First off, what have you been up to since your time playing football?
I’m in medical device sales today – working for Telefax selling regional anesthesia and quick clot. I coached my kids a bit as well.
I got into medical device sales after football. When the Steelers let me go I played in the NFL Europe and Dallas and Cincinnati, but I got hurt in Cincinnati. After that I got a job after I met the CEO of a company at a charity event. The economy crashed though so I was let go – I was on the bottom of the totem pole then. I went to Chicago after that and was doing some personal training and going to paramedic school – I wanted to get a job with the fire department. Then I talked to some other former Iowa players and got into medical device sales through them.
Was the post-NFL transition difficult?
It was difficult though you don’t realize it as much at the time. You play football because you love it – and it’s good money. You go from that to not making as good money working a real job. It’s a tough transition. And there’s a lot more to it on the personal side as well – but it worked out great in the end.
I’ve also had two hip surgeries that were in part football related. I had impingement in my hips and football sped up the process.
When you first got tot he NFL with the Rams, were there guys who helped mentor you and show you the ropes?
I’m not sure if I can say any one vet did the most. They all were supportive and good guys, but my career was full of injuries. Every time something seemed to be going well I got hurt. When I was picked up by the Steelers I thought that was going to be my chance – my opportunity. But I was let go before I had a real shot to earn a spot.
How did you end up with the Steelers?
They were the first ones to call me after I was let go. I was available and they were willing to give me a shot. I got there and they told me if I passed the workout that they’d sign me to the practice squad. It wasn’t really even a physical. I just ran routes and hit the bags in shorts and a t-shirt. They did and I ended up practicing that afternoon.
Any good practice squad matchups you can share?
I went head-to-head with Joey Porter and James Harrison quite a few times.
My first day Porter and I got into a scuffle. I gave him a good look. I know as a practice squad player you don’t get stupid and get someone hurt, but you also want to give them a good look and make the team. You want to respect the player but also make him work. So I wasn’t disrespectful but I gave him a good hard look and made him work.
James Harrison at least said he respected me for giving him a good look.
Did anyone go out of their way to show you the ropes there when you got to Pittsburgh?
The first person was Troy Polamalu. He was super kind. Super nice. He told me to let him know if there was anything I needed and showed me around a little. That’s when he was the best player in the league. Here I was, some practice squad guy they just signed. He didn’t need to talk to me and help me but he did. Everyone there ended up being nice – I was disappointed I was let go.
Why did they let you go?
After the draft I thought I’d have a chance to go to camp and compete. But they drafted a tight end and I think that was it. The plan I was told was that they weren’t going to draft a tight end, but sometimes that’s just the way the draft falls.
I worked 100% – I was a hard work, effort type of player. I just tried to make any team I played for. Pittsburgh was by far my best experience I had with any team.
You won a Super Bowl ring though at least – what was that experience like?
It’s hard to explain – hard to find the words. I got there late in the season and was just thrilled to be on the team. You get there and think this is great and hope it works out. Then as the playoffs progressed and we started winning, I thought “Holy cow we’re going to go to the Super Bowl!” It was surreal. Amazing. You can’t put it into words but it was a dream come true.
Any other moments stand out to you from your time there?
It’s just a lot of little things – no one big thing. Just hanging out with the guys and joking around. Jerome Bettis – going to his parents’ house with the team for dinner before the Super Bowl was a great time – he was a great dude.
What do you think of the way the tight end position has changed since you played?
I was 6’2″ and 255 pounds. I was an H-back, fullback type of player. I don’t see that role on many teams anymore. I was a dying breed with my body type when I played, so I guess I was fortunate to have had the time I did in the NFL.
I don’t watch football much anymore. Maybe if I’m hanging out with some friends we’ll watch, but I don’t make it a point to turn it on. If I have free time now I’d rather spend it with my kids or in a tree stand shooting deer.
Any advice you’d give guys trying to make it in the NFL today?
I’d just say the window of opportunity opens and closes quickly, so take advantage of every moment and chance you get. It can end quickly. Life is good in the NFL – to make it last you have to take advantage of every opportunity.
I look back at my 20 year-old self and think about the pain and surgeries I’ve had and it was all worth it. I’d do it all over again.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
