First, can you let readers know what you are doing with yourself since you’ve retired from the NFL, and how you got started doing so?

I currently work as the Sales Representative for Stryker Endoscopy in the D.C/Northern Virginia area.  Stryker Endoscopy specializes in Minimally Invasive Surgery and supports all surgical specialties.  Orthopedic Sports Medicine is one of the specialties I serve most, and I find it incredibly interesting and fulfilling having been a recipient of an ACL reconstruction myself early in my high school career.   (Thank you Dr. Chris Kaeding!)

How did the NFL help you prepare for post-NFL life, and how hard of an adjustment was that for you?

I think the NFL helped me prepare by learning to become more independent.

You were pretty much of a local guy – grew up in Ohio and went to school at WVU. How exciting was it for you to be picked up by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent, and how helpful was it having another former WVU safety in Mike Logan there in camp?

It was definitely the most exciting team I could have hoped to join.  Both of my parents were born and raised in Steubenville, OH so they were both very big Steelers fans, and I think it was a proud moment for them when I became a member of the team.   For me personally, I think knowing that my parents followed and cheered for the Steelers long before I was even born, and then their son was now wearing the jersey, made me the most proud of the opportunity to be a part of and serve the organization.

Having Mike Logan there was a tremendous help and comfort for me, as well.   I didn’t know Mike very well at all before I came to Pittsburgh, but I can honestly say (and I know there are thousands of people that have had the privilege to know him) that he is one of the best people I’ve had the opportunity to be around.   He provided a great deal of mentorship on what it took to be a professional, and I was always thankful for that.

What are your impressions now of the WVU program – excited about it’s direction?

I am excited about the direction at WVU.   I am actually really excited to be in the Big 12.   I think it brings some new match-ups and is building some new rivalries that gives WVU the opportunities we want to go out and earn now a playoff spot and potential National Championship.   Starting at the beginning of every year we control our own destiny to do just that, and it’s hard to ask for anything more.

What was your biggest adjustment to the NFL and who helped you most to try to make that adjustment – both on and off the field?

My biggest adjustment to the NFL on the field for me was the speed of the game and how well everyone executed as a unit, and without error.  I can remember during my rookie minicamp perusing the play at just about top speed and looking next to me to see Casey Hampton running right along with me.  I had the opportunity to play alongside some of the most gifted athletes in the world for two and a half years.   The entire Defensive Back group helped me and each other every day.   Mike Logan, who’s already been mentioned. Troy, of course.  Ryan Clark is one of the best men I’ve ever met and was instrumental in helping me both on and off the field.   He was an undrafted free agent, as well, and he has obviously been one of the most successful Safeties in the league over the past 10 years or more.

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

To be honest, when I was in the locker room I felt like it was a bunch of kids hanging out and having a good time.  There was obviously time to be serious, but there was no shortage of light heartedness.   Couple of my favorites is when the DB’s would all try and jump Casey Hampton, literally one person on each limb and I remember Ike Taylor on his back trying to grab him around the neck or something, and I swear Hamp could have been sitting playing video games and not known the difference he was that strong.   Not one of us could really move him.   There was never a shortage of Jokes when Joey Porter was around, either.   He’s maybe one of the funniest guys I’ve met.

You made the team a practice squad player in 2006. How difficult was it for you living like “on the bubble”, and why after that season did you decide to leave the game?

I did think it was somewhat difficult being “on the bubble”, but for me it was more because I felt/knew I was good enough to play and play well in the NFL, I just didn’t happen to be better than the guys in front of me on the Steelers, haha.   During the years I was there we were literally the best defense in the league in just about every category that mattered.   I couldn’t have been happier to be a part of the team and am thankful for every second I spent with the organization and my teammates.

I decided to leave the game because there came a point where I was ready to move on and begin a professional career in something other than football.   I feel incredibly grateful for my parents and the way they helped guide my efforts not only in athletics but academics.  Even though football has always been my passion, I was prepared for the reality that I wasn’t going to play a long and lucrative NFL career and retire financially set at age 35.  I couldn’t be happier with the career I’ve begun at Stryker and being able to be a part of a company and industry that can help care for and change people’s lives like it has mine through my surgeries.  It is very rewarding to be a member of a new team with Stryker and our partners in healthcare.

Who were some of the toughest guys you lined up against – in practice and on game days – and what made them so?

I think the toughest guys I lined up against were definitely in practice.   Hines Ward, and even on my side of the ball, James Harrison to name two obvious candidates!   Toughness is obviously physical, but once you get to the NFL I think its clear everyone has physical toughness.   I just think those guys and others on the team were just mentally tougher.  To me, work ethic, training, and then being fearless with the effort you’re willing to exert despite possible consequence make someone mentally tough.  That’s about right for those two and a lot of others.

What are your thoughts on the way the game has changed today – do you still watch the NFL?

I think the changes to the game from a rules standpoint are rooted in good intentions, but nothing is ever perfect.

I actually watch more NFL since playing then I ever did before I made it there.   I always watched more college football growing up and through my college career.   After being a part of it, and feeling firsthand the significant difference in the level of play in every aspect of the game, I can’t get over the amount of respect I have for the NFL and the players and coaches that make it.  And let’s get serious, NFL play-off football is ridiculous!   Love it!

What advice would you give players entering the game today?

I would just tell them not to take anything for granted.   Know that there is always something you could be doing to make yourself better.   Your body is 100% of your business, and it needs to be cared for with purpose.   Learn from and respect your veterans, its irreplaceable the knowledge they can pass down.

Any last thoughts for readers?

Yeah somebody in Pittsburgh and/or WV start a petition to bring back the BACKYARD BRAWL!!   What in the world on that?!

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