First, tell me about your job at Auburn and how you got started in that work?
Right now I’m the Director of Facilities at Auburn – I manage the basketball arena’s day-to-day operations. I make sure all necessary repairs are done and it’s kept up-to-date. I also coordinate all of the events -we have volleyball and gymnastics in the arena and rent it out for weddings, parties, banquets….that sort of thing.
So a football guy manages a basketball arena? How does that happen?
Well, I came back to Auburn in ’97 to work on campus. In 2013 the new coaching staff came in and brought in their own guys. But I worked for the school on the administrative side, not for the coaches, so I was able to stay. The guy who used to manage the arena passed away – that’s when they approached me to run the arena since I knew the school. I was happy to do it.
Was the post-NFL transition difficult for you?
Well, for me, I’d say it wasn’t. I enjoyed my time in the NFL – it was sad though it couldn’t have lasted longer than five years. But I always knew that while I’d play as long as I could, I’d need a plan for after I was done. I didn’t have the mentality that every day was football, football, football. So I always planned for life after football.
I tried coaching at the high school level then at the small college level at Tuskegee College, but it didn’t suit me. Auburn’s athletic director called me after and asked if I wanted to come work at Auburn and I did.
When I left the NFL, I left it. I just felt my time was over and now I get to enjoy my time with my family and my second life.
What made you decide to sign with the Steelers as a free agent in 1988?
When I left Green Bay Pittsburgh called me. They needed a guy to fill the spot on the line when Keith Willis hurt his neck and was out for the season. I went in and worked out for Joe Greene. Then I talked to Chuck Noll. They said they wanted to sign me and asked if I wanted to be a Steeler, and I said yes.
It was a great team with a great history- why not? I didn’t bring a lot of clothes with me to the workout though, and since camp started I couldn’t leave to go get some and bring them back. So I had to have my clothes sent to me.
Did anyone help you as a new guy to the team and city?
Gregg Carr and I played at Auburn – and Jerrol Williams was from Auburn too. Those were two guys I was familiar with. If I had any questions on how best to fit in and how to be a part of things they helped – we had a special bond already. Greg was knowledgeable about the team more – he had been there longer. He talked to me about how Chuck ran practices and what to expect from him.
Jerrol was a defensive lineman so he gave me the rundown on Joe Greene.
What did he tell you?
That Joe was a good coach. Of course he was a dominant player – Jerrol told me what Joe expected of guys – how we should carry ourselves.
Joe wanted you to compete and pay full attention during drills. He wanted 100% from you – to do drills the right way. Playing football never left Joe, if you know what I mean. When he got down in his stance to demonstrate things to you, he came off the ball for real. You couldn’t relax around him.
What role did they have you play most there?
I rotated at end and tackle. I was tall and not as heavy as some defensive linemen. At Auburn I played all three line positions and had decent speed, so having that versatility helped me.
Any good memories you can share?
My time there was great – there were a number of great guys. The comradarie was amazing – like brother-to-brother. We all joked with each other and had a great time, and no one got upset at each other.
Who were some of the bigger jokesters?
Terry Long and Bubby Brister. David Little too. Greg Lloyd tried to tell jokes but he was always so serious that his jokes weren’t that funny!
You were there the year Art Rooney passed away. Do you remember how that affected the team?
He passed away a week or two before I got there, so I think by then things had quieted down and it was work as usual. Back then the owners didn’t come around as much – not like today. Then the coaches ran more of the day-to-day. Now owners are much more involved.
Do you watch the NFL today? Thoughts on the way the game has changed?
Like anything, everything changes over time. The rules have changed for good reasons. The game is much faster now – teams throw the ball so much more. As a defensive lineman, that takes plays away from you. It’s always pass mode and I don’t think people realize how tiring it gets trying to run through 300 pound guys every play to get to the quarterback.
It’s less physical, but more tiring.
In the end I was blessed to play football at all three levels and for great coaches. It’s awesome to look back on it.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
