First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing since your time in the NFL?
Currently I’m working at a company that makes calibration testing systems here in Baton Rouge. We work on equipment and accessories in industrial and electrical industries. We have eight locations – we’re a pretty large international company.
I work in the rental division and make sure the materials we work on are updated and in the system for lab technicians and customers to see.
How hard was the post-NFL adjustment for you?
After my career ended, it was somewhat of a bitter moment. I didn’t have the long tenure in football like I planned on having.
So, it was quite an adjustment. It was a different lifestyle – facing the reality that my football days were over wasn’t easy. I started playing football when I was in fourth grade. Not being able to play any more – that was hard to take.
What happened?
I was injured, but it was also a numbers game. I just didn’t perform to the level I was capable of playing at, and they released me.
You were actually drafted by the Bengals in 1985 – how did you end up in Pittsburgh that season?
I was released by Cincinnati after I was drafted and Pittsburgh called me in. They had some injuries and needed someone to come in and play. Pittsburgh looked at me when I was in college but they drafted Hobley out of LSU. I guess that didn’t work out so they brought me in.
Anyone help take you under their wing when you go there?
Woodruff stands out – he helped me a lot. Rick Woods worked with me too – he and Eric Williams both showed me the ropes as well. And Donnie Shell. They all welcomed me with open arms and helped me to learn the system. What the expectations were for me. Tony Dungy too – he taught me how to play smart and aggressive but not too aggressive. He was a big mentor for me as well.
Tell us more about Donnie and what he was like to play with?
Donnie was so positively upbeat. He was so aggressive and always liked to taunt offenses. In practice and games he’d get into the linemen’s heads – and he always got worked up when the defense made a big play. You never wondered where he was on the field!
Any memories stand out most to you of your time in Pittsburgh?
It was really all about the comradery – it was a great time. There were always jokes- not huge ones – just small ones on each other. Donnie, Abercrombie – they were behind a lot of those. It was just a positive locker room environment.
One of my best memories was recovering a fumble in a game versus the Giants. I played on special teams mostly but I was a backup safety too and that always stands out to me.
Those years were when a lot of the veterans were leaving/retiring and new guys were coming in. How hard was that adjustment for the coaches?
It was an adjustment – the coaches were used to those older guys. But they adjusted to those young players well – they kept the chemistry and all the guys still played hard and good, technical football.
What happened to you in ’86 that caused you to skip a season?
I tore my ACL in practice that season and was on IR. The team was very supportive during my rehab though. They were very encouraging.
After the ’87 season though you were released – what did the coaches say to you?
We had a decent season but every team’s goal is to make the playoffs and we felt short of that goal. After the season they released me. I felt down and disappointed of course. But they were encouraging to me and told me to stay ready – that they may bring me back later. No one wants to be released, but they did it in the most comfortable way possible.
You were also drafted by the LA Express of the USFL – were you interested in the USFL as well?
What was weird was that they drafted me, but as I recall I barely had any communication with them. I never went to Los Angeles and barely had contact with them after I was drafted.
It was weird. I didn’t go out there and they never called me to discuss a contract or coming out. I think that was when they may have been getting ready to fold as a league.
Do you watch the NFL now – any thoughts on the game today?
I’m an LSU fan and like watching college football more now. When it gets closer to the playoffs I develop more of an interest in the NFL.
I watch the players more from a former player point of view, instead of as a fan. I analyze them more as a former player – what I’d do instead.
Today’s game – it’s not the same as when I was playing. The rule changes – it doesn’t seem as aggressive. Back then we played reckless – we’d hit each other. Now they are more concerned about injuries and the safety of the players. I understand that, But you can’t tackle with the same aggressiveness any more – the game has changed a lot that way.
Any last thoughts for fans?
I enjoyed my time in Pittsburgh. I was raised in the South and that was my first time being in the Northeast. It was a big culture change but I loved the city.
The autograph sessions – doing charity work. The people there are such huge fans of the team. I never saw anything like it. There was so much love and appreciation for the team It made me feel right at home.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
