Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First, can you let readers know what you have been doing since you’re time in the NFL?

I’m, in media. I’m a producer and analyst for NFL Films and the NFL Network. I’m also the producer for ESPN College Football.

How did that get started?

I tried to get in front of the camera, but if you’re not a big name former athlete it’s hard. I found a niche not a lot get into. I was an imposing guy – I have an MBA in Healthcare Management and own a nursing school.  I wanted to do something I love too.

I’m one of maybe ten guys that got into this. Not many people go in to media trying to learn to be a producer as an athlete. I have insight into the game that most TV people don’t have because I played it. I interned at NFL Films – knowing TV and football makes me a commodity now.

Continue reading “Barrett Brooks, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 2003-2006”

First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing since you’ve retired from the NFL and how you got started in these new ventures?

After my NFL career was over, I was not sure what I was going to do. I wanted to coach in the NFL or college, but those opportunities are tough to get. My first job after I retired was in real estate. I got my Real Estate License and went to work. Second, I started working with troubled teens at a school in Arizona called, Sun Valley. Third, I started a small company called ProDay Training Camp, which is where a lot of my time is spent today. We work with kids and adults promoting health and fitness. We provide workouts, leagues, and camps for kids.

Continue reading “Lance Brown, Steelers Safety, 1998-1999”

First, can you tell us a bit about your post-NFL life – and profession as an engineer?

Well, I went on to the oldest living player website some time ago, and I saw that I was the 236th oldest living player left!   There are twenty-five other Steelers before me.

I graduated with a mechanical engineering degree from Duke in 1953. My first job was with Shell Oil as an industrial lubricants engineer.  When I was drafted by the Steelers in 1953, I was a low draft choice. After my first job I ran a gas station and said this wasn’t for me, so I gave the NFL a try when I was drafted. I was in the ROTC then. My plan was to fulfill my military commitment as a Navy Lieutenant flying jets. But I lost my brother in the war in 1943. As a sole survivor designation, I was classified as a 4E and not drafted. So I ended up playing football.

I got a job with a plumbing contractor when I was playing, and didn’t do to well at that. When I left Pittsburgh in 1955, I worked for an engineering company in Philly, selling heating and air conditioning.  Then I went to Denver in the 60’s. I’ve been an engineer all of my life. Those are my skills.

Continue reading “Lou Tepe, Steelers Linebacker, 1953-1955”

First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing since you’ve retired from the NFL, including your baseball endeavors, and how you got started in these new ventures?

I have been up to a little bit of everything.  I managed a Whitetail Deer Ranch for five years (Lodge Creek Whitetails). I have always given quarterback and pitching lessons while I was playing and after I retired.  It got to where that was taking up most of my time and I started Coaching my sons travel baseball team and it has evolved into the Steelers Baseball Club.  We are going into our fourth year and we have four teams 10U,11U,14U and 16U.  I have a 7500 square foot training facility in Justin, Texas and I get to work with young people in sports, but more importantly I get to be a part of their lives.

Continue reading “Tommy Maddox, Steelers Quarterback, 2001-2005”

First, congratulations on being elected into the Black College Football Hall of Fame. Especially entering the NFL from a small Southern school like South Carolina State, what does that honor mean for you?

To be inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame means a great deal not only to me but to my family. When you attend South Carolina State University, you receive more than a education. I was mentored and nurtured by my professors and coaches. This process allow me to mature as a young African American male.

Continue reading “Donnie Shell, Steelers Safety, 1974-1987”

First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing since you’ve retired from the NFL and how you got started in these new ventures?

When I first got injured and left the NFL I knew that I wanted to stay around sports income capacity, as we all do. So I opened up a sports and fitness training facility in my home town to utilize my experience in sports and my degree in Kinesiology. This allowed me to give back in a way that I best knew how, and I loved it. After six years of running my gym a new world and new calling opened up for my heart and I have now redirected my life to being a speaker, author, consultant, and online life guide.

Continue reading “Anthony Trucks, Steelers Linebacker, 2007”

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?

Well, after I retired from the NFL I was out of football for about a year running my recording studio in Ft. Worth, Texas. After letting my body heal I was offered a contract to play for the Grand Rapids Rampage of the Arena Football League. That year I joined the team two games before the playoffs, A few big plays later we were the 2001 Arena Bowl champions.

I continued to play three more years in Grand Rapids before retiring from the L.A. Avengers in 07. I worked for AT&T as a technician for four years which led me to the great job I have now. I am a mentor with the Ft.Worth ISD. I have been a mentor for at risk young men at the  middle school level for the last 3 1 /2 years.

Continue reading “Rod Manuel, Steelers Defensive Lineman, 1997-1998”