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 I retired, I started working at a Steel Heat Treating Plant doing Maintenance/ Repair. The bills don’t stop when you retire and they were hiring.  I continued working there for two years.  I was then able to find an entry level Mechanical Engineering Position at Exel North America in Plymouth, MI.  I have been here for almost three years now and have steadily been promoted and enjoy the problem solving opportunities it brings.

 

How hard was it for you to adjust to life post professional football, and how did your time in the NFL help you to do so?

It is tough hanging up the cleats for the last time, knowing that you were part of something special and unique that you will never be part of again.  But, the thing that the NFL and football in general taught me that helped… you have to get up and move on to the next play.  You can’t feel sorry for yourself or dwell on the previous “play,” learn from it, move on and get the job done.  I do still find that I am very competitive… I ran a 50 Mile Ultra-Marathon this past September to win a bet with my sister. I didn’t set any blazing records at 6’6’’, 320 lbs, but I did finish in 13 hours and 8 minutes.  I won the bet…

You signed with the Steelers in 2007 as a free agent. What made you choose Pittsburgh, especially when they had such a deep offensive line at the time? 

I was happy that they chose me and gave me the chance to represent them!  It was a great privilege to play for the Steelers, with their rich tradition. Pittsburgh is an awesome sports town.  There was never a lack of support and enthusiasm.  I loved the people and the food, I still tell stories.

Who helped you to adjust to life  as a Steeler – both on and off the field – and how did they do so? Any examples?

In general, the offensive line as a unit.  This group of guys is a fun loving, hard-working group who want to get the job done and done well.  They would offer tips and advice because we were all part of the same team.  I must also give a big thanks to Jim Sweeney.  He worked with me after hours to help with my Center technique.

How close were the offensive linemen at the time -what did they do to bond?

The offensive line was a close knit group.  We would meet at a couple local restaurants for dinner, go to concerts and even join in on some on-line gaming action.

2007 was also Mike Tomlin’s first season as the Steelers’ head coach. How did you see the team adjusting to his style – what did he change most and how did the players adjust? 

With 2007 being his and my first year, I cannot speak for what he changed most, but what I did see was everyone working together as a team.  Everyone had an attitude that they didn’t want anyone to be left behind, we are all in “it” together.

How much did humor play a part on that Steelers team, and how so? Can you give a couple of examples of some funny things that occurred, on or off the field? 

Humor plays a big part.  Playing on a professional sports team can be stressful at times, so anytime you can add humor, it is welcome.  The one thing that is always good for a laugh is the guy who trips over the line. I think everyone has been there who has played.  This is the guy who you see on the practice tape who all of a sudden, just falls flat on his face or butt.  You have to have a good sense of humor, because there will be sound effects, comments and the play will be rewound again and again highlighting the “painted line” that gotcha.

What was life like on the practice squad for you – what were your day-to-day responsibilities – and how stressful was it for you being “on the bubble”? 

The day-to-day was busy… you wake up, work out, meet, walk thru, eat, meet, practice, meet, eat and go to bed and wake up to do it all over again.  Being on the bubble is tough, but you can’t get wrapped up in it.  You have to be at your best every play and you can’t do that by worrying about if it will be your last. How many people would give everything just to be able spend one day in that position? A lot…

You played for seven teams across two professional football leagues over your career. Do you think fans appreciate and understand the struggles most players go through to make a living playing pro football? 

I hope the fans appreciate it and I believe they do. Not everyone in the league makes millions or has guaranteed money. As I said, the bills don’t stop when you are released from a team.  It is nerve-racking waiting for the next call to tryout.  Even though it stings when you get released from a team and are left with an empty feeling, you were still able to be one of the few that actually got the chance to play in the NFL.  On the flip side, the excitement that is felt when you get another shot is tremendous. It is a roller coaster ride, there are up’s and down’s.  It gets even tougher when you have a family, because they are not just your struggles anymore, they become your wife’s and kid’s struggles also.

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

The same that was given to me… “Take nothing for granted, you are not guaranteed another play.”

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

Seeing how I am an offensive guy, I say any restriction you put on the defense is welcome… Seriously though, there is a heavy emphasis put on player safety and this is a very “loaded” topic with many points of view.  To an extent, if you play football, you have to accept that you may get hurt, it is a tough sport and that is part of the draw. It makes people go crazy after a big hit or a physical play.  I have had my fair share of injuries and I can say that no expense is spared when it comes to the medical treatment of players.  Injuries will happen in a contact sport, you cannot prevent them all and to even try will begin to take away from why the sport is great.  I am glad I am not in charge of deciphering where the line is drawn.

Any last thoughts for readers? 

I just want to reiterate how great it was to be part of the Pittsburg Steelers.  You, the fans, are phenomenal!  The support you give all your sports teams is not taken for granted and I want to thank you for the opportunity to also represent your city as a Steeler.

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