First, can you let me know a little about what you’ve been up to since your playing career?
I’m here at home, being a stay-at-home dad. I’m enjoying watching my kids – watching them grow up.
How as the post-NFL adjustment been? Healthy?
It hasn’t been hard really. Two or three years ago it was harder – not like I was staying up at night in cold sweats, but it was harder being away from the game. I played football since I was six years old and now it’s gone. So that’s the most challenging part – just being away from the game.
And yeah, I’m in good health now.
Stepping back – were you surprised to be drafted by the Steelers – did they show interest pre-draft? What did they say on the phone?
It was a little suspenseful but I wasn’t surprised that much. I had a feeling they might take me. Mike Tomlin came down to our pro day my junior year and he asked for me. He said he wanted to see me. He told me when I came over that he was coming back for me – to stay ready. And he did.
Anyone take you under their wing as a rookie on and off the field? How?
Larry Foote was good for that. On and off the field he helped me to be a better linebacker, a better man and a man of faith.
What did he show you specifically?
It wasn’t anything specific really. He just taught me how to play – to break down film, how to eat better and train.
How hard was the defense to learn – what was the biggest adjustment for you schematically and physically?
It wasn’t hard at all to be honest. It was a smooth transition. I think because I had three defensive coordinators during my time there and they all ran different multiple fronts. I think that actually helped me. I learned different fronts – 3-4, 4-3 under….the terminology was different but the pressures were the same.
So that all helped me – it worked out for me to learn those different defenses.
What did the team say to you after the injury and what were you able to do and learn while injured to stay connected?
You learn best by learning from your mistakes, so not being able to play was hard. You can learn from seeing how others play and make mistakes but it’s not the same thing as playing.
I was in meetings every day and traveled with the team. Pouncey was a big advocate for me – he’d tell me “Spence – you’re playing again so listen to what I tell you!” That was encouraging for me.
How did the Steelers differ from the other teams you played for like Tennessee and Indianapolis?
The comradery – it’s hard to explain. You have to be there – to be around the players and coaches to really notice the difference. All the players and coaches around the league are pretty cool, but Pittsburgh just had a different aura. It was more like being in college than being in a business. It’s the closest thing to college I experienced.
The laughter there – it helps you forget that it’s a business. You know it is, but it helps you forget and makes it a closer place to play.
What was different about the 2017 team when you came back?
It was pretty much the same team as when I left. Nothing really changed. It was still the same – it was just like when I left. Schematically there were a couple of tweaks, but mostly it was the same.
Was it hard coming back after the Shazier and Matekevich injuries? Were you able to help those guys a bit knowing your own injury experiences?
It was a lot of love coming back. A lot of brotherly love.
I talked to Shazier a lot. When I was injured, I couldn’t move my left foot for a while. I knew what it was like a little bit. What it was like having everybody help you – it makes you appreciative of being able to do the little things like rolling out of bed and going to the bathroom….The little things I experienced – I could provide some comfort to him. He could look at me – that it wasn’t just a doctor saying it would be ok – that I was actually able to do it and he could too. I know my injury wasn’t the same but I still went through something that he could take hope in. And I understood that sometimes even when you get past one uphill battle and complete a milestone, there may be another one to follow and you have to work through it.
What are the experiences you had with the team – funny/off-field and on-field – that stand out most to you?
I remember working back from injury in camp – dealing with that while still in camp.
I was on the PUP list so I couldn’t practice with the team. Everyone had to do the conditioning test though, so I did mine on the opposite side of the field. When I did it then Coach Tomlin came over and congratulated me for the hard work I was putting in in coming back. They acknowledged that I was working hard and on my way back.
I also remember being in the locker room. I didn’t know what the Ed Block Courage Award was then, but it was the time when players were supposed too vote for the winner and Coach Tomlin told the guys “Anyone not voting for Sean Spence is an asshole!” He was just kidding but it was still nice.
And just sitting with Shazier at the hospital – sitting in the room with him – we’d have food catered, played cards and just laughed and hung out together. Me and Golden – we hung out together too – just chilling out together and played Madden. Stuff like that is what stands out most.
You talk to the guys on the team still – what are your thoughts on the upcoming season?
I talk to Vinny (Williams} a lot. I think the sky is the limit with the team. They have all the talent in the world. I know a lot of people are doubting them but I think they will win a lot of games and shock a lot of people.
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