First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing since you’ve retired from the NFL and how you got started in these new ventures?

After returning home to California the cost of gasoline was nearly five dollars a gallon and the spotlight was on our foreign oil dependency. I immediately sold my SUV and decided I was going to focus my life and life’s work on being more sustainable. Since that decision I have had the opportunity to work on numerous electric vehicle ventures. I co-founded an electric bike and scooter business, led design efforts for an electric bike share system, and managed multiple shared electric car projects. My goal is to help as many people move cleaner and greener as possible.

How hard was it for you to adjust to life after the NFL and how did you prepare to do so?

When I realized I had irreparable cartilage damage I immediately refocused. I gave my television away and put all memorabilia in storage. I completely removed football from my life. It was pretty effective and easy for me. I’m happy to say I am fully adjusted to my new life. I own a television again and enjoy watching football games every Sunday.

You signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent. Why did you choose Pittsburgh – especially when they had a solid linebacker corps there?

From our first conversation the Steelers organization made me feel like I belonged in Pittsburgh. They said I would be able to get after the quarterback and when I watched film and saw how the outside linebackers got after it I had to be a part of it.

Coming from such a smaller college like Northwood, how hard was it for you to ramp up and what was your biggest learning curve?

I originally walked on at Michigan State and played three years of Big 10 football. I knew I had the physical ability to play at the next level. In college I excelled as a defensive end and mostly played on the offenses side of the ball. The most challenging adjustment in the NFL was learning the play book and how to play the pass. Learning hundreds of plays and playing in space took some adjustment.

You were the first player from Northwood to ever reach the NFL. What does that mean to you?

It means a great deal to me. After signing with the Steelers three former teammates from Northwood followed suit and signed NFL contracts. I like to think that I set a good example for those guys and helped the scouts notice our little school in Midland, Michigan. In 2010, Northwood inducted me into the Athletic Hall of Fame which is the athletic accomplishment I am most proud of.

How helpful were guys like were Porter, Harrison, and Haggans. What are they able to do to help you get acclimated two the Steelers?

The entire team felt like family. Especially the linebacker group. We were all friends. We ate together weekly and Porter’s house was my go to on holidays. Some of my fondest life memories were with those guys on and off the field. It’s not common to have that kind of bond from day one and speaks volumes for the type of veteran leadership we had.

You made the practice squad as a rookie. How exciting was that for you to make the team and how stressful was it being “on the bubble”?

To be honest, I was grateful but disappointed that I made the practice squad. I wanted to be on the active roster and if I were not battling such an elite group including the future league defensive MVP I might have made the team. It’s pretty funny, my first day on the practice squad I walked on to the practice field to learn the Rams signed me to their active roster. However, that only lasted one week as they needed to promote a cornerback from practice squad to play spot duty for another cornerback that was dinged up. After my week in St. Louis the Steelers welcomed me back with open arms which was a huge relief.

What lessons did you take away from coaches like LeBeau, Butler and Tomlin Cowher? How did Butler and LeBeau differ in their approach to the game?

I learned that a coach could be compassionate about their players and still have successful team. I learned when you have a great system and veteran leadership you don’t have to micro manage or drive your team into the ground. My second year with the team we only had one full scrimmage play (tackle to the ground) all camp. Coach Cowher even cancelled practice one day to take the entire team to the movies. Players were fresh at the end of camp and subsequently won the Super Bowl that year.

Coach Butler and LeBeau had a very similar approach to the game. They had very relaxed demeanors, explained the strategy to you, were available to answer any questions and trusted you to get the job done. I really wished I had more time with them but I had the opportunity to get on the field with the Eagles so I had to move on.

How much did humor play a part on that Steelers team, and how so? Can you give a couple of examples of some funny things that occurred, on or off the field?

Humor was everywhere, on and off the field. One of the funniest moments was the rookie show, sort of a talent show for rookies at camp. My group of guys performed a skit after Dave Chappelle’s famous skit the Player Hater’s Ball. I played chief roaster, dressed as a pimp, fully equipped with a gum wrapper as a gold grill. We projected pictures of several teammates and I took the opportunity to take a lot of cheap shots. After a few really good laughs we showed a picture of Coach Cowher and everyone went into an uproar ready for the next punch line but I said, “I’m going to let that one slide.” I really got after Porter since I knew he would be a good sport and closed the skit out with, “as I’m sure this skit is bound to get me cut, I just want you all to know I do hope you make it to the Super Bowl this year….. and lose!” It was a great finish to the rookie show.

What advice would you give to guys entering the game today?

My advice would be to cherish every moment because it goes quick. Also, think about the long-term. Football is fun and an opportunity of a life time. However, the injuries may last a life time as well. You should take an honest look at how you want to live the rest of your life when deciding to push through injuries.

Any last thoughts for readers?

The Steelers organization was hands down the most impressive organization I have ever been affiliated with. They care about their players, community, and fans. The Rooney’s are the type of owners that you would run through a wall for. They truly care about more than money and that is very rare in the NFL.

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: