First, can you let readers know what you are doing with yourself now and how you got started?

Well this winter I finished my first season in the CFL. I played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and really enjoyed myself. There is some really good football being played north of the border.

In 2010, you led the nation in college in touchdowns and rushed for over 1,300 yards for Northern Illinois. What about your running style led to such success?

I think I have a pretty balanced running style. There were times where I was called upon in short yardage early in my career which really helped me become a tough down hill runner. Combining that with my natural one cut running style I think led to a lot of yards and a lot of touch downs. I also like to contribute a lot of success to just knowledge of the game. When you understand your schemes and become familiar with your teammates blocking for you, the game slows down so much.

Despite the success, you went undrafted. How frustrating was this for you and what were the reasons, do you think?

Going undrafted was kind of frustrating. However, it was not unfamiliar territory for me. After rushing for nearly 2000 yards my senior year of high school I had no division one offers and ended up walking on at Northern Illinois. When I went undrafted I knew I was just going to have to work my butt off again to get where I wanted to be. I’m not sure what led to me going undrafted. Never really cared to look into the particulars. Just went in ready to work.

After a couple of years in the NFL, you ended up in Pittsburgh in 2012. What led you to Pittsburgh – why did you sign with them?

Pittsburgh was my third team in the NFL. I knew there was a rich history of football there. However, I did not know how majestic that city really is. From the city, to the fans, to the organization, I loved every part of being in Pittsburgh. And this came after playing in my hometown for the Indianapolis Colts.

Who helped mentor you as a Steeler – both on and off the field? And how so?

One of my biggest mentors I had when I arrived in Pittsburgh was someone I already had a little bit of history with. Antonio Brown was a wide receiver who I played numerous times in college since we were in the same conference. Also, His father, Touchdown Eddie Brown, was my position coach in high school. I learned a lot on and off the field from both of the Browns.

What are some of the funnier memories you have of your time there?

Just being in the meeting room with Mendenhall, Redman, and our position coach Kirby Wilson. We always kept it light and had a lot of fun in that room

How did the Steelers differ from the other teams you’ve played for?

When I got to the locker room in Pittsburgh it just felt like a family. You could tell just by interacting with the people you would see everyday at the facility that this was a successful and first class organization with a true family environment. I played for 5 NFL teams in my career. Pittsburgh was the only one to give me that feeling.

How did you handle life on the bubble – knowing you were not always safe to stay on the team?

Life on the bubble was tough. I could never really get comfortable where I was. Had to continue to keep pushing myself as well as make sure I am doing everything I can to add value to the team. Because as soon as you aren’t they will let you go.

What do you think of the way the game has changed now?

I don’t think the game has changed as much as the players. Each year players coming out of college are bigger, stronger, and faster than the last class. This allows these players to be able to do so much more on the field. It’s kind of scary to think about a 270lb man like Jadeveon Clowney is just as fast as I am.

Any last thoughts for readers?

Just that Pittsburgh is a wonderful city. As I mentioned before, I really enjoyed my time there and am honored to, even for a short time, be apart of such a magical football city.

Steelers Takeaways fundraising drive!

Help keep these free interviews coming! If you can, please donate as little (or as much!) as you like by contributing to Steelers Takeaways here:

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pittsburghsports

Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades.  To order, just click on the book: