Coatney”

First, why choose Pittsburgh as your landing spot after the draft?

It was a long wait Saturday yes, but I couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out yeah.

Pittsburgh was the first team to reach out to me. Living in New England, playing n Pittsburgh is close so my family can come out and see me play easily. And their style of play fits my personality. It checked all of the boxes for me. I’m excited to learn from some of the great veterans there and a great coaching staff to work with.

About New England – I saw your bio on your school website -favorite player is Tom Brady? Any way to fix that before you get to Pittsburgh?

Ha – oh yeah, I’ll need to blur that one out!

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Lineman Christian Montano”

First, how are you holding up and preparing for the season amidst all this craziness?

It’s tough  – especially since everything is shut down here in Michigan. I’m just trying to find gyms I can work out at. My dad is a former high school principal so he has some connections – some places other people may not know about. That’s kind of what I’ve been doing for now.

Have you spoken to your Western Michigan guys -Chuks and Spillane? What did they tell you to prepare for most

I talked to Chuks a couple of times and texted Spillane. They said I’ll love the organization – that it’s a first class organization and I’ll enjoy my time there. They haven’t really told me a lot of what to do or expect – I’ll know more once OTAs start next week. I talked to the offensive line coach and I’m excited for when they start installing plays and I get to start learning some of the basic stuff there.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Center John Keenoy”

First, tell me about JamesWashington13.com – what you’re looking to accomplish with the site?

Well, my intention is to inspire young kids from small towns like the one I grew up in to keep striding – to help them understand how to find opportunities like I had since high school.

It’s been a crazy offseason – how have you been preparing for the upcoming season with all of this going on?

I’ve been hanging out at the house-  trying to stay virus free! Trying to stay in shape and be ready when they finally brig us back to the facility.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Wide Receiver James Washington”

First, how have you been managing to stay ready through this craziness?

I’m just adjusting to a new plan here,  Right now I’m getting stretched out by my brother who’s my training coach and buddy – he came here from college because they closed his school down and is training with me.

Was the contract a relief – getting re-upped by the Steelers?

It’s a big relief yeah, but just to be honest, it’s one of those things that’s a blessing – I’m really appreciative – but it’s just another opportunity. I’m betting on myself really. They wanted me to sign for a couple of years but I just signed for one. I just did a pancake, no pun intended. That’s when you flip it and you get a whole other side. A whole other opportunity.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Lineman Zach Banner”

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

I’m coaching high school football now and am a parent – doing both in no particular order. I’m giving back to the younger generation and really enjoying it.

As a coach, who helped shape the way you approach coaching, and how?

As a coach, I try to deliver my message the best way I can. Kids today have their ears open now more than I remember us doing when I was a kid. They are more involved and listen to what I have to say.

Good or bad, I understand now why my coaches pushed me and try to do the same thing with my kids. High school, middle school,  – even recreational and Pop Warner leagues – all of those coaches helped shape me in some form or fashion. They touched my life regardless of what level I was on.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Running Back Willie Parker, 2004-2009”