Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First, congratulations on signing with the XFL – what drove the decision to sign there?

Well, we were going back and forth for quite a while – it was just a matter of time really. We just got to a place where both sides got together. It was something I wanted to do – to get back to playing again.

Do you know how the XFL rules differ from the NFL?  I spoke with Jonathan Hayes who told me about having a specific ref for ball placement to speed up the game. Any others?

Oh yeah I didn’t know that – that would be cool – that’s a good idea. I think they allow you to throw the ball behind the line and throw it forward again. I don’t think it’d anything drastically different. I’m just looking forward to playing again . I’ve been a backup for six years and didn’t see the field a whole bunch. That’s part of the gig I know but I want to play.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Quarterback Landry Jones, 2013-2017”

First, tell me how the B3 Foundation you launched  got started and what it does?

It’s a non-profit that works out of three locations – Takoma, Washington, Los Angeles, and Guam. Those are the three locations that I’ve lived and grown up in – including Guam – I’m the first Chamorro ever to be drafted.

I’m trying to give back to inner city youth – taking care of them. In fact we just passed out 150 backpacks in Takoma for kids. There are so many issues there with gang violence where I grew up – there and in Guam as well, where I’m working on getting an entire fifth grade class there backpacks as well.

I’ve spoken to over 40 different schools and we’ve now raised over $30,000. It’s been awesome and I want to grow it and help even more.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Lineman Zach Banner”

First, what’s the focus for you this offseason – anything specific you’re working on?

For me, it’s the mental aspect of the game. I think I missed too many plays last year and gave up too many big plays because I was thinking too much on the field. I just need to slow down and digest things more. I’m going to watch a lot of film this offseason and see and learn from the mistakes I made last year and from the plays I missed.

What made you decide to sign with Pittsburgh in 2016 as an undrafted fee agent? And how has being an undrafted free agent helped to motivate you?

They gave me the opportunity. They had me go up against their top guys – AB and JuJu – and let me show them what I was capable of. And I ran with the opportunity, They gave me that opportunity to prove myself and I feel like that’s what I needed.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Cornerback Mike Hilton”

First, tell me a bit about the free agency process. Why choose Pittsburgh over other interested teams? Any players help influence you?

Well, the process was pretty smooth. A couple of teams were interested – the Bills, Texans, Denver – the Chiefs were in the mix, and the Jets too. The Steelers came in late actually. The Steelers I think knew me well. We played against them in some big matchups, including the playoffs. It’s cool they came through.

There were a lot of factors that came into me choosing to sign with Pittsburgh.  It’s a great football atmosphere and they’ve won a lot of championships. It’s a great opportunity for a guy like myself to go from a good organization to a great organization.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Cornerback Steven Nelson”

First – congratulations – a lot of stuff happening! Tell me first how the son of a football coach gets drafted round one in the NBA?!

Well, it’s the dream of a lot of kids whether it’s athletics, music – to achieve a goal and dream like he has. It’s been a really great experience for the entire family and to share in the fun with him. He’s been a great role model for his younger siblings.

My wife was an All-American basketball player – a hell of a player – and she coached him and helped instill in him the fundamentals and foundation to succeed.

From there, the rest of it was hard work and perseverance. I’m not sure how many know his story but he wasn’t highly ranked going into his college class from high school. His first year he played AU basketball and got some experience and things started to line up for him. He played versus Zion in a tournament and blocked a few shots and pinned one of his shots against the backboard. After that tournament he got a lot of offers, and after a few more tournaments he got a lot more offers.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Jonathan Hayes, Former Steelers Tight End 1994-1996, and Current XFL Head Coach/GM”

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”