First, let me know what you got involved with after your time in the NFL?
After football I went home back to Bakersfield and worked in the oil refineries for 40 years. Coming back home – that’s where all the money was there – in oil. I went back there, raised Brock and Todd and applied to the oil business through some friends and made it.
Was the adjustment to life after football difficult at all for you?
Football was always the thing that I wanted to do. It was my greatest dream – from college to the pros – it was always my main goal to play football. I dropped out of college due to the draft so I only had my junior college credentials – but those helped me out.
But I was able to put football behind me. When I first went to Pittsburgh after the draft they sent me down to Wheeling to play for the Ohio Valley Ironmen to get some experience. They called me up to play afterwards and I played one year there before they let me go.
After that I played for the Indianapolis Capitals for a while but then decided to call it quits after my knee was busted up and I needed surgery. I knew football wasn’t for me anymore.
What was playing for the Ironmen like?
It was different. It was pro ball but less wide open. It was like a training field for the bigger league.
Bill Austin was the one who thought I should go- he was a great coach though. I enjoyed his terminology. We were rebuilding then but he did a great job I thought.
Were you surprised to be drafted by the Steelers?
I was surprised to be drafted at all. I had a good career at Wyoming but I didn’t think I could make it past that. I was surprised but happy. I didn’t have an agent – a Steelers official – I can’t; remember who – came down and signed me to a contract and I went to Latrobe after that.
Anyone take you under their wing and mentor you at all there?
When I got to Latrobe the guy that I really enjoyed being around was Roy Jefferson. He imparted a lot of knowledge to me – told me what I needed to do to make it- how to navigate the ups and downs of the game.
He showed me how to move off of the line. As a receiver – flanker – he taught me different things. He stressed that I had to come off of the line in different ways each time or else the corners would get to know you and once they do, it’s over for you!
Rocky Bleier also was an inspiration. I was a young kid – I was under-experienced then. Bakersfield was a small town then – it was scary to be far out East on my own. I went to school at Wyoming which was close to home. I didn’t know much at all about a steel town like Pittsburgh. But his experiences going to Vietnam – those were inspiring and helped me.
Lionel Taylor was also a great receivers coach – he was really good and taught me a lot.
Any fun experiences that stand out to you from our time there?
As a rookie we had to put on a show for the veterans. I sang in front of everyone and I think they enjoyed it – it was in the lunch room at Latrobe. We’d have to carry the vets’ shoulder pads and jerseys – I thought it was great. As Seniors we did that to the young guys in Wyoming and now here I was doing it.
Did you give Brock any advice on his career?
I saw Brock’s games at Nevada-Reno and went to most of his games when he was in Dallas and Miami. I didn’t go to any of his games when he was in Detroit – that was his last season.
I just told him to keep his mind clear and give it 110% every play. He wasn’t a big guy but he had a heart of a giant. I guess he listened to me – he gave it his all every play!
Do you watch the NFL today – what do you think of it?
It’s changing so much. I get that they are tying to make it safer – which is good. But it’s different from what I like. I know it’s in the interest of the game.
Me – I had my teeth knocked out of me versus Cleveland. I was a wedge-buster then – they don’t even allow that now!
Wait- you were a wide receiver – how were you a wedge-buster?
As a youngster they want to find out what kind of heart you have! You’re free meat so they get to tee off on you!
I was never hit so hard in my life. I broke my teeth. But hey, at least I got it replaced!
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