Welcome to Steelers Takeaways! – Page 125 – More than 1,000 interviews of Steelers players, coaches, front office staff, media and more with those that played in the 50’s through today’s current roster.

Jimmy Smith, Steelers Wide Receiver, 1977-1982

First, can you let readers know what you are doing with yourself these days and how you got started in this career?

I am in the automotive business with Group1 publically traded fortune 500 company. I started in the business over 20 years ago and that transpired to me and my partner owning Saturn dealerships in Texas for 12 years.

What about your time in the NFL helped you in your post football career, and how hard was it for you to adjust to the post professional football life?

Any business is competitive and obviously so is the NFL. I found out that the daily repetition – ie practice – will win out at the end of the day in business life as well. I tell my team we are going to better prepared and outwork the competition every day.

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Johnny Dirden, Steelers Return Specialst, 1981

First, can you let readers know about your post-NFL work – how you got started and what aspects of the job do you enjoy the most and why?

Over past thirty years, it was difficult getting work but have settled in with a great career with Oxygen and medical related equipment sales, for past fourteen years.

How did your time in the NFL help prepare you for your post-NFL life?

Post NFL life was challenging to say the least. But somehow managed.

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Mike Vrabel, Steelers Linebacker, 1997-2000

First, can you let readers know about the 2nd and 7 Foundation – how it got started and what your role is with the organization?

Ryan Miller, a former teammate at Ohio State came up with the idea as a way to give back after our time together at school. My involvement was very high until recently when I began coaching.

Why did you choose to align yourself with this particular cause, and how can readers help support the organization?

We were very familiar with the right to read week after participating in it through Ohio State as players and we were comfortable going into second grade classrooms with books. We eventually decided to write out own series of books to read and give to each child. People can contribute online at secondandseven.com, or just check out the website and spread the word.

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Kordell Stewart, Steelers Quarterback, 1995-2002

First, can you let readers know what you are doing with yourself these days?

Well, lately I just ran my first annual combine and had about 110 kids for the city I live in. It’s a combine more than a football camp – thought next year I may make it into a camp too – have it be a part of something more.

Who is the camp for?

It’s for fourth through twelfth grade kids – to help them get ready for middle school, high school, or college. These are kids that didn’t get as much attention as some others – it helps give them an idea of what it entails to get to the next level. It’s an opportunity for them to see themselves on film – to allow for them to find success and fight the right school that’s the right fit for them.

I just came out of a divorce and have custody of my son. I’m taking care of him so that’s my biggest thing. It’s been a Summer of transition. So not doing anything else major – I want my son to be active. Right now he loves soccer. He likes baseball, basketball….not as much football. I’m trying not to put a lot of pressure on him. I just want him to be a kid.

Continue reading “Kordell Stewart, Steelers Quarterback, 1995-2002”

Anthony Madison, Steelers Cornerback, 2006-2012

First, can you let readers know about your post-NFL career- how you got started and what your role is there?

I am currently attending graduate school at California State University, Fullerton. I’m pursuing a master’s in Counseling (Sports). The NFL has a continuing education program that reimburses current and former athletes who aspire to further their education. Eventually with my degree, I will work with athletes at every level concerning their transitions from their specific sport. Also, my Wife and I are attending a bible ministry school in Anaheim, Ca.

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Mathias Nkwenti, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 2001-2003

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

Well, I’m back in Africa and enjoying life overseas, back here at home in Cameroon. I’m older now and realize what life is really about. Having two homes – here and in the United States – in both continents is paradise. It’s like being on vacation/

What was it like coming here from Cameron and ending up in the NFL?

There are lots of Camaroonians now in the NFL. Ndamukong Suh is from Cameron – and Romen Oben is as well. I spoke to him a lot when I was playing and looked up to him. I was the second man from Cameroon to be drafted. A lot of people have misperceptions about Africa – it’s a beautiful place. Cameroon is a third-world country but it’s beautiful – and every country has it’s problems. Look at the United States. But once you are on your own and have to pay your own bills, you see what life’s really about.

Continue reading “Mathias Nkwenti, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 2001-2003”

Roger Duffy, Steelers offensive Lineman, 1998-2001

First, can you let readers know about your post-NFL career- how you got started and what made you decide on this career path?

Next month I’ll be celebrating my 11th year as a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial. In 1998 the NFLPA offered programs during the off season in order for players to start preparing for life after football. I had interest in this type of career so I signed up and spent 2 months experiencing what this line of work entailed. After retiring in 2001 I contacted the branch manager to inquire about job opportunities and the rest is history as they say.

What aspects of the job do you enjoy the most and why and how did life in the NFL help you in this new role?

The most enjoyable part of my job is interacting with my clients and helping them realize their financial dreams. The values of hard work and integrity that were instilled in me during my playing career plays a big role in developing relationships with current and prospective clients.

Continue reading “Roger Duffy, Steelers offensive Lineman, 1998-2001”

Tyrone Carter, Steelers Safety, 2004-2009

First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing since your time in the NFL and how you got involved in this post-NFL direction?

I’m trying to help young players to be professionals – to maximize their true potential. I started a training school to help develop players’ skill sets for their specific positions. Giving them the X’s and O’s at the high school level. If I had that coming up I’d have been twice as good as I was. I’m trying t change the culture in Minnesota at the high school level for football training, here in my home away from home.

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Russell Stuvaints, Steelers Safety, 2003-2006

First, can you let readers know what you are doing with yourself these days?

I work now for the PCA – Packaging Corporation of America here in Pittsburgh. I have two sons – eight and six – and enjoy spending time with them and coaching them in their sports. They are making me proud – they play baseball, t-ball……

Are you considering getting more involved in coaching?

I love coaching. I get so much joy out of it. My football days are done now but I still love football. I would love to coach football for a high school, college or the NFL.

Continue reading “Russell Stuvaints, Steelers Safety, 2003-2006”

Jim Sweeney, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 1996-1999

First, can you let readers know about your post-NFL career and your new coaching job at Albany. What made you decide to become a coach?

It just seems like a natural progression to go from player to coach. Even though it has been a few years since I last played, I was just waiting for the right fit. When my buddy, Greg Gattuso, was announced as head coach, I knew this would be my golden opportunity to become a full time coach. Took all of three seconds for me to commit when Greg called.

Continue reading “Jim Sweeney, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 1996-1999”