First, can you tell me a bit about the Skyline Mansion and how you got involved with it?
Oh man. I’m kind of doing an historical lesson with the Mansion. It was in 1920 – the house was owned by one of the original owners and political figures in Tulsa then. He and the Mansion are significant because a lot of the Tulsa racial riots and Tulsa Race Massacre were initiated by the owner. He was one of the head people who enforced the violence on the people of Greenwood and the Black community there. It was the home of the Ku Klux Klan.
Now, the fact it’s owned by a Black man is something special. I’m able to spread the history of what happened here to the people of Tulsa. To change the narrative and let everyone know the history here. And to change what the future will be like. It’s big in that aspect.
What prompted you to take this on?
It’s what I wanted since I was a kid. I lived close to the neighborhood and drove by it. Everyone knew the house was different. It was the biggest home in the neighborhood and had a big plaque on it. It was somewhat of the boogeyman house. It was weird to be in it at first but now it’s exciting to help teach this part of Oklahoma and U.S. history.
There’s a website to give more history on when I purchased the house and what I have done with it. People can rent it out and learn its history. I want people to know the history behind it. There’s an energy that’s a bit creepy – that killers and racists who had walked through this house who were proud of themselves. Now I want to create a different vibe and own the narrative here.
Looking at your football career, who were some of the people that helped mentor you as a man and player?
I had a lot of friends and family that influenced me. I had good friends that showed me the way they handled their business. Being mentors. A lot of guys here in Tulsa – I surrounded myself with guys who got degrees in their respective fields and I picked their brains. They helped me to overcome obstacles in life and to position myself so I understood things that I heard in meetings and knew how to ask the right questions.
My big brothers and dad – they kept me humble. They helped show that things were not always as bad – or as good – as they looked.
Like Cowher used to say “Don’t get too low with the lows and too high with the highs?”
Exactly! I’m grateful and blessed to have had those people in my life.
What helped you to succeed when you got to the NFL?
I understood the work and dedication and commitment it took. I was able to get around good people who were excellent at preparing and conditioning – that helped me to understand how to do that – that you couldn’t take days off.
Marion Barber was a big help in showing me how to prepare and in keeping that edge on. He was a tough guy. The whole running back room in Dallas was helpful. Tashard Choice – he was a burst of energy. There was never a sad day around him. They helped show me that there were a bunch of players out there who wanted to be in my position so I had to work hard every day to keep it.
How did you find yourself in Pittsburgh after Dallas and Philadelphia?
I was traded to Pittsburgh from Philadelphia. It was almost God-sent that it happened and I got to play for them. I loved playing in such an enjoyable tradition and history – it was just about getting the job done. That Steel Curtain defense I watched growing up… It was a fun experience going to them.
Why did they trade for you, do you think?
I guess with Le’Veon hurt – they were looking for a back who could come in and play. I was that guy for them. Coach Tomlin asked me when they talked to me if I was ready to play. We had a game the day after I got there. When I got there they had me learn a few plays from Coach Kirby right away to see what I could do the next day when we played.
How did the Steelers differ from other teams you played for?
The organization had such a great tradition. It was all about putting on your pads and getting to work. Same as the Cowboys really. Both had strong traditions in their areas. It was fun, but maybe the biggest difference was that Pittsburgh was much colder! It was definitely a climate change! It was a mind game dealing with that but it was fun.
I tried to explore the city a bit but I wasn’t a big explorer really. I lived close to the stadium and could feel the energy of the city.
The gatherings they had in Pittsburgh – just seeing how the team interacted with one another and hung out with one another was great. Seeing their kids all together….many of the guys had played together for 10 or more years.
The season didn’t go as well as we wanted. We had to depend on another team to win to make the playoffs and that didn’t happen. We shouldn’t have put ourselves in that position though. But being around those players and their families was great.
Did you bond with any of the guys in Pittsburgh?
I was closest with the guys in the running back room – that’s who I worked with every day. We hung out every so often. I hung out with Le’Veon and Isaac Redman – those two guys. But I didn’t hang out much. After practice a lot of the guys went home to their families. I’d hang out with Jarvis Jones a bit too. But I mostly tried to keep myself in a good position.
Oh and LaMarr Woodley – he brought me in and showed me around. He was the leader-type and I hung out with him occasionally too.
Do you keep in touch with the two teams now?
I haven’t really, no. I do stay in touch with some of my old friends like McFadden. But as you say those are the two teams I pay attention to now and am curious to see what they bring at the quarterback position.
Playing with legendary guys like Polamalu and other guys on the team – AB too – I’m just excited to have had those experiences.
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