First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing since you’ve retired from the NFL and how you got started in these new ventures?

After my NFL career was over, I was not sure what I was going to do. I wanted to coach in the NFL or college, but those opportunities are tough to get. My first job after I retired was in real estate. I got my Real Estate License and went to work. Second, I started working with troubled teens at a school in Arizona called, Sun Valley. Third, I started a small company called ProDay Training Camp, which is where a lot of my time is spent today. We work with kids and adults promoting health and fitness. We provide workouts, leagues, and camps for kids.

How hard was it for you to adjust to life post professional football?

It was a very tough adjustment not being in the NFL. I don’t think most professional athletes are prepared for becoming a normal working citizen in society. It’s tough going from being a professional athlete, with celebrity status one day, to having that title taken from you.

Another reality check is the money you no longer will be making. I think many players leave the game with a good amount of money in their bank accounts, but what you do with it is key, because it spends quickly if you do not have a job right after your NFL career is over. After your NFL career is over your career and tax bracket change, but your bills don’t.

How did your time in the NFL help you get started in these new ventures?

My time in the NFL helped me get started, because I had enough money to sit back and evaluate what I wanted to do with my life. Also, being an athlete, especially a professional athlete, it teaches you what it takes to be successful. Being an athlete gave me strength and toughness to deal with adversity. The NFL and all of my previous years in sports better prepared me for life. I’m thankful for  that.

You were drafted by the Steelers in ’95 – at the time they had Perry, Lake, Flowers, Bell all there at safety as well. How frustrating was it for you knowing you had so many other guys you had to fight for playing time – and even a roster spot – with?

It was great being drafted by the Steelers, because they are one of the best teams in the the NFL to play for. With that being said, it was tough being drafted by a team that already had a solid secondary. I took it as a compliment though, because they must have seen something in me that they thought would fit their team and tradition of tough and athletic players. It was great playing with all of those guys. I learned a lot from each one of them.

Who helped mentor you most as a young player – and how did they do so? Any examples?

Honestly, when I came in as a rookie in ’95 there wasn’t much mentoring going on. That was the year Pittsburgh was expected to go to the Super Bowl and that that was the goal. As a rookie we followed their lead., there was not a lot of mentoring going on in my opinion, but there were high expectations. I would watch a lot of what Rod Woodson and Carnell Lake did. They were the type of players that did a lot of extra work after practice. I thought that was a good example of working hard. That showed me what it took to be a champion.

What were some of the biggest lessons those veteran players taught you?

The biggest lesson I learned was work ethic. Again, a lot of those guys worked really hard. For example, after two a day practices in Latrobe, PA, the veteran players would be extremely tired, but they would stay after practice and run hills. That showed me what it took to be successful.

What was your biggest adjustment to the NFL?

My biggest adjustment to the NFL was the total speed of the game. Everyone in the league is big, fast, and strong! I would also say the amount of games played, with the preseason was a tough adjustment too.

You ended up in Arizona your rookie season. How did that happen? 

That year I made the final roster for the Steelers. I was ready to play, but I knew it would be tough, because of the veteran players in the secondary. I actually thought I was going to get an opportunity to play, because Rod Woodson tore his ACL early in the season against the Detroit Lions. Coach Cowher told me to be ready to play. I thought I was going to be starting or at least playing in the Dime defense, but they decided to bring in a veteran player instead. At that time, Coach Cowher told me they were going to put me on the practice roster. When that happens, they have to put you on waivers. When I was put on waivers, I was claimed by the Arizona Cardinals that same day.

What were the differences between those two teams from your perspective?

Arizona and Pittsburgh were two totally different teams. It was a big adjustment. I left Pittsburgh in October for Arizona. It was 30 degrees in Pittsburgh and 100 degrees in Arizona! Let’s just say that first week of practice was tough. I had to drink a lot of fluids.

The franchises were different, but I was still thankful for the opportunity. Pittsburgh was known for going to the playoffs and playing for Super Bowls and Arizona was trying to get where they were.

You were a pretty big guy for a safety – at 6’2″. How did this help – and hinder you – as a safety?

My size was a tremendous asset. I had all the tools, because I could run like a corner and hit like a safety. I played safety in college at Indiana University, but a lot of the NFL scouts thought I should play corner, but some thought I should play safety. So, my size and athleticism kind of hurt at that time, because I ended up being a guy where some coaches weren’t sure what position suited me best. In Pittsburgh, I played all over the defense. I played corner, safety, nickel corner, and dime linebacker. I had a lot of studying to do in the Steelers complex defensive system.

You ended up returning as a free agent to Pittsburgh in 1998. What made you decide to return to the Steelers, and how?

It wasn’t a difficult decision. Pittsburgh was always a team I wanted to play for. I was already familiar with their system, so I thought it would be a great fit for me. My mother said I told her as a child that I would play for the Steelers. I guess I was right about that.

How much did humor play a part on those Steelers teams, and how so?

Humor was a big part of those teams. You need that in the locker room. It’s a part of being a team.

Can you give a couple of examples of some funny things that occurred, on or off the field?

I’m not sure if this is funny or not, but it is, if you have a tasteless sense of humor. My rookie year, we were about to have a practice at Three Rivers Stadium. I had a brand new pair of Nike turf shoes on. Greg Lloyd comes up to me chewing his tobacco and says, “Hey rook! I like those shoes. They new?” I said, “yeah, I have a Nike contract. They just sent them to me.” Then, he spit on them and walked off! I was like, “What just happened….?”

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

I like some of the changes they have made, but like many others, I don’t like some of them.

For example, I think it’s good that they are taking players out the game after a concussion, because it is a very serious issue with football. It’s important to have player safety first. That being said, I do not like the rule on lowering the strike zone on players. Every player in football on any level, would rather be hit up high, than down low. When you hit players down low, it can possibly end careers by injuring knees and legs relatively easy. I think it would be a better game if they let players continue to hit up high. It would be better for the league, players, and fans. If a player gets a concussion, they may miss the rest of a game or the next, but if they get a broken leg or torn ACL/MCL, they are out for the year.

I’m not saying injuries don’t happen in the league, but lowering the strike zone will only bring about a higher percentage of injuries in the league. Also, they protect the quarterbacks from being hit low, why not protect the rest of the players a little more, also? As a former player I would have much rather wanted to take a helmet to helmet, rather than a helmet to the knee. Defensive players do not have to hit a defenseless receiver with their helmet, a forearm would work just find also. I’m just saying let them hit up high.

What advice would you give to players today entering the sport?

I would say respect the game. Be thankful for having the opportunity to play in the NFL. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity that millions of people would love to have. I would also tell them to be frugal with their money. Those NFL checks don’t keep coming after retirement.

Who were some of the toughest guys you faced then, both in practice and on game days – and what made them so?

I would have to say Jerome Bettis was one of the toughest players I faced in practice. He was built like a bowling ball! He was tough to tackle! I remember when coach Cowher would call for full-go goal line! It was offense against defense and you could hear those pads popping! You knew they were gonna give it to ‘The Bus’ and there was nothing you could do about it!

Any last thoughts for readers?

I am thankful for my time in Pittsburgh. It was a great time in my life. The fans and people were great! The organization was the best that I played for. I really enjoyed my time there. Much love!

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