More than 2,000 interviews of Steelers players, coaches, front office staff PLUS interviews with Pittsburgh actors, musicians, authors and more
With SteelCityUnderground, I interview former Steelers LB Carlos Emmons on making the transition as a rookie outside linebacker to the NFL, pass rush techniques, frustrations of dropping into coverage, mentors and more.
Read more interviews by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
We had the opportunity to interview former Steeler cornerback JT Thomas on Steel Nation Radio Presented By Steelers Takeaways. Thomas was an All-Pro CB and part of all four Steeler Super Bowls in the 70′s and knows a thing or two about playing in the secondary, an area the Steelers have addressed heavily in the past two drafts.
We find out what JT thinks about coming into the league out of college, playing the slot, what teammates and coaches taught him and how he thinks the black and gold will do this year, among many other items!
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Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
Donovan Woods: “I think I was really just a training camp body, but I just wanted an opportunity. I thought I would be playing inside but they put me at outside in mini-camp so I was outside. There were a ton of guys I thought. Though I played outside all camp and preseason, we had some training camp injuries and in the last preseason game against Carolina and I volunteered to go to inside after Arnold Harrison went down with a knee injury and had a very productive game and just like that I was at inside now. “
Mike Quinn: “They went to camp with four quarterbacks – Miller, Kordell, Tomczak and me. I think everyone thought I was just going in as the camp arm. I didn’t focus on that and ended up having a really good preseason and made the team as the third quarterback. It was awesome -we had a great season and I learned a lot. Tomczak took me under his wing and showed me how to be a professional.”
Continue reading “Training Camp Stories by Former Steelers”
First, can you tell readers about your post-NFL career as you establish your coaching career?
After I finished with the NFL I became a graduate assistant Coach at Old Dominion University, coaching the offensive line, I was there for three years and ended up as the tight ends coach and offensive line graduate assistant while getting my Masters. Now, I’m working as the graduate assistant coaching the offensive line at the University of Washington.
Who helped shape your coaching mindset, and how so?
I blended my coaching philosophy from my college and NFL coaches. Sean Kugler taught me certain drills and just how to handle myself in situations. He also showed me how to prepare – how to watch film, take notes, and break down an opponent. Those were the main things.
Continue reading “Kyle Jolly, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 2010-2011”
First: Character Matters
The Steelers emphasized high character/tough guys. Coincidence after the tough offseasons recently? Watt and Conner are known for being high-character/high energy guys. Leaders. JuJu Smith-Shuster is a tough, Ward-esque receiver in terms of fight for the ball and willingness to go over the middle. Sutton doesn’t take a rep off – he works hard every play. Dobbs is a rocket scientist. None have off-field concerns.
Continue reading “Steelers Draft: Five Things That Mattered”
The Steelers go into the 2017 with two clear needs – a cornerback who can excel in man coverage and an outside linebacker that can get to the quarterback. Other needs include a backup running back, backup receiver, and help in slot coverage – whether it be with a safety, cornerback, or even inside linebacker.
This mock draft tries to realistically addresses some – but not all – of those concerns, keeping in mind the Steelers were active enough in free agency at the receiver (Hunter) and corner (Sensabaugh) spots enough to hold some of these concerns temporarily at bay.
Carl Lawson, Auburn
9.5 sacks in 2016
6’2”, 253 pounds
Lawson is one of the few edge rushers in this class who has the size and strength to stand up vs the run while excelling as a pass rusher. Good burst and a variety of pass rushing moves – he’s more seasoned than most pass rushers out of college. Think Lamarr Woodley. What he won’t give you is that quick bend around the edge or terrific ability to drop into coverage But he can play DE in their 4-3 looks and has just enough ability to cover to check that box.
Continue reading “2017 Mock Draft”
First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing since your 2013 season?
I’m working now at IBM with their analytics software. I did an internship during the lockout in the finance world and was a finance major in college, but the hours of a finance job were over the top for what I wanted to focus on so I went to IBM.
I enjoy solving problems. Helping companies with cost reduction and new revenue generation is something I like to do. I like helping solve problems – just like punting. You have a problem with field position, I can help you!
Continue reading “Zoltan Mesko, Steelers Punter, 2013”
First, can you let readers know what you ate doing with yourself now?
I’m working in the athletic development department at Michigan State as the Senior Associate Director of Athletics. I’ve been with he university for over eighteen years. Most of that time was as the Lieutenant of the Michigan State police department.
How did you make that jump from police to working for the AD Department?
Yeah – I went the non-traditional route. As an officer I used to run workshops on character development for the student athletes. As a former student athlete, I helped those individuals understand the laws and to leave the school with usable benefits for their entire life. After years of doing these workshops I was asked to be on the search committee for a new head coach inn 2007. The then AD Mark Hollier asked me afterwards if I wanted to compete for the job I have now and I did.
Continue reading “Alan Haller, Steelers Cornerback, 1992, 1993”
First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing since our time in the NFL – are you still trying to get back in the game?
I’m done with the game – I officially retied. I’m in medical device sales now, working for a company based out of Clearwater, Florida.
Was it tough leaving the game?
Not at all. I always worked on a backup plan – I knew the NFL would not be forever. I sold insurance in the offseason and got my Adjusting license. I always looked for what was a good fit for me and found it.
Continue reading “Kion Wilson, Steelers Linebackers, 2013”
Look, I’m not trying to “throw shade” at Dont’a Hightower. He’s a very good inside linebacker for what he does -an incredibly formidable run stopper. But many fans are excited about the prospect of bringing in Dont’a Hightower to start over Vince Williams, and I’m not understanding why.
I’m just not sure that he brings $8-10 million per year value – and that is his minimum price tag.
I’m digging into the numbers. Over five years, he’s defended twelve passes. And has zero interceptions. As a comparison, Lawrence Timmons, who most felt comfortable seeing walk at $6 million per year, has eight interceptions (including two last season) and 22 passes defensed.
And his draft scouting report supports his coverage issues:
Ok – so I get it. It’s because he was asked to blitz so much more than Timmons was. He wasn’t asked to cover.
Let’s run with that…
Continue reading “Dont’a Hightower: Steelers fans should be careful what they are asking for”