First, can you let me know what you’ve been up to since our playing days?
I work for Stryker now, selling joint replacements as a sales rep. Mostly knee and hip replacements. When I was done playing I shot my resume out to companies in Philly and Pittsburgh and got a job in Pittsburgh – that’s how I stayed out here.
And as a former offensive lineman, I can tell you I’ll probably need one when I’m older. That’s the nature of being an offensive lineman. Your knees and hips get shot.
How was the post-NFL adjustment for you – difficult?
Man, that’s a really good question. To be brutally honest – to you and myself – it was tough at first. I tell people I had to reinvent myself – at the mental level I had to break myself down. My whole life I was Kyle the football player. When I was done playing I had to re-humble myself. Not that I was a big egotistical guy, but I had to change how I went about handling problems and treating people. Before it was always about me. Now it’s about working with people in different environments as a team.
So yeah. It was a good transition. I’m happy in my life now. I’m fortunate. My first year playing I remember seeing a statistic – a crazy percent of players get divorced, go broke or get addicted to something within two years of retiring. I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by good people and family.
How did you sign with the Steelers as a free agent in the first place?
It’s a crazy story. I was working out at a local college – Dickinson – using the field and working on drills before the players got on it. It was five a.m. – and there was a Steelers scout there. He I guess was friends with the Dickinson coach. He saw me working out and learned who I was and that I was a free agent. He went back and watched film on me then had me fly out for a workout. They signed me afterwards – that was wild.
Did anyone take you under their wing and help you out as a new guy?
The whole offensive line was the best. Pouncey, Villinueva, DeCastro… Pounce was awesome. He took the time to teach me and helped me out. He was a great leader – he led by example and I learned a lot about leadership watching him, and about being a pro – through and through.
Anything specific he was able to show you?
He taught me how to practice. He was the hardest practicer I’ve ever seen in my life.
What do you remember most about your role and matchups on the practice squad?
I played against Pro Bowlers every day. Cam, Tuitt, Hargrave was there then…. Playing against those guys made me a better player. You had to be at your best. Heyward and Tuitt – you could see why they are so great. They are both so massive and fast. And they were relentless. That’s what made those guys so great.
Any funny memories stand out during that season?
They were all professional guys – all great guys. There weren’t many crazy stories. I do remember the gift exchanges we did during the holidays. We did Secret Santas – an $800 minimum. I got an underwater scooter. I have no idea why they got that but I still use it!
What happened after the season ended?
I went in the next day after the season ended – I thought I was going in to be re-signed for the next season. But Tomlin called me into his office and said “Look Kyle. I’m releasing you because I think you can play elsewhere.” They had Pouncey and Finney then and I could only play center. I was too short to play guard. So he told me he was releasing me because he thought someone else would pick me up that would give me more of an opportunity to play. Soon after I signed with the Panthers.
After that you also went to Cleveland – was it strange at all going to play for a Steelers rival?
Not really. That was my last stop in the NFL. It helped that Chris Hubbard was there – he was a former Steeler when I was there and it was good hooking back up with him. He’s an awesome dude.
Do you watch the NFL now – and do you like the changes to the game even since you played?
For a couple of years I didn’t watch football at all. I guess I needed a mental break. But now I watch it all the time.
Honestly, I do like how they protect guys more now. I know some don’t like to hear it, but the human skull was not meant to crash into things over and over again. I do see guys now with issue after playing – CTE is real. I’m glad they are addressing it.
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