First, I know you’re involved with NASCAR now – how did that happen?
Well, after the NFL I went to Canada for two years, but I found out then that Canada wasn’t it for me – I wasn’t enjoying it.
I was living in Charlotte, North Carolina – that’s where the national headquarters of NASCAR is. I grew up in Lamar, a short distance away. My friend was involved in NASCAR and when he heard I was back he asked if I would be interested in trying out the crew side of NASCAR. I had no idea about NASCAR – even though I grew up right there, I never watched it or anything. But I gave it a try.
There were about 15-to-20 guys on the pit crew. I watched them – it was an awesome atmosphere. I never saw or thought about that side of NASCAR before – they had a professional team of trainers, staff…they all watched film together. I really enjoyed that part of it.
I kept practicing, and then they inserted me into a crew and told me that if I was serious I could do well and earn a contract, which I did afterwards.
How has your NFL experience helped you with NASCAR?
Football taught me a lot about being on a team – being on time and doing your assignments correctly. You all have to be in sync – if you mess up you can lose a game because of it.
NASCAR is the same way – just less physical! You have to change four tires and fill the gas tank in 11-to-12 seconds. One second can cost you a race. You have to be very precise. Just like football, we train all week, watch film and then go out and do our job on game-race days.
How has post-NFL adjustment been in general?
Honestly, it was a smooth transition. I didn’t know what was next when I left Canada. But I had the benefit of good friends and working with the NFL to figure things out. I did a lot of things as I tried to figure things out – managed at a Fedex and had interviews to coach. Football was all I did for years so I had no idea what I wanted to do when I got to the real world until NASCAR.
You signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent – why Pittsburgh?
2011 was the lockout season – it was chaotic. I had a tough Senior year and was coming off of two season-ending injuries in my prior two years. It was all an uphill battle.
My junior year Dan Rooney came out to see me play. I had injured my wrist and was already out for the season. When he saw me he said “I didn’t know you were hurt – I came out to see you!”
So we talked for a while. He told me he thought I was a good player that could do a lot of good things. But I didn’t get any offers after my Senior year. I stayed in shape though while I sat out that whole year.
Then after Pittsburgh lost to Denver in the AFC Wild Card Game, the day after, I got a call from Dan. I didn’t know who it was at first – I wasn’t thinking about football then. I was having dinner with my mom when he called. Two days later we met in Gastonia – I had pizza with he and his kids and we talked. I think he saw I was in good shape – I passed the eye test. So they flew me out to Pittsburgh to try out for a spot – I went against four other linebackers. They never had a chance! Afterwards they signed me to a futures contract. I had a great preseason – led the team in tackles – and played my first game on a Thursday versus Baltimore!
I know Levon Kirkland also went to your high school – did you reach out to him – and did he and any of the current Steelers take you under their wing at all?
The whole time Levon was in my corner – we kept in touch the whole time and still do, even though he’s got so much going on. He told me he was proud of me and just helped me to know what to expect.
When I got there a couple of guys helped. Chris Carter, Stevenson Sylvester and LaMarr Woodley. LaMarr was like a big brother to me. I was a young guy from a small school and I was now on a big stage. I didn’t play D1 – so they helped give me the confidence level I needed – they watched film with me and helped give me some comfort. A lot of guys play uptight – when you play tight that can negatively affect the way you play drastically. They helped give me confidence and that made a big difference.
Any good memories stand out from your time there?
In preseason versus the Colts I had two big stops on the goal line – I think that helped me make the team.
And the rookie party for the linebackers – I can’t go into details! But it was great hanging out with guys like Timmons, James Harrison, Woodley. To be able to celebrate and hang out with those guys – it’s something I’ll tell my grandkids one day.
When you see guys in a different element – outside of football, it’s nice. 90% of the time we’re in a football environment together. That other 10% of the time, when everyone is in their element – the commentary is special. Just the laughing, drinking and having a good time together. And James Harrison – he was a beast in all categories. You always felt his presence!
What happened after that season?
People don’t know it, but before our last game that season versus the Browns, I was covering Heath Miller in practice and went to turn and tore my abductor. We didn’t know what it was then – we just thought I pulled my groin.
A month or so later Pittsburgh called to see how I was doing and I told them I wasn’t any better. They flew me out to get an MRI and that’s when they saw I tore my abductor so I had surgery.
After that it was an uphill battle for me. I had a subpar preseason – it didn’t go the way I or Pittsburgh want it to go so we parted ways. I got picked up after that by the Raiders and went through the same uphill battle again.
Lastly – do you like the way the NFL has changed since you played?
From a defensive standpoint I love it. I was 245 pounds when I played linebacker for the Steelers – I think that’s why I got injured. When I first got to college I weighed only 175 pounds – I put on 70 pounds in college. I built myself up.
But now linebackers are smaller. I could have played at 235 pounds and would have been faster – I think that would have actually helped me get injured less.
It’s still a fun game. Less contact now – now it’s made for the offense, I know.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
