First can you tell me how you got into your firefighting career – how you got started and why?
I’m the captain from my department here in L.A. – I’ve been here now for 15 years and have been moving my way up the ranks. I’m the captain for Station 22 currently.
I got involved starting in Canada when I played there in Calgary. Football became political – I started not to like it – it became more of a business. I went to Canada to work my way back into the NFL, but I broke my ankle. I started brainstorming on what I wanted to do next. I explored my options and thought a lot about what’s next in life.
I met a firefighter in Canada who was from L.A. – he was visiting a friend of his on the team. We are hanging out at a club and I started talking to him about what he did for a living. I was interested and in the offseason when I went back to L.A. I started working to prepare for life after football as a firefighter. I took classes and took care of all of the prerequisites so I could become a firefighter. I did all I could to prepare to win at life after football.
How did football help to prepare you for the work?
Football teaches some of the same things – discipline, dealing with the ups and downs, teamwork… Like firefighting football is team-oriented – it all depends on the other person doing their job. It’s all about the team – no one is more important than another. You also have to be adaptable to all situations and be prepared for unexpected situations in both football and firefighting.
I’m not a behind-a-desk type of person. The excitement is also an attraction. Medical calls, car accidents… no matter what it is, if we get the call we’re coming. If they call, we come!
Stepping back, how did you end up in Pittsburgh in 2000?
I was with the Saints when I was picked up by Pittsburgh. I was drafted by Buffalo and was there for two years when I was let go. The Saints picked me up and put me on the practice squad. I was there for two weeks when the Steelers picked me up off the practice squad.
I think they needed depth at wide receiver. I played Pittsburgh in the preseason when I was with Buffalo and had a pretty good game. I guess they liked me. They called and put me on the active roster. It was a no-brainer.
Anyone help welcome you to the team – and how?
There were very good people there. Will Blackwell and I were close. Jerome Bettis was the first person I met at the facility. He was right there when I went in. He introduced himself to me – “I’m J.B.” he said. I introduced myself and he told me if there was anything I needed to let him know. I mean, I knew who he was of course. But the way he introduced himself showed his character and personality.
The player personnel guys also helped me – set me up with a furnished apartment. It was all cool. It was fast but a great experience there. My career didn’t go as I liked but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. That’s the NFL…
Any fun memories of your time there?
I met some good people. Cory Geason – he and I hung out. I did with Troy Edwards too. Cory was a big cat. He dominated at the line of scrimmage. Well I just remember the crazy breakfast he had every morning. A big-ass bowl of grits every morning. I asked him if that’s what it took to get that big! But every morning – a huge bowl – not just some big bowl. It was huge!
Any other memories stand out?
It was all a blur – it happened so quick. It was a competitive organization and who could ask for more than to play for a coach like Cowher. He held everyone accountable. He was high intensity. I appreciated the opportunity they gave me.
What happened after that season?
When you’re time is up, you’re either here or you’re not. They are always trying to replace you – you can’t take it personally. You just have to work your ass off and do what you can do. The best man wins sometimes, but sometimes it’s about the money they make and whether they were drafted by the team. Are you one of their guys? It’s not always about the best 11 – its about other things too. Things have to fall into place sometimes.
Do you watch football today?
I watch football now yeah. I watch the Steelers when I can. For a couple of years I couldn’t watch football. It was disheartening. I felt like I still should be playing and was bitter at first. But I gradually got into it again.
When you play, you’re the CEO of your own business. When you’re playing, you’re playing for other teams in the league too. You never know who’s watching you – and someone is watching you.
It was definitely a good experience. The opportunity to play and go through Pittsburgh and learn from the players and coaches – it helped me to be where I am today, leading other people in a different arena.
When you run a play in football, you’re dissecting the defense and the situation. You decide what to run and what to do accordingly. The same with what I do today. If it’s a structure fire, wild land fire, vehicle, apartment, house… you have to dissect the situation and adapt, just like you do in football.
Any scary moments?
A bunch of them yes. All types of things happen. We almost lost three firefighters recently when they got the elevator doors opened and smoke rushed in and engulfed them. You never want anything bad to happen to anyone. But things are always happening. You just have to learn from the mistakes. We all make them. I tell people now – never get too high or too low. Something will always humble you. You just have to pray and take care of yourself.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
