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.
First, can you let readers know about the Mewelde Moore Knowledge First Foundation – what it is and how you got started in this?
The Mewelde Moore Knowledge First Foundation promotes reading literacy, financial literacy, and sports education development.
I began thinking of knowledge first about nine years ago. when I was a rookie with the Minnesota Vikings.
Continue reading “Mewelde Moore, Steelers Running Back, 2008-2011”
Chris Dahlquist:
First, can you let readers know about your post-NHL career – how you got started in the financial business and what you enjoy most about it?
My first taste of the financial service industry came in the fall of 1994 while playing for Ottawa Senators. As an NHLPA Player representative during the 94′ Owner Lockout, the deadlocked negotiations with the owners sure seemed like the season might get lost. With that in mind I joined a small investment firm in Minneapolis and got my first taste of the financial service industry. I continued to spent a portion of my office season gaining additional experience until retirement.
Since Retiring in 1998 I have grown a Financial Service business with Prudential Financial, focusing on Individual Asset management and helping small businesses with their benefits coordination. I really enjoy the diversity of my practice. Whether it is helping individuals work through the challenges they face in growing their assets or working with business owners to help them build sustainable benefit packages in these uncertain times gives me a different challenge daily.
From a family standpoint, I’m very fortunate to have my own business and the flexibility of schedule to help coach both my son Chad and daughter Charly during their youth hockey years.
As a professional athlete, you have pressure to perform on a daily basis. There is an instant response to good or bad performance. As a player, you need the ability to rebound from a bad shift and not get too excited after a good one. Consistency and persistency is an invaluable trait when dealing with the volatility of the financial markets and the growing of a business.
And obviously it never hurts clients relationships in Minnesota if you can give a good hockey story or two about Badger Bob Johnson or Mario Lemieux.
The transition to a more rigid work schedule was not as big a hurdle as I thought it would be. Pro athletes reach that level through sacrifice and regimented work. The greatest challenge when transitioning out of the game for me was the drop in income. A major decision I made when playing was to defer some of my earnings till after retirement. This allowed my family to maintain our current lifestyle (with a few downward adjustments) while I grew my practice to a level we needed. There have been and continue to be hurdles with the balancing of life but last year I reach a milestone. After thirteen years as a financial advisor, this is now my longest career.
The NHL didn’t offer much support when leaving the league. In their defense, I don’t think it is owner’s responsibility to prepare or protect their players when its time to leave their employment. The responsibility lies with the players and the NHLPA. The PA is better equipt to oversee this and have done a better job of late. They sponsor “After Hockey”
Tough guy Steve Martinson of the Flyers organization gave me fighting lesson the summer before my 1st year. I figured since he set the AHL penalty minute record that he had some experience. He obviously wasn’t that impressed with me since he was my opponent in my first fight as a pro. In an exhibition game he came out and lined-up across from me at the face-off and said, “Coach told me to “Go-you” since you’re running around”. I was taught right then that there are no friends when you have a job to do and never let up on anyone…friend or foe.
That reputation of me being a tough-guy fighter is probably a little over-rated. Out of necessity I was a big body checker and that just resulted in some scuffles.
Cam Neely, Gary Roberts, Keith Tkachuk…stats say it all 50 goals- 200 PIMS
After over five years in the Pittsburgh organization, you found yourself in Minnesota. What prompted the move and how difficult was that transition for you?
I was actually only in Pittsburgh for five years before the trade to Minnesota. The first move is always the hardest for an athlete but I think Bob Johnson said it best when he called the house to tell me about the trade. Badger said, “I have some good news and some bad news. Bad news is we traded you today…but the good news is you’re going home.” Going back to Minnesota made that first trade transition a lot easier for us.
The game has gotten much more defensive than the 90’s. There were typically five to six defensive specialist on each team. I can’t think of more than a dozen players in the league that would block shots. It is expected today that your 50 goal scorer dives in front of shots. Paul Cofee would always say after blocking a shot that he just lifted the wrong leg.
Day one of my first training camp when I was training on the bike next to Giles Meloche (39 yrs old) and I told him that my squirt team used to hand out Oakland Golden Seals Stickers back when he was playing for them.
Getting engaged to my wife of 25 years Jeanie while going down the Mt Washington Incline on Christmas Eve 1986.
Sweeping NYR in 1988-89 playoffs and the fans throwing bottles at our bus as we drove out from under Madison Square Gardens.
The Penguin Christmas Dinner at the Igloo with my wife at a table with 19-year-old Rob Brown and his 16-year-old date…Alyssa Milano and her nanny.
Watching Zarley Zalapski’s dad save EJ Johnson with the Hiemlich maneuver when he was choking on a piece of steak.
Assisting on Mario Lemieux’s 4th goal of the night during my first NHL Game in St. Louis. Little did I know his seven-point night would be more points than I would get in my next three years.
Scoring a goal in my third NHL game and then going 70 games before my next.
First, can you let readers know what you are doing with yourself since the NFL and how you got started in your post-NFL career?
I’m the regional director for Visalus. I’ve been doing that since I’ve been out of the NFL. Before that I was on tv – the New Network’s Average Joe and the Wall to Wall Sports Show, a local show in Columbus, Ohio.
Can you let readers know more about Visalus?
The VISALUS 90 DAY CHALLENGE is the number one weight-loss and fitness platform in North America. This program is endorsed by celebrities from all walks of life, including, Jessica Biel (actress) Ray Lewis (athlete), Khris Humphries (athlete), Hulk Hogan (athlete/actor), LisaRaye McCord (actress), Master P (rapper), Alfonso Ribiero (actor), Taylor Armstrong (reality show, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills).
Continue reading “Rodney Bailey, Steelers Defensive Lineman, 2001-2003, 2006”
Nigel Melville, CEO & President Rugby Operations, USA Rugby:
First, can you tell readers how you became the CEO for USARugby and what your main roles are for the organization?
I joined USA Rugby in 2007 as CEO and President of Rugby Operations. That pretty much covers oversight of all aspects of the game.
I am fortunate that I have an excellent staff and can now focus on the next steps for the organization. We started by developing strong youth and high school programs thru State Based Rugby Organizations, we are developing College Conferences now and looking to enhance the Club game. At the High Performance end of the game we have men’s and women’s elite age grade teams and improving National teams.
What are the “next steps” for USARugby – what are some of the organizations biggest goals over the next few years and what steps are you taking to realize them?
Rio 2016 is probably our biggest challenge now that Rugby has returned to the Olympic Games. We now have full time sevens players (Men and Women) training at the Olympic Training Center in San Diego, they are now attending more and more events as they develop their squads ahead of Olympic qualification. That’s a pretty big goal for us all!
The other goals revolve around increasing visibility for the game in the media and on TV, and of course developing a professional game for our athletes..
How has having been a former coach of Gloucester (England) and the captain of the England National team in the 80’s helped you in your role?
Obviously having been an international player and professional coach has helped me understand the challenges of becoming an elite player and what it will take to make our National Teams competitive.
Off the field, I spent a number of years with Nike and that experience is certainly helping us re-craft our brand and explore opportunities for us to continue to grow.
What have been the biggest challenges in getting people to adopt the sport early in the states, and how can they do so?
The challenge is to get people to understand that a sustainable future for the game will come from a strong youth game, that we have to build the game and there are no quick fixes..that has been tried and hasn’t worked – so plant the seeds (get a ball in the hands of kids), be patient, nurture (coach them) and eventually reap the harvest (strong international teams).
How has the Pittsburgh area adopted the sport of rugby so far and what big inroads can/will you make to continue to grow interest?
Yes, Rugby is all around you and in Pittsburgh you have an awesome rugby facility that we have used for some of our National College and High School events. The rugby community is passionate and they understand the need to build their programs – they are doing a great job!
How does rugby in the states differ from that of your experiences in England and other countries?
Rugby is a global game with over 115 Countries playing the game, so every country has its own challenges – usually related to the weather and availability of facilities, and both are issues here of course.
As with all rugby people, we are pretty resourceful and make it work! Our field is very similar to soccer fields, so this helps, we prefer grass to turf, but we can play on either. The biggest challenge is helping people to understand the game.
Yes, we are a contact sport and no we don’t wear helmets, but we develop good technique, use our arms to wrap in the tackle, keep our heads off the body and this helps us stay safe. In football the head has become a weapon and that’s dangerous…we don’t do that!
Tell readers about US Rugby – how has it changed over the years and what are your expectations for this season?
We have grown steadily, our game used to be a club based game outside college with often a poor reputation on college campuses, not too much high school rugby and no youth programs. That has changed and we are experiencing explosive growth in some key areas. We have some way to go, but we are building a solid base for the game.
One interesting development has been our new coach registration program that trains our coaches in all aspects of player safety and concussion recognition. We want to provide a safe environment for our athletes when they train and when they play.
We also introduced Rookie Rugby in 2008, a non contact game for boys and girls that has far-reaching opportunities for our Countries youth. Rookie Rugby puts a ball in the hands of a young player and they run – fast!! Great fun and great for kids fitness – the anti-obesity issues are a concern for us all – Rookie Rugby will play its part.
Tell readers a bit about the in-person experience as a fan? How does it differ from other sports?
Our recent international against Italy in June where over 17,200 fans joined us to watch the USA Eagles Men play Italy in the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston. I think that gives you an idea about what the vent looks like – its played in MLS Soccer type stadiums, the fan experience includes everything the American Sports fan is looking for – tough athletes and plenty of contact, great food, entertainment and merchandise.
What you will also find are fans that support their teams but recognize and respect their opponents ‘on and off the field’, we are one big global family – one of the world’s ultimate team sports where team spirit, loyalty, commitment and mutual respect are as essential to the game as the ball itself!
I’m sure you’ve seen the issues with concussions in other sports. How is rugby dealing with the issue of concussions and the physical nature of the sport in general?
Yes of course all sports are concerned about concussions and we are certainly making our sport as safe as we possibly can. Our coaches all take on online concussion recognition course, understand that there is nothing ‘tough’ about keeping people in play if they show any concussion symptoms and we take these symptoms very seriously indeed.
The game of rugby globally has been trialing a new rule that allows a coach /referee to take a player out of the game for ten minutes to get a player assessed if there is any suspicion that they may not be OK. This trial is working well and I think it will be introduced across the game shortly.
What do you think would surprise readers who are newer to the sport of rugby most about the sport?
How some of the values that sport traditionally held are alive and well in rugby today despite so many changes to sport at every level. Probably the most important is mutual respect for everyone involved in the game. We still call our referees ‘sir’, we respect our opponents and spend time with them after the game, develop lasting friendships, support each other on and off the field, value team spirit and are committed to helping the next generation embrace and understand these important values. How refreshing.
Any last thoughts for readers?
If you get the chance to watch a game, do it..you will enjoy the whole experience!!
Rocky Bleier remains a great comeback story
By Jim O’Brien From Pittsburgh Business Times
When Rocky Bleier was a standout running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers when they won four Super Bowls in six seasons in the ‘70s, he recalls Coach Chuck Noll advising the players to prepare themselves for their post-football careers or, as Noll called it, “their life’s work.”
Bleier didn’t realize it at the time but his life, or at least his life story, would become his “life’s work.”
He played 12 seasons with the Steelers and got into the investment business with teammate Andy Russell while still employed by the Steelers. He retired after the 1980 season, and became a sports broadcaster with WPXI-TV, but he wasn’t very good at it.
So he started spending more time telling his comeback story from being wounded by bullets and shrapnel from an exploding grenade in a rice paddy in Vietnam, and being told he might not walk again, to becoming a star running back with Franco Harris for one of the greatest football teams in National Football League history.
Bleier’s comeback story is one of the best in sports annals and remains a compelling story of how determination and persistence can win out in the end over overwhelming odds. Bleier wasn’t big or fast, at 5-10, 210 pounds, but he found a way to be part of a winning team. “They don’t measure the size of the heart at these player evaluation camps,” Coach Noll liked to say.
It surprises even Bleier that he is still as successful as a motivational speaker, making about 60 to 70 appearances around the country annually. Gloria Ashcraft is his assistant and runs Rocky Bleier, Inc., and sets his speaking schedule and travel arrangements. “She has been with me for 26 years,” says Bleier, “and she’s the best in the business.”
The challenge of being on the road so much has gotten greater as he approaches his 67th birthday on March 5. “You can’t get a direct flight to most cities out of Pittsburgh these days,” he says.
His theme is “Be the Best You Can Be,” and it’s a 70-minute program aimed at inspiring his audience to realize their potential. He’s good at it, and he’s even better before and after the way he works the room.
“It’s what you do before and after that really makes the difference,” says Bleier. He confesses that he has always wanted everyone to like him, and he has always worked hard at realizing that goal. “My parents ran a restaurant and bar back home in Appleton, Wisconsin,” he says, “and I learned early how to take care of the customers and keep them happy and coming back for more.”
He has expanded his business activities in recent years. He is a managing member of RBVetCo LLC; a service disabled veteran- owned small business, a general contractor that bids work in both the private sector as well as federal government. Rocky is responsible for overall direction and business development.
His brothers-in-law, Jim and John Gyurina, sit on the board of directors. They are also involved with a sister company, Natural Office Solutions LLC, a company that sells commercial office furniture. There’s also Bleier/Zagula Financial, so Bleier is as busy as he wants to be.
He says that Chuck Noll remains in his mind and is still with him. “I find myself quoting Chuck and his philosophies,” says Bleier, while looking after his two teenage daughters at their home in Mt.Lebanon when his wife, Jan, was away in London with a niece who was doing college study abroad.
“Things Chuck always said come back to you; they help you in other tasks besides football. It’s amazing the impact your coaches and teachers have on you throughout your life. I was fortunate that I had important people in my life who made a difference.”
Bleier offers these suggestions for success:
Set goals and form a game plan that will help accomplish them. Do things with great passion. Overcome adversity. Maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses. Work as a team. Learn from winners and mentors. Do community work; it will not only make you feel good, it will show you to be a person worth hiring. Prepare early for your life’s work.”
And, of course, be the best you can be.
Jim O’Brien’s book “Immaculate Reflections” is available at all area book stores, and on his website www.jimobriensportsauthor.com
First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing with yourself since your time in the NFL?
After getting injured in Canada in 1971, I came back to Colorado and worked with my fathers construction company for about three years, but my love for golf lured me into the PGA apprentice program in 1974 and I spent about 25 years as a club golf professional. I got out of the business in 2001 and have been kind of semi-retired since.
You started in the NFL in 1967 with the Baltimore Colts. As a 16th round pick from a small school (Adams State) how did you prove yourself to the coaches to make the team?
I was a very similar receiver to Raymond Berry who was somewhat successful for a few years, and I think that because of his success, I might have got a little longer look than I would have otherwise. I did have a good work ethic, and wasn’t afraid to spend my time on the “special teams”
Continue reading “Don Alley, Steelers Wide Receiver, 1969”
Alex Hicks:
First, can you let readers know about your job at the Desert Youth Hockey Association in Phoenix – how you got started and what you like most as a coach?
I am an assistant hockey director at DYHA. My responsibility is to communicate with all of the associations coaches and managers about scheduling, tournaments, concussion awareness and testing, hockey operations and strategies. I began coaching when my three kids took up hockey. I did not want to at first because I wanted them to learn the game on their own. I soon found out that I was needed on the ice and I began helping right away. I have loved every minute of it.
How difficult has it been to drum up interest in hockey in the Phoenix area and how have you done so?
Hockey is very popular in Phoenix. Phoenix has had a professional team in the city at various levels since the early 70’s. There are countless people who have moved here from hockey hotbed cities like Chicago and Detroit. It is not difficult to get people involved.
As a coach, who are some of the players and coaches that most influenced your coaching style today, and how so?
The coach that most influenced me was Kevin Constantine as he was a stickler for details.. He was very demanding to play for but ultimately he was fair. I find myself molding into a version of him. I also try to use my success and struggles as a player to teach the players I coach valuable hockey and life lessons..
You were traded to the Penguins from Anaheim in ’96. How difficult was that for you and how did you adjust?
It was very difficult at first as I was new to the league and just starting to feel comfortable in Anaheim. I loved playing for the Ducks and I felt that I was a great fit for them. That all changed when I got to Pitt and I was welcomed right away by both the team and city.
I loved Pittsburgh and it was a sad day for me when I left.
How would you describe yourself as a player and how did you mesh with that Penguins roster?
I was a hard working tenacious player. I played as hard as possible and was always there to help my teammates. I was a typical blue collar type worker and I really fit in well with the team and city.
Who were some of the biggest characters on that Penguins team and what made them so? Any examples of the hijinks/personalities on that team?
I always admired Jaromir Jagr for how good he was. I don’t think he ever got the credit for how hard he worked off the ice because he lifted weight after every game we played. He always had a smile on his face and he kept the mood light.
At the time he was the best player in the league and I thought that was cool.
That turned out to be the year of Mario Lemieux’s first retirement. How was that received by the players and staff – what was the effect the announcement and his health had on the team?
Mario was always quiet and reserved. When he did speak however, we all listened. His announcement came as a shock to all of us and left a great deal of uncertainty moving forward. Ultimately Ron Francis took control of the team the next year and did a great job leading us to a successful season.
That year, Eddie Johnston was released near the end of the season and General Manager Craig Patrick took over as coach. How did the players react to that move – especially with the GM now being your coach?
It was stressful when all that came down. Eddie was a players coach and let us figure most things out ourselves. The guys on the team loved him. When he was fired there was a great deal of remorse on the players part that we let him down.
Craig was very easy to play for and the transition was fine. We just ran into a horrible matchup for the playoffs..
There’s a great deal of movement between leagues and cities for hockey players. How does that affect you – both on and off the ice – as a player?
You just get used to it… You learn to never get too comfortable…
What is the biggest misperception you think fans have about hockey players and the sport itself?
I don’t think there is too much of a misperception. We are all just regular guys playing a great sport. The fans always seemed to relate with us real well.
What are your favorite memories of your time in Pittsburgh?
My favorite memory in Pittsburgh was my first game with the team after I was traded. I played on a line with Mario and Jagr.. Wow…
First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing with yourself since your time in the NFL and how you got started in your post-NFL career?
Now, I’m unable to do much of anything. I’m a good bit disabled. My back is not in good shape. My knee was replaced. I had a disk taken out…screws in my back. I take it day-to-day…that’s how I feel.
Are these all football related injuries?
They are all football related, yes. A lot of them have to do with the field in Pittsburgh then. It was the worst field in the game, and then I went to the second worst stadium in the NFL after Pittsburgh in Houston. I played in the two worst fields in my two and a half years. I guess it wore me out….
Continue reading “Dennis Hughes, Steelers Tight End, 1970-1971”
First, can you let readers know what you have been doing with yourself since your time in the NFL?
I wake up at 4:15 every morning to work out!
I’m the project manager for the Tampa Bay Housing Authority. There are three of us on staff so I’m always very busy. I’ve been there the past three years. This is my second stint – I was there before as the Assistant Director of Operations. When the state of Florida reduced the staff my job ended, but I came back with Tampa Housing authority as a project manager.
My father owned a construction company growing up – so that was always a part of my life as a youngster and that helped get me interested in being prepared for the role as well.
Continue reading “Ray Snell, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 1984-1985”
First, can you let readers know about how you got started in coaching?
I started off in high school coaching when a friend of mine and me started talking at a parent-teacher conference. He was also the teacher of my son who was in fourth grade. He was looking at a coaching job and told me the high school also had another open spot and that he mentioned I may be interested. That was at Peters Township.
Who and what helped influence your coaching style?
I think a big part of the coach I wanted to be was influenced by having good coaches growing up. I remember all of my coaches – from high school to my position coaches in college and at the professional level. As a young kid, having men like that as positive influences is a great help.
Continue reading “Jason Gildon, Steelers Linebacker, 1994-2003”