First, can you let me know how you got into coaching as a second career?
It wasn’t my first choice actually. After Pittsburgh, I played in Canada for a short while then left Canada in 2000. I was part of the XFL’s first season in 2001, but my knee was still hurting from my injury in Pittsburgh – I had to give up playing. I couldn’t even finish my time in the XFL.
After that I got into private enterprise with some buddies – we started a graphic design business and I did that for a couple of years. Around 2013 I started coaching for a private school in Dallas – a prominent school – St. Marks. That’s when I found my calling – I realized this is what I was supposed to be doing.
After that I became a head coach for a six-man team in Dallas. Six-man leagues are a big thing here – it’s a big phenomenon. After that I went back into the private school ranks in Austin. I also worked as a teacher’s assistant – you had to teach to be able to coach in Dallas. So I got my undergrad degree and later got my Masters and have been coaching since.
Any coaching lessons and coaches help influence you the most?
I think I learned something from every coach I played for. I played at the highest level and when you play at that level you soak up that knowledge. The language you learn at that level about the game is something you look to teach back at the high school level.
David Culley in Pittsburgh and Cleve Bryant at Texas – I watched their style and approach and learned from them. Obviously you learn about techniques and those things – that goes without saying. But the way they handled the 23-to-27 year-olds – it was completely different from some of the other coaches I played for. They were on guys less – they were more laid back. They treated players like men – with respect. They still managed to get their points across but with quieter voices. They didn’t have to yell or scream at players. That’s how I work with the players I coach, and it’s worked for them. But to each his own…
Looking back on the draft, were you surprised to get drafted by the Steelers in ’97?
I had no idea the Steelers were interested in me or would draft me. Going into the draft I think four teams were most interested in me – Tampa Bay, Washington, the Chiefs and one other team. I never even met with the Steelers at the combine.
I thought I’d get drafted day one, but I slid into day two. Pittsburgh was one of my favorite teams growing up – they were such a big franchise. Many people in Dallas hated Pittsburgh of course – they beat them in two Super Bowls. But I was happy to be drafted by them,
Coach Gailey called me when I was drafted – he told me that he knew I was disappointed in not getting drafted sooner, but that now it didn’t matter because in Pittsburgh everyone got the same chance to make the team, no matter how they got there.
Anyone help take you under their wing as a rookie?
It’s funny, me, Will Blackwell, George Jones, Rod Manuel, Chad Scott – a lot of the young guys all bonded. We all lived on the North Side – that was on the advice of the vets who told us to live close by so you don’t get lost in the city.
Kordell and Kirkland were mentors to us. They showed us how to be pros. How to prepare. Bettis and I used to slapbox each other. Charles Johnson helped as well – I played against him in college.
They all taught me how to be a pro. The city was great too. Living on the North Side – the fans would come at me sometimes for my Texas accent, but they were great. They welcomed us with open arms and it was great living close to the fans there and getting to know them.
What do you think helped you to make the team that season?
I knew I could play. It was frustrating at first getting there and seeing they had 10-to-15 receivers that you had to share reps with. You wondered when you’d get your shot.
I knew I was good though – I broke some records at Texas for a reason. I just needed an opportunity to shine. Our third preseason game versus Detroit I got the chance to make some plays – I had a big touchdown and another big gain on a slant. I think it confirmed for them what I could do. That helped me make the team. I felt like I was going to make the team, but when I learned I had it was a great feeling.
Any memories stand out most to you of your time there?
One vivid memory that stays with me was playing against Dallas in Pittsburgh. This was when they had won the Super Bowl – they had so many fans at the hotel in Pittsburgh. There were more Dallas fans than Steelers fans. It struck me then how popular Dallas was then.
And seeing Deion Sanders on the field. Me and George Jones were fast – I ran a 4.3 at Texas. George and I were running, getting ready before the game and Deion, he just ran right past us. I think he was backpeddling. He just said “Have a good game boys.” and went by us. George and I just laughed – our mouths dropped. I’ll never forget that.
And just the family atmosphere of the locker room. All the guys were laid back. It was a first-class organization.
What happened after that season – I know you got injured?
We were playing the Colts and I got hurt on a kickoff return. I think we lost two other receivers that game – Blackwell and Johnson.
I didn’t know at the time I tore my ACL. It was the third quarter and after it happened I went back to the sideline and they tested it out and it seemed ok enough. With your adrenaline going you just don’t feel anything. So I went out there again and ran a pattern – my body went one way and my knee another. I still stayed in the game but could only run vertical patterns after that. I probably damaged it even more playing on it like that.
A couple of days later I found out that my ACL was actually torn.
The next season when I was released, the injury never came up. I heard it through my agent. They told him they had to pursue other positions to fill and that they may possibly bring me back later. That’s just the business side of things – it happens to a lot of players. I had good representation from my agent and he just helped steer my in a good direction.
You still watch the NFL today – any thoughts on the changes?
I still watch yes. I’m happy that they are protecting the wide receiver more from hits to the head. I got slobberknockered by Anthony Dorsett Jr. once. It’s a violent game – we had Kirkland and Jerome who were big guys then and guys are bigger now.
I have two boys and I wonder if I want them to play. I think about that a lot. I was in the same locker room as Justin Strelczyk. He was just a fun, nice guy then and I watched Concussion and think about that. It worries me. There’s a lot of damage the game has done to a lot of guys.
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