First, I know you’re practicing law now. How did you get started in your new career and what area of law do you practice in?
I practice general corporate law – mergers and acquisitions and general business transactions. I was interested in law as an undergrad at Northwestern when I did a legal studies program there.
After Pittsburgh I went to Michigan and got my law degree and made my way back to Chicago to start my second career.
Was the post-football adjustment difficult for you?
The transition is always a bit of an adjustment. A lot of guys I think will echo that. I was taken back from the structure of professional football where everything is laid out for you – from breakfast to evening film study. It’s all structured for you.
In the “real world”, that structure has to be driven by yourself. You have to make your own schedule. Now, the lessons from football are extremely applicable to life outside of football. Accountability – you have to be on top of your own stuff to make sure you are able to do your job to the best of your ability.
Stepping back – why did you decide to sign with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent – you had some choices…
It’s a phenomenal organization – the Rooneys do a tremendous job of running the organization and Coach Tomlin is an amazing coach. I played for John Mitchell and he was a great coach. It didn’t get any better than that – and to be able to play in Dick LeBeau’s 3-4 defense was an exciting opportunity as well.
I felt it was a better fit for my skillset too. I played inside mostly in college – I was a taller guy. The 3-4 felt like a good fit that I wanted to try.
You were also a big hockey fan/player for a while – why choose football?
Yeah – I love hockey still. Just football was a bigger part of my life. In Minnesota you play hockey growing up and through high school. I played year-round in Minnesota. I just went where my skills were better suited. What I lacked in hockey I made up for in football. I do miss it I just had to go where I was better.
When you got to Pittsburgh did anyone help mentor you – on and off the field? How if so?
The entire defensive line was very supportive. Cam Heyward, Brett Keisel, Ziggy Hood – they were all amazing. They showed me how to prepare. I watched how the three of those guys prepared every week – they were some of the hardest workers on the team, if not the league. It was impressive.
You look at how long they’ve played in the NFL. It’s due to their preparation. From the film room to the weight room to the practice field – the whole nine yards.
What memories stand out most to you of your time there?
I’d say just being around those guys – the team culture. When we played at Wembly Stadium versus the Vikings – just all of us walking around and taking pictures and going to the local restaurants – we were only there for a few days but it was a great time. I wish we could have stayed longer.
And my first time playing in a regular season game at Lambeau Stadium. Someone got dinged up and I remember Danny Smith yelling at me to get out there and run as fast and as far as I could for as long as I could! I think I was the biggest player on the kickoff team.
For a rookie undrafted free agent defensive lineman to get playing time is rare, What do you think helped earn that for you?
I just gravitated to the older guys. Being an undrafted free agent, you just hang out in the background. Over the long term you start to earn their trust – from the top down. You have to show you’re willing to put in the work – to get there early and stay late. I think they sensed that in me. I was always hanging around the older guys and asking questions.
The defense was very different for me. I played in a 4-3 in college so the speed and technique you needed at that level was just different. You had to learn the secret sauce from those veteran guys.
What happened after that season that caused you to not make the team the following year?
I think in training camp my body started breaking down. I couldn’t play at the level I was accustomed to. It snowballed – one nick lingered and led to another. The position I was in as an undrafted free agent, you have to earn your keep by being available every day in practice. I wasn’t able to do what it took to stick with the organization.
What did they say to you?
It was a little bit of that general stuff – “We’ll see where it all ends up..” blah blah blah… But times goes on and you find you’re out of it. The exit interview was positive – it was a very good experience.
Still watch the NFL? What do you think of the direction of the league?
I follow football and the Steelers still – yes. It’s interesting to see where it continues to go. I hope the changes trickle down from the NFL through high school and the younger leagues. They’ve made great strides protecting players – I’m sure they are aware they can do even better.
I hope they offer more resources and support to the lower levels. It’s very important – we’ll see how it goes over the next 10 years. I’m excited to see what happens.
It’s different now than it was even when I played. No more two-a-days and multiple walk-throughs. Mostly now it’s one practice and one walk-through. The regulations are smart – it takes a toll on your body – it becomes almost a game of survival of the fittest.
Any thoughts on coaching …?
I haven’t thought a lot about it – I have stayed close and tried to stay involved with Northwestern to help mentor guys there – and in high school too. I volunteered at the high school to help the kids. I’m always interested in it but I have no idea if that’s something I’d want to end up doing.
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