First, can you let us know what you’ve been doing with yourself since your time in the NFL?
Well, I’m the head coach now of a high school football team here in North Carolina. I’ve been here three years now. We made the state championships the last two years – lost the first one then won this last one. We moved up from being around the 9,000 ranked team in the country to abut 3,000. So, we’re doing good things and getting kids into college. A lot of giving back to kids.
Who helped impact your coaching style?
I had a lot of great mentors. NFL-wise. Alex Gibbs helped me understand the West Coast offense. He was a big mentor and should be a Hall of Fame coach. He helped me learn to break down offenses and defenses. He and my college coach Mel Rose.
Kent Stephenson in Pittsburgh taught me a lot of what it takes to be an NFL offensive lineman. Being there with him and Cowher – they taught me things that were so different than the West Coast offense. And they ran the 3-4 versus the 4-3 on defense. I learned so much because of that and from Dick LeBeau who helped me learn the 3-4. He and I used to shoot pool together.
All of those guys – I took all of what they taught me and poured it into the man I am today, I use all of those things to help reach kids and push them and help them get into college and get scholarships.
You ended up signing with the Steelers in ’96 – what drove that decision?
Donnie Shell actually. I was in Kansas City in ’94 then went to Carolina in the expansion draft. I started a couple of games there but was later released week eight. Donnie Shell worked for their front office then – he made a call into Pittsburgh and they called and signed me the next day. No workout even – just on his word.
Anyone help show you the ropes when you got to Pittsburgh?
My old college teammate Johnny Barnes did. He spent time with me – showed me around. He and Yancey Thigpen too, who was in the same conference I was. I knew him because of that too.
And Dermontti Dawson – that whole offensive line was a tight unit, Dermontti and I spent time talking. I was a homebody – I didn’t like to go out really.
Anything specific they help you with?
I was with three different organizations – I knew I just had to do my job and be a professional. To stay in shape and take care of my body. That was on me.
Anthony Griggs was in charge of player relationships and helped with strength and conditioning too. He got me involved in 401ks and insurance. He brought companies in to help players and set up internships.
The team ended up allocating you to NFL Europe. What was that experience like?
It was crazy. The Steelers sent me to NFL Europe and wanted to have me switch my position from guard to center. I was voted the number one offensive lineman that year – so it turned out to be a good situation. I played all five positions there and worked with the coaches to learn and help design play calls for the blocking schemes. That was a big part of how I ended up taking an interest in coaching and becoming a coach.
Any fun memories of your time in Pittsburgh?
Going to the Super Bowl with a great group of guys – Super Bowl XXX. Pittsburgh really was the first team I played for whose organization was like a college team. It was just all close-knit and the fans were so involved.
Rod Woodson used to have the Woodson Grille before Bettis took it over. He used to have us come over and eat for free every day – he’d feed us. I didn’t realize until later what he was doing. We all got a free meal – and as a single guy I loved that rather than going home and having fast food or something. But Rod was smart – he’d have us sit on the upper deck – we’d all walk through the restaurant, sign autographs on the way and all the fans would see us. I think he used us as a marketing strategy! People would go to eat there because they knew they’d get to see and meet Steelers players!
The Rooneys were extraordinary owners – I was extremely lucky to be able to play for that team. It was the closest team by far of any team I was on in the pros – all the players were supportive of one another and hung out together. I still have friendships there and it shows why even guys who leave in free agency are eager to come back.
The team traveled so well – they had fans everywhere, And it was a family atmosphere in part because of Bill Cowher. He brought us together. If you made mistakes he was hard on you but it you did a good job he’d pat you on the back and tell you so. It’s a place guys wanted to be,
Any other thoughts on your time there?
I think Pittsburgh is a blue collar town and the team represents that well. I had great experiences there and it helped me find a purpose.
Now, I work with kids and run the Players to Pros company too that helps get kids ready for their nest steps in life. We have sponsors that help pay for things like tours and camps for school kids to help them sharpen their football skills and train them to maximize their abilities. Wr give them NFL style training to maximize their opportunities.
My injuries helped take me out of the game of football, but I turned out to be in a great position to help kids. Even with the injuries I’d do it all over again. I’m truly blessed.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
