First, can you let us know what you’ve been up to since your playing days?
I coached for a while – I think that came as second nature for me. I always wanted to stay part of the sports world – no matter at what level. I’m willing to pay my dues – it’s a different mindset from playing though.
I feel like I’ve got something I want to pursue. I’m back at Abilene Christian getting my degree. It’s not just about the coaching – it’s about investing in kids’ lives. I was taught that it’s more than just about football when I was at ACU. Now, this is like a second life for me.
Who were some of your mentors as you got into coaching – what lessons did you take with you and implement as a coach?
At Abilene Christian – Chris Thompson was my Tight Ends coach – he’s now coaching at Florida State. I relayed to him – we both had similar backgrounds. We both grew up without our fathers and had that anger. He helped me to calm down and focus – to break that cycle.
Sean Kugler in Pittsburgh – I liked him because he was a realist – he told it like it was. My last conversation with him when they released me, he told me that I had the talent level to be in the NFL for 10 years. But I had a drug suspension and that caused them to release me. He told me I could play for years in the NFL but if I didn’t end up doing so, that didn’t make me a loser. What mattered was that I took care of my kids.
I was in the middle of being cut then so at first it didn’t stick with me. But it has since. That helped me to see that I can do things for other people and help others around me. The Steelers were about to sign me to a new contract before the suspension but I was still able to stay positive because of talks like that.
How did you end up in Pittsburgh in 2011?
I’m not sure why they bright me in. After the lockout the Steelers were the first team to call me. I went to a small school – if I went to a Division 1 school maybe I get drafted. I wasn’t invited to the combine but I did get to play some bowl games so maybe that’s how they learned about me.
Any mentors as a new Steeler – on and off the field? How did they help you?
Not that much. I feel like Doug Legursky – I’m not sure if he was just trying to play a joke on me – but he told me I didn’t need to show up to something. Well, Tomlin called me into his office. I’m standing there while he’s getting his hair cut, and I felt like I was being talked to by my dad. He asked me what happened – why I wasn’t where I was supposed to be. I tried to explain but he just said “Whatever. I don’t want any excuses! Don’t let that shit happen again!”
But it’s like I tell my kids. They only mess with you when they see something in you. It’s like Love & Basketball when they say that. They go hard for people they think have talent. They don’t say something if they don’t see something in you.
It’s funny. When he first started talking about me I as just a number. Then he started calling me by my name. I could tell they had bigger plans for me.
Were there any guys that helped?
Trai Essex, Marcus Gilbert, Ramon Foster – they all helped some. They helped me with the playbook. I remember we all went to Charlie Batch’s house and Sean Kugler invited me after to his house. I told Jonathan Scott that and he was like, “F* that, I’m not going to his house!”
Well, I get there and Pouncey I think was already there. So it was just the three if us and Sean’s family. After we ate the three of us went to his basement and hung out – did some shots and talked. He told me that there were some guys on the line that were just soft, but that he liked my grit. He told me I was getting better every week and could play. I just needed an offseason to get ready. Coming in late after the lockout and from a smaller school, I just needed more time. But I could see they were expecting me to have a bigger role the following season.
Coming from a small school – what was the biggest learning curve for you as a lineman?
I think it as really just learning the game of football. I knew a lot, but there are certain things in the playbook, things like slide protection that I just didn’t learn not having played at the D1 level.
Any good matchups on that practice squad – what players and practice squad experiences stand out to you?
The one-on-ones with Lamar Woodley – he was big and strong and fast on his feet. Ziggy Hood was too. James Harrison – hitting him was like hitting a pit bull Mack truck – that’s the only way I know how to describe it. Like that line in the Replacements – “He’s crazy, but you’re glad he’s on your team!”
Any fun memories on or off the field that you can share?
They hazed us a little bit as rookies – they made me dress up like Oscar the Grouch for Halloween.
Willie Colon – his rookie skit was funny too, I remember that. He impersonated a skit for the Martin tv show – the New Jack City scene. Willie was carrying around a stuffed Rottweiler on a chain and imitating the scene the whole time!
You played for a few different leagues and 10+ teams over your seven-year playing career. How did you manage the emotional/psychological toll of that much change?
You have to just let it go by the wasteside. Everyone has their own motivation to play, regardless of the level you’re playing at. Some of the guys I played with in the indoor league went on to become GMs of teams. Whatever your motivation is, you just rely on that to keep you going. I just loved playing football and wanted to stay close to the game.
And we all end up having to stop playing. Mentally at some point that time comes – whether its because your body is hurting, or whatever. When I did I just wanted to give back as a coach – I still wanted to be involved in the game in some way and be an icon to my kids and others around me. To help them and be a good example for them.
Now, I’m the father of seven. I don’t want to do this all for me. I want to help support my family and others – I’m here to spread positivity.
When you watch the game now, what has changed from your perspective as an offensive lineman? Do you like it?
I think it’s getting younger – players are ready earlier.
On the rules, I feel like, and I get the NFL is concerned with concussions and player health – but I feel like getting hurt is part of what you signed up for as a football player. What do you think guys are saying to each other on the sidelines – they’re saying they want to “F* up” the other team! People get hurt – as long as it’s not a clearly illegal hit, that’s football.
Throwing the ball and getting people in seats – I understand that. But I miss the grit and grind of lining up and running the ball. As a lineman, maybe that’s just the kind of guy I am.
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