First off, what are you up to now since your football days?
I run a gym here in my hometown and am a sports performance coach. I work with kids, adults and teams who want help.
I learned from a lot of my coaches about hard work and dedication to the craft. That was the biggest thing for me – I was a good player but I didn’t understand how important that side of things was when you got to the NFL. In college it was line up, beat your man and make a play. In the NFL you had to know what the linebacker, safety, other defensive linemen all were doing. I try to instill that in the kids I work with now – put the time in and go get it.
Were you aware as a college player that the Steelers had interest in you?
I felt I had a shot to get drafted in college. I had a friend who played in the NFL and told me that if I kept doing what I was doing I’d get a shot to continue playing.
I knew the Steelers had interest when they brought me in for a top 20 visit. I got my physical and met with the team. Coach Mitchell sat me down and had me draw up the schemes we ran at Memphis – what I did in certain situations and why.
They asked me if football was what I really wanted to do, which I appreciated. It makes you look at yourself and really be sure it’s what you wanted.
Did any of the guys there help you out once they drafted you – how so?
Kimo Von Oelhoffen – I held him in high regard. He was a veteran player – Aaron Smith too. Brett Keisel was there a year before me. They all took me under their wing and showed me how to be a pro and helped me gain confidence.
Kimo took the time after practice to work with me. He could have gone right home but he stayed and showed me things like how to use throw my hips when I’m getting blocked and dealing with double-teams.
Any on-field moments stand out for you?
When we played Washington. I remember being tired and tapping my helmet wanting to come out and the coaches saying “No. Stay out there!” I made a play on a screen pass – I was behind the lead blocker and was able to jump over him to make the tackle. The guys showed me some love for that one and Coach Mitchell and LeBeau called that out on film the next day.
My first preseason game – another screen play – I made a tackle at the one-yard line. It wasn’t a big play – just a hustle play. I could have not gotten there and let then score. But LeBeau called that on as well in meetings.
The intensity in practice there – nobody was afraid to work. Wednesdays were the big pays for the practice squad players – those were the days where we knew it was our job to get guys ready and they were ok with how hard we worked.
What was it like working with Coach Mitchell and Coach LeBeau?
Coach Mitchell was tough. I got a lot of assurances from the vets that Coach Mitchell wouldn’t have been on me so much if he didn’t love me. But as a young player, getting criticized every play – you get in your feelings and start doubting yourself. Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton, Kendrick Clancy – they told me not to let it get to me. Kendrick told me he went through the same thing as a second-round pick.
Coach LeBeau – he’d always say “What’s up Memphis?” He knew who you were – they both did. They acknowledged you and never blew smoke at you. They told you the truth but they respected you.
Any fun moments that stand out to you off the field?
Us all going to the Outback Steakhouse together – bringing our families and getting treated like part of the team.
And the Steelers basketball league. I played basketball my whole life. Coach Mitchell would yell at me that I was supposed to be this big-time basketball player and that I should stop rushing the passer and play basketball. To bring those basketball skills to the field. I’d think about that – about thinking of it as being on the top of the key and using a basketball move to get to the quarterback.
Who were the good players in the league then?
Ike Taylor and Chris Hoke were good – Keisel too. He could play. Max Starks broke a backboard one game at a local school.
Those are the things fans don’t get to see – how much fun we have together as a team.
What happened in 2005 that made you go to Minnesota?
Cedric Wilson got hurt and they had to make room to bring another receiver in, so they released me. They told me to stick around a week and they’d probably being me back – but who knew for sure? Minnesota called me that week and asked me to come in for a workout. I did and they signed me that day. I could have waited for the Steelers to bring me back and have my career progress there, but who knows if that would have happened? I went where the opportunity was.
You ended up playing in the CFL for a stretch – what was that experience like for you?
At first I was bitter – I was in Seattle for 10 weeks then was released and sat out for half a season before the Titan signed me to a futures contract. That didn’t work out so I went and played for Edmonton. My dream was the NFL – that happened for me to an extent but not as much as I wanted. I reached the goal but I wanted to advance more than I did. So Canada was a bitter experience at first. I didn’t take the time to enjoy the scenery or the opportunity at first.
But the game was more care-free. It’s taken seriously don’t get me wrong – it’s professional football. But the pressure is less – it’s less stressful. It’s not like the NFL where every Wednesday where they bring five-to-10 guys in and you see the scout that scouted you and your position coach working guys out to see if they can replace you.
It’s still hard for Americans though to go to the CFL. You have a taste for the NFL and not reaching what you envisioned is tough.
What advice would you give guys trying to make it as a professional football player?
Stick to the course. If playing professional ball is what you really want, there are a lot of leagues to play in – the NFL, UFL, CFL…. Don’t get caught up in the comparisons. If you love it do it and make it your jump-start to the next thing. Don’t get caught up in the girls, cars and jewelry. You can be successful – it’s just not for the weak-minded for a journeyman type of player. A lot of flights and tryouts and proving yourself every week. If you love it it’s worth it – just don’t let your identity get tied to the profession.