First, can you let me know about the Golden Charter Academy – how that got launched and why you pursued this venture?
Throughout my time playing with the Steelers I always had a drive – a commitment to come back to my hometown and help children who are growing up in this area. I wanted to create an opportunity to help children by using the anti-bullying and mentoring programs I started when I was in Pittsburgh.
I had a mentor who told me that one day I could create a school like this for children. I told him that I wanted it to be completely different if I did. I wanted them to have hands-on learning and to show them that they are leaders right now.
What enabled you to launch the program – how did you do it?
I stepped into my purpose there. It’s the first TK-eighth grade environmental stewardship program in the country – we have a partnership as well with the Fresno Chaffee Zoo and students learn at the zoo every week.
It all goes back to my work ethic. When I was with the Steelers I had a chip on any shoulder – I felt I had to show up on every play as an undrafted free agent. A lot of what I learned in the NFL translated to how I approached things now. I didn’t make the 53 as an undrafted free agent by going through the motions. I needed to have a chip on my shoulder to prove I belonged. I applied that work ethic to developing the school.
Did your NFL experience and networking help you?
I always did different camps while playing with the Steelers – mentoring and anti-bullying programs. I met a lot of people through those and had a lot of contacts from high school. One of the board members is my former high school English teacher. Another was my Freshman math teacher in high school, and another was my principal from elementary school. Another was a colleague from the University of Arizona.
What motivated you to this purpose? Why bullying?
In Southwest Fresno – it’s one of the roughest and most underserved areas in California. I was exposed to a lot – fortunately for me I had a mom and dad who helped me keep my head on straight. But there are a lot of kids who didn’t have that – kids with single parents or who don’t have role models to help them. I wanted to show those kids that the sky can be the limit for them. I was happy to be used to help children accomplish their goals for life. I wanted to give those children the experiences and exposure to things so they could be all they could be in life.
When I was in Pittsburgh I was adopted into their culture. The Rooney family and environment that Tomlin established – I was proud to identify myself as a Steeler. It was a blue collar organization and city – you roll your sleeves up and get the job done. I was proud to be a part of that and that instilled a lot in me. Those Tomlinisms – those words still hold value for my heart. I speak those words to my staff and kids, that all is possible.
Looking back at your time with the Steelers – what made you decide to sign with them as an undrafted free agent?
It’s funny – I got a call from Miami and New Orleans before the draft, but the Steelers never called me prior to the draft. But Kevin Colbert and Kevin Fisher – one of the Steelers scouts – they called me after and told me that with Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark and the other guys there that I’d have great mentors, and that if I was willing to come in and work I’d have a great chance to make the team. I knew it was the place for me for sure after that.
Why helped mentor you once you got there – what did they show you?
All of those guys were professionals. Ike, Troy, Ryan Clark, Ryan Mundy, Will Allen….they were all veterans who had been there and done that. It was less about them telling me what to do – it was more about them showing me. They were so professional – film study, working out, taking care of their bodies…you could see that. You see how they go about their job and mimic what they do. I just watched how they went about their business on a daily business and did that.
What memories stand out most of you of your time there?
Win, lose or draw, every Monday after a game we’d have a team meeting. That’s when I saw who Coach Tomlin was. Win or lose, he’d come into the meeting room and be the same guy. He was always the same every single day, no matter what. That spoke volumes to the organization and team – to be the same every day – to bring the same energy and mindset and not waver, That consistency is something I try to emulate today in what I do.
Also – I used to do the “What’s That?” talk show with Antonio Brown. That was always fun. I was the co-host with Antonio. Every time we interviewed James Harrison he’d take the microphone away and become the host. Around Christmas I was asking him questions and he took the microphone away from me.
What are you most proud of of that time in Pittsburgh?
I think being one of the youngest team captains in franchise history sticks out to me. That was one of the highlights for me – having the team vote me as a team captain. It happened during the team meeting – I was only in my second season there.
How hard was it to leave Pittsburgh for the Chiefs at the end of your career?
The transition was about me trying to find my true purpose in life. I was figuring it out – my purpose was tugging on me. When I went to Kansas City I just wasn’t there mentally. I asked Kansas City to let me go from my contract. Now I’m serving over 330 students with more on a waiting list. I’m living more now in my purpose. It was definitely a transition out of Pittsburgh but one I needed.
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