Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First, tell me a bit why you chose Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent destination?

Well, I guess they were one of the only options to be honest. After the draft I wasn’t signed by anyone. I had tryout invites by Pittsburgh and the Giants a week before Pittsburgh’s.  I did both – I really went to New York’s just to see what it was like before I went to Pittsburgh’s. I knew New York just drafted Daniel Jones and all. So I figured Pittsburgh had the best chance for me. I told myself to Pittsburgh was the best opportunity and to make the most of it.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Quarterback Devlin Hodges”

First – a lot of things going on – let me know what you’re still involved with these days?

Well, several things. The biggest part of my life is still with my construction company – I’m a general contractor and the majority of my time is still spent there. And I’m still on the speaking circuit – that takes up some of my time. There’s always something going on there. And my book is back to it’s second printing of 10,000 – so we’re celebrating that as well with various promotions.

And you have a special even soon at the Heinz Center correct?

Yes – July 8th at the Heinz Museum Vietnam Veterans Exhibit we’ll have a meet and greet and Q&A with me, Jon Kolb and John  Banaszak ,who many don’t know both also served in Vietnam. Larry Richards will be MC’ing and Dick Hughes will also be there – he is a friend of mine who was against the war and was in Vietnam taking care of orphaned children. Ben Stahl will also be there – he is a former Navy guy and Gulf War veteran who is now the program director for the Veterans Leadership Program taking care of Vietnam vets.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Running Back Rocky Bleier”

First, how has the offseason and OTA’s gone for you post-injury?

The off-season has gone well. I’m pretty excited to be back to football activities. I’m honestly still in shape even after a year off, believe it or not,  and working with one good leg. I’m trusting my leg again and feeling good.

Anything specific you’re working on to claim that right tackle spot?

Honestly, I’m just keeping on doing what I’ve been doing since I got to the point that I started there. I haven’t had the best of luck with injuries but I’m good now. I know my work ethic is good and I’m excited to compete again for the starting job.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Lineman Jerald Hawkins”

First, can you let us know what you’ve been doing with yourself since your NFL days?

Well, I retired from my day-to-day job recently. I don’t go to work any more.  When I left football I went into the business world in Pittsburgh but the decline of the steel industry hurt. I then went into the finance and investment and private equity business and real estate as well. When I look back and see my history, I worked for about six or seven companies and it was quite an experience. I was able to pay the bills and retire, so I’m very happy with it.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers S Mike Wagner, 1971-1980”

First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing with yourself since your time in the NFL?

I’m working for a non-profit – the Family Research Council. It’s based in Washington, DC but I work and live in my hometown of Holland, Michigan. Im the Senior Director of Development, which in the corporate world would mean the manager of sales, but in the non-profit world it means doing the nasty work like fundraising.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Tight End Jay Riemersma, 2003-2004”

First, has it all sunk in yet?

I’m sure it will in a little bit when I get there and start practicing. It’s a new opportunity for me – a new path – and I’m ready for it.

Were you aware the Steelers had interest in you before they drafted you?

My agent talked with them t be honest – I know they liked me from what he told me but he was the one talking to them. The only time I talked with anyone from the Steelers organization was at the Senior Bowl – and I talked to everybody there from the head coach to the GM. I spoke to the whole operating staff. You know what they say – it’s like speed-dating. You go around and meet all of the teams.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Linebacker Sutton Smith”

First, how did the Rosie Nix Foundation start – what made you decide to launch that this year.?

Well, I started it officially this year. I’ve been putting on camps for the past two years – this will be our third year. I always tried to give back – I felt the need to do that. I understand the need people have for that kind of help and support.

I really felt it was ready to go this year and be official. The sponsors wanted to be able to help out more and told us we should go bigger. So we went legal – started up the 5013C. Like I said we’ve been putting on the camp already for a couple of years so we filed the paperwork and are ready to go.

It’s Columbus-based – it’s an opportunity for me to give back and use this platform to show why it’s important to give back to people.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Fullback Rosie Nix”

First, congratulations on the new role with the Steelers. How did you get started as the Steelers new Youth Football Coordinator?

Well, it kinda fell into my lap. You realize sometimes that things are often about timing. The position opened up at the same time that my PR internship wrapped up with the Steelers. I had a good reputation in the organization and had ben there for over five years.

My first three years I was actually working on the youth camps and marketing, then worked in PR after I was recommended for the internship. When I started working there I just wanted to take off and succeed in the organization.

Now as the Youth Program Coordinator it’s a perfect match. I played at Woodland Hills and college at Tiffin University. I’m actually just wrapping up playing for the West Virginia Roughriders team. This isn’t just a job for me. It’s a passion – an ideal position for me.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Youth Coordinator Joe Lofton”

First – how’s it going so far – how has the adjustment been going?

It’s been pretty easy so far. The main thing is the speed of the game – everyone is bigger, stronger, and faster. The  biggest difference is that the long snappers – they are so much more accurate. There’s no casual stray snap like you find sometimes in college.

The guys -= Chris, Jordan – they’ve been really helpful. in me getting acclimated to the level.

How much do you appreciate a guy like Jordan helping you out even as you compete for his job? 

I really appreciate it. Jordan’s been great – he’s really helped show me how to be a professional player – what to expect at the pro level. He’s helped me understand what Danny Smith wants in certain situations and what happens on the field. He’s been a true professional.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Punter Ian Berryman”