First, let me know about your post-NFL career and how you got started?
Well as you know, coming up with an athletic background from a young age, you fall into that athletic identity. I did that myself – you attach your identity to the sport. I leaned on that for stability – that was my safe haven. It carried me through high school, Penn State, Oklahoma and through to the Steelers.
I remember – my second year I was training with Antonio Brown and we were at his house. His chef prepared us dinner and we were talking, when out of nowhere he asked me “Justin, who are you?” It caught me off guard. I told him I was a football player. He said “No you’re not – you’re more than that. Don’t let the game do that to you.”
What did you think about that?
I didn’t think about it much at the time to be honest. My second year though, I was released by the Bills after I found out I was playing with a broken foot. They put me on IR for the year. When I was rehabbing, I was going to work out for the Texans when I hurt my quad and was out again – so that was now two years I was out of football.
I went to Toronto and played for the CFL there but in camp I tore my psoas – which is the muscle that connects your groin to your abdomen. So, now I’m out three seasons with no film on me.
That’s when I started thinking back on that conversation with AB. I was depressed and had anxiety. I could barely walk up the stairs. Who was I now? I had to go through my own journey and go back to a life without a real identity. The game was taken away from me by things out of my control.
So what did you do then?
I had to redefine who I was. I rekindled my relationship with God – meditated, read a lot, did a lot of self-help. I went back home and was given a chance to be an assistant coach at a high school there and that gave me the chance to be a sub teacher as well. I saw the struggles there with the kids in the Wilmington community – drugs, violence, gangs… Many had little hope that they could make it out – they didn’t believe they could.
I saw a need there for them to have a role model who did make it out. To show that if they stick to a plan they came make it. So I started a practice to help give kids tangible, step-by-step processes they can follow for understanding who they are and what they can do outside of sports. You have to find your real identity, Sports are just a vehicle to that next checkpoint.
Value Solutions is the business I started and we speak to students and coaches, mentor them to help prepare them for that transition when it comes to post-sports life. I try to pour into them my experiences and plan. I feel like I’m now in the second quarter of my life.
What was the draft process like for you that got this all started?
It was a unique process.. I wasn’t invited to the combine so I just met with Pittsburgh at my pro day, then they flew me in for an interview at their facility. I met with Coach Tomlin, Todd Haley and one of the Rooneys. They asked me whey I transferred to Oklahoma and we talked football and about who I was outside of football, which at the time was probably pretty boring since my life was all about football then.
During the draft I was at my apartment in Philly – it was the third day of the draft – the day I figured I’d either be taken or get ready to sign as an undrafted free agent. I got a phone call first from the Steelers asking if Dallas drafted me yet – I told them no. Then Dallas called and said they wanted to sign me as a free agent – then Pittsburgh called me again and asked if Dallas took me. When I said no, they said good, they were about to draft me then.
Soon after Tomlin called me and congratulated me. I saw my name come up on the TV and my phone started blowing up with calls from family and friends. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
Did anyone take you under their wing when you get to Pittsburgh?
Cotchery – he was a savvy vet. Just watching him and learning from him and asking him questions was a big help. AB and Sanders too. Just watching how everyone prepared was a huge help. They were all open and welcoming. J-Cho was the biggest help only because he was the oldest one in the room – just watching the way he carried himself.
Any memories stand out most to you of your time there?
The rookie dinner – having to pay for the biggest meal tab of my life! But we had such great conversations – about politics, religion,….usually we just get the chance to talk about football, so it was great having those conversations and hearing about their views. Before it was mostly just football-related. It was a very expensive night but a great night!
And every day, just walking into the locker room. Troy’s locker was two lockers down – Porter came back as a coach then, Harrison…. And being near Burress who I watched growing up as well and sharing a film room with him. It was a great experience.
What happened in regards to being released – how did that transpire?
Well Bell got hurt, and they had to bring in Tate. When you’re the 52nd or 53rd guy on the roster, when injuries happen and you’re on the fringe of the team, you often get released. They said they wanted to bring me back after the season, but then Buffalo picked me up on waivers. It was good to be wanted.
Thinking back – do you remember the feeling getting out on the field during regular season game for the fist time?
I remember my first start versus Cleveland and seeing their helmets and taking those first snaps. Thinking this was real – that my dream had come true. There are no words for it. Imagine your biggest goal in your life and it coming true – that’s the feeling.
It was a major blessing. It wasn’t an extremely long 10-year career, but I am thankful for my pathway. I think about some of the guys I played with in college and high school – some who were better than me – who didn’t get the opportunity I did. I am grateful for the experiences and chance to play at that level.
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