First, can you let me know what you’ve been up to since your time in the NFL?
I’ve been working all over the country and world doing off-shore oil and gas drilling. Since I left Pittsburgh I’ve been all over the world – Africa, Korea….that’s what I’ve been into now – for over 16 years.
I’m sure you’ve seen some amazing things – anything stand out?
I’ve seen all kinds of stuff. You learn about the different cultures and things you’re not accustomed to, but you have to adapt to their culture. You’re visiting their home. But you learn a lot.
Was the post-football adjustment difficult?
Mentally it was difficult but you can’t let it get you too far down. There’s no shame in getting knocked down, just in not getting back up again.
Stepping back a bit. Can you walk us though how you ended up in Pittsburgh in 2004?
Before I signed with Pittsburgh I signed a free agent contract with Tampa Bay. They released me though, then I signed with Minnesota and then Arizona, where I played in a couple of preseason games. That was all within one year. Then after that I was signed by Pittsburgh who put me on their practice squad.
Any of those guys in Pittsburgh take you under their wing?
The whole team was filled with great guys. Hines, Nate and me came in at the same time, Randle El, Mays, Plaxico – and Ben and me came in the same class too. We all gelled. All the veterans helped us and gave us great advice. They led by example.
Anything stand out most to you?
Most of the things were the same – to keep working hard. That you had to go through things to succeed, but to never give up. It’s not going to be easy and it may take longer, but to not give up.
What did the coaches say to you in Pittsburgh?
Bruce Arians was the wide receivers coach then and he told me that it would be harder for me as an undrafted free agent versus a draft pick they invested more in. You just get less opportunities as a free agent. But they gave me stories about other undrafted free agents that made it in the NFL. They tried to keep you positive. They told me I could get called up at any time, so I needed to be sure I was ready.
As a practice squad player, what were some of the matchups that you remember?
Ike, Deshea, Troy,…there was such a heavy dose of competition every time we practiced. It was all about making them better and them making you better. They were all tough – it was a strong competition every day.
How did some of those veteran players lead through example?
We all used to hang out. Jerome even – we just all enjoyed the unity of the team. We were all together and all had each other’s back. I liked that a lot – it wasn’t like that in a lot of other places.
Jerome and Porter were always positive and encouraged you in different situations. They let you know to never stop working and were there to help.
Porter used to take me to places after practice. He didn’t really even know me – he was a California guy and I was from Mississippi. It was cool that a veteran stand-out guy like that would help me and show me the ropes. I don’t know why he chose me – maybe he saw something in me I don’t know. Maybe because I’m a humble, laid-back guy….maybe that caught his attention.
What happened after that 2004 season?
After the season I went to NFL Europe and played for Germany and led the league in receptions. But there was so much competition in Pittsburgh when I got back – I was the last person cut in 2005. Then they went to the Super Bowl.
How frustrating was that for you?
I was rooting for them still. I’m a Steelers fan still to this day. I have a ton of Steelers apparel in my house and watch them when I can. I think I’ll try and catch a few games this year.
I’m from the South – Pittsburgh was a different place for me. But I adapted to it well. The fans there welcomed me. I would live there if I had the opportunity. I liked it there – it wasn’t too big or too small and everyone was together there. It was a fun city and the fans were phenomenal. They really support their sports teams.
Do you like the way the game has changed? Wish you were born 20 years later as a receiver?
I can definitely say the game has changed. On the positive side it’s all to help the players – for safety reasons. I watch the games though and get aggravated at the new rules. I know it’s a new era and new society and things change – you have to adapt. But some of it just irritates me at times. I definitely would have had more penalties now with these new rules.
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