First, can you let me know what you’re doing with yourself now since you retired from the NFL?
Well, I’m working now at my former high school – DeKalb and working to get my Masters in Sports Management. I may go back to school to become a high school administrator as well though, I really enjoy working with kids.
You also coached some?
I volunteered at DeKalb to help coach football there. I might become full staff next year but I don’t know if I want to go back fully into sports again – I’m not sure if I’m ready yet,
How hard was it adjusting to post-NFL life?
It was weird at first trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I played football for so long, I didn’t want it to become my identity, but when you play that long it becomes that anyway.
I had a daughter when I was playing – she was one year old when I was done playing. So my identity become as a dad. I had to be a provider. That helped me to adjust.
As an undrafted feee agent, how did you find your way to the Steelers?
My agent gave me a call. I was sitting around, pouting about not being drafted and went to Red Robbin when he called. I talked to Pittsburgh that day and went in for a tryout.
I didn’t ask why they liked my workout – I was just excited. I loved watching Mike Alstott and Jerome Bettis play. Knowing Bettis played there was exciting for me.
I made the team after the tryout. I think because they saw that I ran hard every play. I was very physical – more than a lot of backs and for my size – I was around 250 pounds – I was a downhill runner. I think that got their attention.
You moved from linebacker to running back your senior year in college at NIU. Was that frustrating for you, changing so late in your career? Do you think that affected you being drafted?
In high school I was All-State at linebacker and running back. I wanted to play running back, but as soon as I finally got comfortable at linebacker they switched me to running back.
It was difficult – it was very different – the footwork and movement. I try not to think about how it affected me now. I think I could have played linebacker in the NFL. Because I couldn’t catch the ball well – that’s not something you need to be good at at linebacker – it probably would have been better if I stayed at linebacker.
Anyone help mentor you – show you the ropes in Pittsburgh?
Every running back had input as did the coaches. Fitzgerald Touissant was a good guy and helped a lot – as did Bell. They were both good guys. Brandon Brown-Dukes came in later and he and I always talked. It was good to get feedback from all of them.
What did the coaches tell you you needed to work on to make the team? What did you need to improve on?
I needed to be able to catch the ball better out of the backfield, and to be able to handle kick returns. But I couldn’t see – I have the thickest rimmed glasses you can think of now! I had band hands because of that, but I tried to work on it.
Any good memories of your time in Pittsburgh?
I made a great friend in Mike Thornton while I was there – we talk to this day and I went to his wedding. And being able to play with guys I had on my fantasy teams, like Antonio Brown, LeVeon Bell. And with Mike Vick, who was a legend. Just meeting those people was amazing.
James Harrison was the funniest guy there. He was such a hard worker. Once in the middle of a meeting he screamed and got everyone’s attention, then started flexing and told everyone he needed to work on his arms today! He was a funny dude. And he’d make fun off Ben Roethlisberger – said he looked just like Will Ferrell – and he did!
What happened after your second season there that you retired afterwards?
Well, I was cut from Pittsburgh. I talked to my agent and decided that I didn’t want to run around to different teams and not be around for my daughter. I wanted to start a new career. I’m an impatient guy and I was just over it all. I tore my Achilles, meniscus, had turf toe and had a herniated disc. I just wanted to be around for my daughter. Football became a job instead of a passion so I knew it was time to retire.
I’m able now to be there for my daughter. I just want to be financially stable and show my daughter off to college with everything taken care of for her. I don’t want to be counting pennies, and I want to be respected in the community.
When you look back on your time in Pittsburgh – what stands out to you most?
I was able to play in front of my favorite player of all time – Jerome Bettis. To be able to play for the same team and city he did is something I’ll always be excited about.
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