Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First, can you tell us how the new website (WilliamsonFootball.com) is doing and what inspired you to launch it?

I was working for the Browns Ben’s rookie season – the year we drafted Winslow Jr. and Braylon Edwards. That was my first year in the league. Before that I spent the prior four years as a recruiter and scout for Pitt and Akron.

Well after the first year we all got let go in Cleveland. Dennis Green’s son Jeremy was the founder of Scouts Inc. and he brought me in. They did the insider NFL content for ESPN. I stayed there for ten years and got hooked on the media side. With young kids at home I could work from home – I didn’t have to worry about spending a hundred hours in an office. But ESPN let a lot of people go and I was one of those let go in the first wave. I bounced around – I wrote for over fifteen sites over the past three years. The I decided to launch my own site. It’s only been up for three months or so but it’s going well. I get to write what I want.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Matt Williamson of WilliamsonFootball.com”

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

Well, I just had my fifth child a couple of weeks ago so that’s basically been what I’ve been doing the past couple of weeks.

I’m living in Texas with my wife and kids. She’s from Houston so we’ve been living here since I retired in 2012 and taking care of the kids!

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker James Farrior, 2002-2011”

First, can you let me know a little nit about what you’ve been doing since your time in the NFL?

Once I was done with the NFL I dedicated my life to being a single dad. After I retired I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to take time with her. In April I just got married. Family is very important to me…I have an eight-year old daughter and now a sixteen year-old stepdaughter.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Center Justin Hartwig, 2008-2009”

First, before we get started, tell me how the Steelers are coping dealing with the major distractions of Antonio Brown, Ben Roethlisberger, and Le’Veon Bell not being there so far?

Ha. Well, I don’t want to say that the players don’t care, but the extent that it matters is very overstated. I did write a short while ago that Pouncey, who has the respect of his team, said he wants this team to be ready and expects the absences won’t matter much. I mean, Landry Jones’ cadence is different. The ball comes out differently – with less zip normally And it does lower the quality of the reps the defense faces.

But with guys like Antonio not being here – and Ben. You just saw McGee and Hawkins go down with horrific injuries and you start to understand why they don’t want to show up when there’s no obligation to.

Continue reading “Exclusive with PennLive Steelers Reporter Jacob Klinger on OTAs and more”

First, can you tell us a bit about coaching – why you decided to become a coach and what excites you about coaching?

I think it’s teaching – helping young people reach their goals and creating goals for them to reach. That’s always the most important part. I have lots to give young people with my years of experience. That’s why I went back to U Mass. I knew I could affect more people there.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers QB Coach Mark Whipple, 2004-2006”

First, tell me a bit about what’s next for you after mini-camp?

I’m just trying to stay in shape and staying prepared for an opportunity. I felt good at Steelers camp. There was great competition there and now I’m just waiting for a call. I don’t have other teams calling yet but my agent is talking to teams and I feel good – he said he’ll be getting back to me with opportunities soon. Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Camp Tryout S Colin Boit”

First, let us know how it went for you in camp?

I enjoyed it. I think it went really good.  I flew around the field and had a good camp. It was just great to be a part of it – to be in Pittsburgh and get this opportunity. I was glad I got to experience it and got a lot out of it.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Camp Tryout Safety Jeremy Taylor”

First, I know it’s been crazy  – a whirlwind. So let’s get straight to camp – let me know how you think you did in mini-camp?

I think it went really well. I made a couple of plays and learned the defense kind of quickly. I can play multiple positions and I really think that helped. I really think it went well.

How did the other guys and coaches help you over the last few days to improve and learn the system?

I think it’s a back and forth. We all supported each other throughout the process. We were all quick to offer constructive criticism to help each other and give each other an opportunity to catch the coaches’ eyes. I worked pretty closely with Tom Bradley and Danny Smith on special teams.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers DB Tryout Malik Boynton”

So – tell us how it went in camp?

It went great. It was a great opportunity. I’m new to playing receiver still – I was a quarterback for my first three years in college. Just being here trying out in the NFL…in the past three days the skills I’ve learned as a receiver…I’ve grown exponentially. It’s been so beneficial. An awesome experience learning from so many experienced people here in Pittsburgh.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Camp Tryout WR Tyler Palka”

First, let me know how it’s going there as you get to day three of practices?

It’s going well. Finished up two practices and have one more tomorrow. Collectively we’re getting better as a group of guys at each position which is good for the Steelers.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers UDFA LB Garrett Pougnet”