First, can you let readers know what you’re doing with yourself since your time in the NFL and how you got started doing so?

I am currently in a sales and marketing position for a global endoscopy medical device company called Karl Storz. I have been doing this for over a year and half and got started doing this just by being recommended for the job and following up on it.

How hard was the post-NFL adjustment for you and how did you prepare for it?

The post NFL adjustment for me wasn’t too tough at all. I always knew football would end some day and I made many of my choices through out life based on that. This was a huge reason I choice CAL for college and I always took education seriously.

In 2008, you signed on with the Steelers as a free agent. Why Pittsburgh? What did they say to you that sold you on the team and city?

Why not Pittsburgh!? They are with out a doubt one of the best organizations in the NFL today and always have been. Coach Tomlin was a pleasure to play for and having guys in the locker room you grew up watching lead by example made it easy to come to work everyday and give it my best shot. As a free agent you’re lucky to get any opportunity and Pittsburgh didn’t have to sell me on anything because it’s a team I always supported and wanted to play for.

Who helped mentor you as a young player – both on and off the field? And how so?

I had many mentors on and off the field. My father, teammates, and coaches. They always pushed to me to be my best and helped me work on my weaknesses. They Also made sure I made all the write decisions on and off the field.

It was a young offensive line then – how much did that factor in to the effectiveness of the line and it’s success? And how so?

Yes it was a young offensive line at the time but it was a bunch of guys eager to learn and ready to get after it. With out a doubt one of the best offensive lines I have been around. Pouncey, Foster, and Decastro were all great in taking me in and teaching me everything I needed to know. Offensive line is a position that takes everyone working together to be successful. I think this offensive line with Bell, Williams, and Big Ben in the backfield has the potential to be legendary.

How important was versatility to you as a player and how did that help you in gaining a practice squad spot?

Versatility is huge as a free agent. Most likely you are probably not brought in to be a starter and if you are not a starter you need to set yourself apart from the rest of the guys by being able to back up multiple positions . It definitely helped me that is as able to play on each side of the line and play center as well.

What are some of the funnier memories you have of your time there – in the locker room, on the field…?

Practice was always fun. So much energy and the guys were always just having a good time. From the equipment staff to the players and coaches everyone enjoyed being there and that was always nice.

2012 was the first season since 2009 that the team didn’t make the playoffs? What happened and how did the team handle that adversity?

I honestly think during that time period there were a lot of new players playing for the organization as some of the older players were transitioning out. I think it was a great year to learn and get a taste of the NFL as a younger team. I think through injuries and all the Steelers have been through, they have handled the adversity really well and have a great team that can compete with any team any given Sunday.

How did you handle life on the bubble – knowing you were not always safe to stay on the team?

It was really tough but I always just kept the attitude that I would give it my best shot and whatever happened happened because of God’s will and it was meant to work out that way. I fully believe that Everything happens the way it’s suppose to happen! I am thankful and blessed for the short stent I played in the NFL .

What do you think of the way the game has changed now?

Though I think it takes away from the game of football I understand the changes and think it can make a difference positively with the health of the players.

Any last thoughts for readers?

None . Being able to say I played for the Steelers is awesome and I am so thankful and blessed I got the opportunity ! It’s a great city with the best fans and it’s a great organization.

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