First off, what have you been up to since your playing days?
Now I own and operate a fitness center. After Miami and Pittsburgh I went to the CFL. I knew when I was playing that I wanted to stay in good condition after football and stay involved in fitness. I figured I might as well make some money at it! I moved to Atlanta and got hired to work at a gym. I wanted to learn the business and got experience that way – to know the blueprint.
I got offered a management position after that. I also started my own fitness brand – Green University. I have over 25,000 subscribers to that as well and am the CEO of my non-profit, Cause of Effectiveness.
Was the post-football transition difficult for you?
It wasn’t for me. I always knew this was what I wanted to do. Even when I was playing, I knew this was what I wanted, so it was an easy transition.
How did you end up in Pittsburgh after your NFL start in Miami?
My Tomlin liked my workout at my pro day – I ran my fastest time there. When I was let go in Miami they offered me a spot – it was the best fit for me. I had multiple offers but I was familiar with their defense and felt like I had a chance after looking at their depth chart.
Did any of the guys in Pittsburgh help you out the most – how so?
James Harrison and Cam Heyward were great role models. Anthony Chickillo was drafted that year too and he and I were teammates in Miami.
Those guys all showed me that succeeding in the NFL is more than just about football. It’s bigger than football. You have to stay valuable – keep your body healthy and not just be the first on the field – but the last off of it.
You have to know things outside of the playbook – ask questions and stay late. It was a team thing in Pittsburgh – the little things counted. Coach Porter used to say that you can’t just write things down – the paper doesn’t go with you on the field. You need to practice it – you need repetition to learn it.
You won the Brian Piccolo Award in college – what did that mean to you?
It showed me that there’s always a way to win. I had injuries throughout my career and was used to being told that I couldn’t do things when I knew I deserved to be out there with my teammates. Winning that award showed me that I was my biggest competition and I could overcome things. The first time I was hurt I was down and depressed. The second time I told myself I had been here before and not to dwell on it. To work it out and get back on the field and execute.
Were there moments in Pittsburgh that stand out to you the most?
Being in the same room as Sean Spence – he was behind me in the meeting room, and Chickillo was to my right. Artie Burns was there to – it was like being back in college.
And seeing Michael Vick there – being on the same team as him. I watched him growing up and was in awe of him.
How do you work past not getting caught up in the surreal nature of that?
I did a good job though of not comparing myself to other guys. I take notes of what they do – if I’m inspired by someone I take note of what made them successful. But I know they put their pants on the same way I do – I don’t get caught up in who they are, I just try to copy some of what they did to be successful.
What did the coaches say to you about why you were able to make the team?
They liked my effort. That’s the one thing they said to me. That’s something that followed me my whole career.
When they let me go they gave me the politic answer – they told me it was about roster space. I didn’t take it personal – they lost some linemen and quarterbacks due to injury.
What did you like about playing for the Steelers?
It was an unselfish team – there were no superstars. Everyone was on the same level. There were individuals of course, but from the starters to the practice squad guys, everyone was on the same level. Tomlin had his hands on everything – it was always team first. Everyone took accountability and laid it on the line. The communication was top notch – something I learned and use today in my work.
Did you like working with the coaches?
I’ve been on different teams but special teams were important in Pittsburgh. No matter who you were those were taken seriously. Danny Smith wanted you working hard every rep. I’m a big guy – he told me once that I was heavy in certain areas and needed to use my assets to run through guys. I was tired and he told me what I needed to do to make plays and make the team.
Was going to the CFL a big adjustment for you?
It was at first. It took me about six games to get used to the different rules. Football is football – once I got the rules down I was ok. I love the game so I was ok after that.
What advice would you give an undrafted free agent trying to make the team?
Put aside the pride. What gets you noticed is effort not your mouth. Actions speak louder than words – show you can be an asset to the team, not a liability. I had to learn a new position – edge – and put my pride to the side and that got me noticed.