First off, can you let us know what you’ve been up to since playing football?
I’m working for the government now – it was a calling I had – something I wanted to do since I was in college. That was my plan before the NFL became an option. I just happened to get a surprise last-second invite to the combine and football then became something I just wanted to pursue and give a chance.
I’m working as a special agent for the Secret Service. Working at the federal versus local level lets me have a bigger effect – to have an impact on the bigger picture too. I had some good mentors and made sure all of my ducks were in a row to make this happen.
Why was the combine invite a surprise?
It was a surprise based off of the issues I had with my head coach at the time. My head coach and I didn’t see eye-to-eye – he didn’t like that I pledged a fraternity. He thought it would be a distraction. So after that I didn’t play for the first two years. By the third season though he needed me to play – we didn’t agree with one another but we did what we had to do to help the team.
I played well the last two years but my numbers didn’t really stack up to the other guys in college. But, I think my return skills and yards per catch numbers helped me to get that late invite.
What do you think caught teams’ eyes at the combine?
I think my special teams play and them just learning my character and ability to pick apart defenses and find soft spots in zones. I think they appreciated that. They knew I was physical and could block well, but I think they learned there that I was a smart player as well.
Did the Steelers show interest then?
I got lots of calls from teams after the combine and I spoke to a lot of them at my pro day. A lot of teams wanted more information on me. Jacksonville showed the most interest, but Kansas City, Arizona, the Raiders did as well – and Dallas did later on too. But Pittsburgh didn’t really show much interest then.
How did you end up in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh came out of nowhere, really. Jacksonville released me again and at that time I didn’t understand how not to take being cut personally. Jacksonville cut me four times and I told my agent at that point that I wanted out. That I wouldn’t go back to Jacksonville.
That’s when Pittsburgh called – they wanted to sign me immediately – they didn’t even ask to work me out. I was on the active roster for a few games in Jacksonville and I think they saw enough of my play on special teams and my route-running that they felt comfortable having me come in. At that time we had some unstable quarterback play in Jacksonville too so I think they realized that..
What do you remember most about that time in Pittsburgh?
It was a great place to play. Tomlin was a Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity brother as well. I had a lot of respect for him and the city. The city rocks with the team – I appreciated how loyal the fans were.
In fact a good story – when I first went to Mike Tomlin’s office to thank him for bringing me in, he shook my hand and gave me the fraternity handshake. I said to him “Oh – you know?” He told me that “Oh I know everyone on my team!” That was cool to me – he did his homework on me. I didn’t tell him I was in the fraternity – there’s was no way he would have known that without doing his home work on me. That shows you what kind of coach he is.
Anyone take you under their wing there a bit?
Antonio Brown and Mike Wallace were cool guys. Hines Ward though – he wouldn’t talk to me. He said he didn’t talk to guys unless they were there for a while first. He started speaking to me after a time but I wouldn’t speak to him after that. We’re adults – I didn’t have any respect for that kind of thing.
Troy Polamalu- he was a good guy. He was an animal on the field but so nice off of it. Mike and Antonio invited me out with them – and Troy was that guy in the locker room who if you needed anything was there for you. He was one guy I was really starstruck to meet.
I remember James Harrison drove me home once – it was a very quiet ride! He didn’t say anything and I didn’t know if I should say anything or not! He was a good guy – just his presence was so intimidating.
Anything fun or memorable stand out in terms of those guys?
I know I wanted to stay – but being cut gets to you. I realized later it’s just part of the game but I took it personal then. Now I’m happy – I’m in a stable job and those worries are behind me.
I do remember the receiver room – it was hilarious. Just so many characters – even Jerricho Cotchery was funny, in his silent way.
There was just a good vibe there. It was the first time in the NFL that I felt like it was more structured – that there was a purpose to what we were doing and that everyone were real professionals. I felt that dynamic – we didn’t do crazy things in practice – they were veteran players that knew how to win. I felt that later in Kansas City – you can tell when the culture is a winning culture and everyone is there to win.
What did they tell you when they let you go?
After six weeks Emmanuel Sanders came back from injury. I was working with the scout team then when he came back and they needed to make room on the roster so they released me.
The grim reaper came – that’s that they call the guys who come get you to tell you you’ve been cut. You come off the practice field and they come and tell you to bring your playbook.
They told me to go hide in my room for the day because they wanted to re-sign me, but again I took it personal. I called my agent and told him I didn’t want to go back. After that I signed with Kansas City and was there for a couple of years before signing with Dallas.
I was cut over 20 times over my four-year career. It’s the same everywhere you go – just a different person! It’s funny now but it wasn’t at the time.
So the lack of stability is why you stopped playing football?
That’s now why I enjoy the job security I have, yes. Not having to worry about my job tomorrow. It got to the point where I just needed that security and safety net. I see a number of my former teammates who are thriving outside of football. Not everyone can play long enough and earn enough to not have to work again. I just figured I’d speed up the process and be the owner of my own fate instead of having someone else decide it for me and my family.
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