First off, what’s post-NFL life been like for you?
I’m a full-time dad now. It’s been crazy – when I left the league I had my first son – in 2023. Then we had twins a year later! I need extra arms – it’s been buy.
Were the twins a surprise?
They were! My wife’s family had twins two or three generations ago so it got us! For a few months we had three kids under two – now they are all catching up to each other physically and are daredevils. It’s been a fun time – I’ve enjoyed getting close to my wife and being with my family.
How hard was the transition to post-NFL life for you?
It wasn’t that hard. It’s tricky though knowing you still go it. I’m still physically in great shape. But it’s blessing that I’ve been so involved in the daily lives if my family that I don’t dwell on it.
Mentally, I struggled at first but I’m over it now. I can relax now and enjoy the fruits of my labor and sit back and enjoy it all. So it’s sort of a yes and no on the difficulty of the adjustment. It just sucks because I’m still strong and fast and can play, but I’m blessed with three beautiful boys. I’m thankful for the game.
Were you surprised the Steelers drafted you? Happy to go there?
I was most definitely happy. My father was a huge Mike Tomlin fan. I was surprised they drafted me. I visited with a lot of teams and was always the only defensive back at the time. But with the Steelers I was one of seven defensive backs. They took the economy route! I didn’t have that one-on-one experience like I had with other teams. They asked us all the same things – about how fast we can retain the playbook and break down film.
How did you find out you were drafted?
On draft night I got the call around 2:00 – I was at a restaurant surrounded by my agent, friends and family. They flew me out the next day and I met with Artie Burns and Javon Hargrave there.
The rookies all got along well. Javon is still a close friend – I just had dinner with him. I roomed with Artie as a rookie then with Javon after that.
Who took you under their wing when you got there and how so?
The vets were great. Willie Gay and Mike Mitchell were very helpful – a big shout-out to them. Arthur Moats and Ramon Foster were great too.
They taught me to do my best every play, but to be plus-plus. To do my job first, but then figure out what else I could do. Can I support other guys and cover someone else if I see the quarterback looking a certain way? Can I bait the quarterback? Can I go cover the flat if I see the quarterback looking that way? It all comes with experience and knowing the playbook. I tried to get those plus plays in.
Your versatility seemed to tempt the team to use you in many ways early on – did that make it harder to adjust to the playbook and your role or easier?
I think it was both. If I was solely played at safety I would have made less mistakes early on, but in the long run it gave me a better understanding of the defense. I learned quickly what everyone was doing on defense and offense by having those different roles. My first game I started as the nickel. I loved the fact the team wasn’t afraid to trust me to handle it. It brought out the best in me. I learned to anticipate more and play faster. They wanted that versatility and I was blessed that I could do that.
What are your best/most poignant memories of your time there?
My first game, playing in my hometown versus Washington. That was amazing. The next one that stands out was being in Lambeau Field. Being in such an historic stadium was amazing – the grass was beautiful!
The next season when we played Buffalo in that blizzard… I never played in weather like that before. They were bringing out the snowblowers during TV timeouts. It was crazy. It was like when I played Madden Football back in the day using the All-Snow mode.
And the crowds – they were electric at home games. Seeing those Terrible Towels at away games too – they were crazy, supportive fans.
The team chemistry we had – I still have so many close friends from that time. Bud Dupree, Pharoah Brown, Anthony Chickillo, Rosy Nix….We didn’t really do pranks – we just kept it chill and relaxed.
How hard was it leaving in 2020 and what prompted that?
It stung me, leaving. I was in the fourth year of my contract and got hurt. I tore my labrum and when I was a rookie – back then they had me play through it. When I tore it this time they didn’t want me to play through it – I told them I’d play with a shoulder harness like I did as a rookie but this time they said “No” – they wanted me to just sit on the sideline and rehab. It made no sense to me – I was angry – I think they felt like they could pay me less later on that way. I didn’t want to have surgery until after the season but I told them I that would rather have the surgery now if they didn’t want let me play so it could heal properly and faster.
But you seemed to get over it as you returned a year later?
I was angry at first – but that wasn’t good for me. They didn’t want to pay me after that season so I got a good contract from Washington and went to play there. But that was the Covid season and we couldn’t practice together. Being new, they decided to stick with their own guys who knew the system. It was tough to go back but it was another season of playing.
Did Mike Tomlin’s connection to the Maryland area sell you as well on playing for the Steelers?
I actually didn’t know about his connection until later, after I got to know him. His brother sent his kids to Bishop-McNamara High School. It made me feel good though to see so many Maryland guys on the team.
Thinking on your experience in the NFL, what advice would you give to guys following in your footsteps?
I’d say a few things. First off, keep football first and set boundaries. People come out of the woodwork and you’ll find fake friends. Don’t be afraid to hurt some feelings if you need to or find someone who can speak to people for you. You have to stay mentally focused and don’t get complacent.
Also – have fun too, which sounds contradictory. You’re in the top one-percent – enjoy it. There are people watching you – have fun with it. That’s one thing I wish I did more of.
You feel like you left more play on the table?
I’m upset that people aren’t able to study me more – I wish I had more film out there. I was supposed to and that is frustrating for me. Not in a bad way towards the teams – it’s just frustrating not having the longevity I thought I would have.
What do you think was behind that?
I think the injury my contract year hurt – and the timing of Covid after – its affect on my career. Those are things I can’t control. I did my best and outproduced most guys when I was playing, but it was just some bad timing. The good thing is my son was born just s I was done. I handled my business – it is what it is.