First, can you let us know what you’ve been up to since your playing days and how you broke into the media space?
I had a radio show while I was playing near the end of my time with the Titans. I talked about the games. I listened to sports talk radio and wondered where they got their information because it was often incorrect. I wanted to give my version – to be a truth-teller – instead of wrong information because they were guessing or just reporting on what they were told.
When I was in Nashville I started working with the NFL Network – I had a plan. I got experience there and ended up honing in on radio, doing the post-game show for the Titans. Now I do the pre and post game shows for the Titans. That led to another show I do as well and have been doing that for 12 years.
I always wanted to get into broadcasting – I didn’t expect radio though. I also do speaking engagements – I spoke at the White House for Big Brothers and Big Sisters – that’s always been a part of my backdrop. I’ve been a captain at every level I played so speaking about leadership has always been important to me.
How difficult was that post-NFL transition for you – what made it easier/harder for you?
A lot of guys have issues but it wasn’t that hard for me. I hate to say it that way I know. A lot of guys were confused because they think football defines who you are. I was taught at an early age not to let it define you. That’s why I started doing radio before I retired. So it wasn’t as tough for me as it was for some guys.
Looking back, who were some of the on and off field mentors you had as a young player?
I didn’t have any real mentors off the field really. Bubba McDowell and Cris Dishman helped me with some things – they made sure I knew it was a business. But off the field I left it up to my agents. Once they traded Warren Moon my rookie season I knew it was a business anyway. It was also a team transitioning from being a veteran to a young team then as well.
What do you remember, looking back, on those first Steelers-Oilers games? I know the Oilers had the upper hand your rookie season but were you aware of the rivalry and how did those first games go for you?
I can tell you I was not aware at all of the rivalry as a rookie until what they called “Steelers Week!” I didn’t know what that meant!
I just thought the Steelers were another NFL team but it was much more I realized. They told me I had to double-up my pads because it was going to be a physical battle! Jeff Fisher – he told us to be the top of the mountain we had to go after them and beat them. The Titans were put together to beat the Steelers – that was clear what they were trying to accomplish. Winning the division was the most important thing and that meant taking down the Steelers. That was the biggest priority.
How did the Oilers prepare for those Steelers games – anything special/different?
It was a more physical week of practice. Fisher wanted us to play with physicality. Would you be there in the fourth quarter still – could you withstand that physicality? He wanted us to be tough. The Steelers had a mystique and that intimidation they carried with them.
What fun and memorable plays and player exchanges stand out to you that you in over the course of the rivalry?
I remember as a rookie – I played mostly just in special teams then, so I could stand on the sidelines and really watch the game. I saw Greg Lloyd once walk up to our sidelined and say something – I couldn’t hear what he said. But everyone took a step back! I was thinking “Whoa!” It got me chuckling – like guys were all stepping back, scared. Why? They had some outright studs then on defense.
Who were some of the guys you liked to face most in the Steeler-rivalry and why?
This just came to mind a few weeks ago. I played against some great tight ends like Gonzalez in that 46 defense. My role was to cover tight ends. Eric Green – he was so underrated. He could really run. That was one of the toughest battles for me. Now, I noticed his son just got drafted in the first round of the MLB draft!
The offensive lineman were very physical too. Dermontti Dawson – his range and ability to block in open space was amazing. And Jerome Bettis. People thought he was just a big physical back but he would make you miss too. He would set you up that way so later he would use his power. You needed to buckle up your chinstrap twice in that rivalry!
Hines Ward too. He was a talented player but he did all the dirty work for them and was a tough to play.
Ward got me once when we were at Heinz Field. The play was on the other side of the field and almost over, so I was throttling down when he clipped me from behind and knocked me down. I was really perturbed. I couldn’t believe he did that – I thought it was uncalled for. I got heated then, for sure. I tried to get back at him without drawing a penalty. I didn’t really get him but I think I got even overall. It got pretty spirited.
Bill Cowher called me “Cowboy” – because he knew I was a key person in the defense. X marked the spot – if he could neutralize me he could control the run game.
How did the players handle the move to Nashville? How did the team let you guys know and how did the players handle the change?
I knew it was a possibility. They were having field issues – spots and divots that were problems. I was franchise tagged – when it happened I was actually excited. It was closer to home for me. My family was in Indianapolis so it was much closer – just a four-and-a-half hour drive.
At first I didn’t want to get too excited – I thought maybe it was just a negotiation trick. I enjoyed Houston but being closer to home was a big plus. I didn’t want to believe it would happen until it was done.
The transition was tough at first. We were in Memphis that first season then played at Vanderbilt. But when we became the Tennessee Titans in ’99, that really galvanized the city around us.
What do you think of the way the game has changed today – especially as s former safety?
The game is very different form my hey day. I was saying this recently on my radio show – the value of safeties has gone up and should continue to do so. You have ti be multi-faceted now, You can’t just be a run stopper. You have to be able to stop the run, cover and be a ball-hawk if you want to be good. You can’t b one-dimensional. You have to be more finesse – to cover and be a ball hawk and make open-field tackles.
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