Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

Has it all sunk in yet – getting drafted and starting your NFL career? What have you been doing to get ready for the start of camp?

It’s still surreal – it hasn’t set in yet. I’m just ready to get going, Right now I’ve just been working out and staying in shape.

A lot has been made of you and your family being Cleveland fans growing  How tough was it being drafted by your division rival?

It wasn’t a big deal – it’s all good. I was always lowkey a fan of Pittsburgh a little bit too. I’d have fun playing them on Madden. I always knew they had a good culture.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Cornerback Justin Layne”

First, congratulations on signing with. Tell me why you decided to sign with the Steelers?

Well, it was really the opportunity to continue to play football!. I was down to go anywhere really, but what I liked about Pittsburgh was the history and tradition – stuff like that.

And I grew up looking up to Mike Tomlin – the things he’s done. Being a black head coach – that was a big thing for me. Playing for him – especially with him being a defensive guy – that’s big too. And I love James Harrison. I modeled my game after him and always wanted to play the position he played. This was the best opportunity for me. It’s an amazing time.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Outside Linebacker J.T. Jones”

First, can you talk a bit about why you signed with Pittsburgh – how did that occur?

Well, I was released by Atlanta after my last preseason game. I was training since then waiting for an opportunity. I went in to Pittsburgh for a workout in January and they signed me then. A scout did the first half of the workout and Tomlin the second half.

What have you been doing to get ready – and has anyone helped you over the offseason? What are your expectations for the season?

I’ve been working on learning the plays and system mostly. The coaches haven’t gotten into my role yet and what they expect from me. Everybody here has been helpful. From the kitchen staff and equipment guys to the coaches.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Defensive Back Marcelis Branch”

So – surprised to be drafted by Pittsburgh – or was it something you had an idea may happen?

I wasn’t too surprised – they had been contacting me throughout the process. Mr. Rooney actually reached out to me in January and told me he liked my film. I really appreciated  that, but I knew nothing was guaranteed. I had  no clue who would take me but I wasn’t surprised it was the Steelers.

What did they say when they called you – and who called you?

Coach Tomlin called. The first thing he said was “What’s up Dirty Terp? Are you ready to be a Pittsburgh Steeler?” It was crazy. I couldn’t believe it.Then he passed the phone around to the rest of the staff.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Lineman Derwin Gray”

First, let me know a bit about your post-playing career and what you did yourself after your playing days?

Well, I coached for 11 years! Two in New England, two in Atlanta, six in Tampa Bay and one in Detroit. After I was done coaching I came back to Florida and got remarried and worked in a golf shop for 15 years.

Orlando is a good place for that!

It is yes!

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Quarterback Bill Nelsen, 1963-1967”

First of all POST NFL VENTURES—When I decided to retire from the Steelers I had my own business selling deals all over the world—i.e. Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and many other interesting cities/countries. That company had increased my income by four or five times what the Steelers were paying me. Ray Mansfield, our center, came with me, making our speeches in all those cities—it was surprising how much laughter we got from people all over the world—not just here in Pittsburgh.

Those valuable trips were very exciting but I still loved the Steelers games. But my injuries from my 12 years in the NFL (i.e. broken fingers, thumbs, knee and hip, back problems, etc) – none of those injuries had kept me from playing, as I had never missed a game in high school, college, Army & NFL—lucky me. My decision to stop all those years of football had been announced in our Pittsburgh newspaper in 1977.

Continue reading “In His Own Words: Andy Russell”

You came to Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent last year – what made you choose Pittsburgh as a landing spot and what did they tell you when you got there about what it would take to make the roster?

Actually, I didn’t choose Pittsburgh. After the draft last year, I didn’t get signed. There was some talk with the Jets those two days after the draft but nothing came into fruition with them. I had invites to the Packers’ and Steelers’ rookie mini-camps. If I didn’t stick with Green Bay, then it was on to Pittsburgh, and after that (worse case scenario) I would either wait for a call and stay in shape, or move on to a new profession. I went to Green Bay for those four days for their rookie mini-camp, however they already had their set guys that they wanted and needed. I also had food poisoning the whole time there and I literally felt like I was going to die the night before

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Lineman RJ Prince”

First, I was sorry to hear about your being let go by the Raiders after being their Director of Player Personnel. Was that a surprise?

After they let go Reggie Mackenzie you had to assume it would be the case. I wasn’t caught off guard, that’s correct.

What are the next steps for you ?

Hopefully I can stay in the business. I’ll start reaching out to contacts – there are a lot of things going on. Hopefully I’ll still be associated with it. I’ve been doing this now for 26 years. It’ been a long time and I’m excited for the next chapter.

Any interest in the seemingly hundreds of new leagues now forming?

Ha! It’s not a knock on the AAF or XFL, but the NFL is the creme’ de la creme’. I started my career there and hopefully will stay in the NFL.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Wide Receive Joey Clinkscales, 1987-1988, PT Scout 90’s”