Category: Steelers

First, can you tell readers how you got involved in coaching and what you like most about the job?

I got involved in coaching right out of college in Miami.  I had an opportunity to be a Georgia on the staff and it really was exciting.  The best part of coaching is being able to take a group of people and teach and coach them from one point to another point where they have success.

What coaches and coaching lessons do you find yourself emulating most – and why?

My high school coach Jim Williams was the first person who I looked up to and I was fortunate to grow up in State College and be influenced by Joe Paterno, as well as working for Howard Scnellenberger, Bill Arnsparger, and Lou Saban.

Continue reading “Mike Archer, Steelers Linebacker Coach, 1996-2002”

First, can you let readers know what you are doing with yourself these days?

I have a residential construction company – I’ve been doing that for six years. I parternered with my dad who’s really the mastermind behind it. I more just help fund it.

You were a fifth-round pick in ’95. What did you do to help prove yourself to the team and make the roster, and how did you deal with the stress/pressure of doing so?

I really didn’t feel that much pressure. I think there’s more pressure really with the first round picks. They have to prove they are worthy of the pick and that kind of money. There was no pressure for me – no one expected anything of me anyway.

Continue reading “Lee Flowers, Steelers Safety, 1995-2003”

First, can you let readers know what you are doing with yourself these days?

I’ve been retired for two years now. I was in the Carpenters Union for thirty years.  I bought a couple of houses and remodeled and resold those and am fixing one up for my son now. I’m catching up on the work I promised my wife I’d do on the house twenty years ago!

As Chuck said, I’m getting on with my life’s work. I’m lucky to have gotten set up in the Carpenters Union. I did work as a carpenter in my high school and college days and had been with the same company since I started working after football.

Continue reading “Marv Kellum, Steelers Linebacker, 1974-1976”

First, can you let me know what you are doing with yourself these days?

I was in the restaurant business – a developer and owner through 2009. I developed the Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar chain with another Steeler, Larry Brown, in ’87 for Western PA through 2006. Then a couple of others through 2009. What I do now is consult for entrepreneurs who are working in the food industry. I also have my own business manufacturing desserts – mostly cheesecakes.

Did you work at all with former Steeler Brady Keys – another franchise owner?

My first Burger King, Brady was involved. yeah. I always joked with him that he had a couple of years on me – a couple more diapers (laughing).

Continue reading “J.T. Thomas, Steelers Cornerback, 1973-1982”

First, can you let readers know what you are doing with yourself these days?

I’m the Athletic Director and Physical Education Director at Kankakee Community College. We’re about fifty miles outside of Chicago and about twenty miles from where I grew up. I had a desire to get back home and interviewed for the job when the opening came up.

Did you have experience before then?

I was the Athletic Director at Upper St. Clair High School before then, yes.

Continue reading “Ted Petersen, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 1977-1983, 1987”

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

Well, I’m a Minister at New-Birth Church in North Carolina and own a line of faith-based clothing line called Faith Before Fame.

I also help train college athletes for the combine and preparing for the NFL and am a motivational speaker. I coach my son’s youth football team too as well and have interned with the Steelers the past couple of years to help with coaching too.

Continue reading “Brentson Buckner, Steelers Defensive Lineman, 1994-1996”

First, can you tell readers what you are doing with yourself these days post-football?

After retiring from football I  moved back to Boulder, CO and I now own and run a mortgage company here in Colorado.

You were a very versatile player in Colorado – you played on the defensive line and offensive line – do you think that was one of the reasons the Steelers drafted you in 1991? 

I think the Steelers drafted me because they felt I could adapt easily to the style of offense they ran. In college I was part of a tough run-oriented offense very similar to the Steelers philosophy.  I also was a bit of a raw talent with a lot of room to improve and mature and I think they liked that upside potential.

Continue reading “Ariel Solomon, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 1991-1995”

First, can you let readers know what you are doing with yourself these days and about your broadcasting career?

I am staying extremely busy living in Atlanta with my wife and five children.  My full-time “day job” is working in commercial real estate and my “night job” is  working as the color analyst for the radio broadcasts of the Georgia Tech Football games. This is my 4th season as the color analyst after spending 3 seasons as the sideline reporter.

 You were injured your senior year at Georgia Tech which helped cause you to get passed over by scouts. How hard was that for you and do you see it as a blessing in the end after being picked up by your home town team?

It was very disappointing. I also broke my leg as a senior at Fox Chapel and missed the entire season.  Missing the playing time in the last five games of the my college career hurt the most because I needed the playing experience.  I did make it back for the Blue Grey All Star game and played fairly well.

Continue reading “Rick Strom, Steelers Quarterback, 1989-1993”