Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First, can you let me know what you got into career-wise after your football career?

I went back home after I was done with football – I needed three hours to graduate so I did that and got my degree. Of course I never ended up using it – I got a job working on an oil rig then went and sold oil field services after that for 45 years. I had the personality to do that then. I retired about five years ago.

Besides that, I had a family, did a lot of hunting and fishing and eating and entertaining!

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Offensive Lineman, Jim Files, 1976-1977”

First off, how did you get involved in coaching?

After my playing days at Ohio State, I got the opportunity to play in the NFL for a few years. I didn’t have a nine or 10 year career or anything like that, but I was there for a short stint.

After playing I still had a love and passion for the game. That’s why I got into coaching. I went back to Columbus and got a job as a coach at St. Charles Prep in 2001. From there I got a job with an upstart NAI program – Ohio Dominican – that was a mile or so away. I worked with the soon-to-be head coach at a Summer camp and he asked me to come in and coach the running backs. That’s how I got my start.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Running Back Pepe Pearson, 2000”

First off, can you let me know what you’ve been up to since your playing days?

I was involved in a number of businesses after I retired from the NFL. I owned a health insurance and a national dental network management company and sold those around 22 years ago. I became an executive afterwards with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and am now the president of one of their two business units that support the enterprise. So I’m enjoying the journey.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Offensive Lineman Ken Dallafior, 1982”

First off, what’s the offseason plan for you?

I’m just training back at home now. There are training facilities here that I go to that do a great job and I stick to their plan. I have a regular lifting schedule and will transition soon to the football and run stuff to get ready for the season. Really just basic workout programs.

I also like going to see my folks with my fiancé out in Ohio. That’s a good time – we’ll go out soon to see them.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steeles Offensive Lineman Tyler Beach”

First off, what’s the offseason plan for you?

I’m just sitting back and enjoying the down time right now and spending time with friends and family. Right after the Super Bowl it’s time to start getting in shape again for OTAs.

No rest huh?

I’m so used to being scheduled yeah, it’s hard to just sit and chill. I took a vacation earlier but it’ll be time to get back to work.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Cornerback Chandon Sullivan, 2023”

First off, can you let me know what you’ve been doing since you retired from football?

I’m currently the Associate Director for Michigan State’s Spartan Fund – the fundraising arm of the athletic department. Prior to that I was living in Indianapolis and worked as an Assistant Athletic Director at Marion University – an NAIA school. I loved the work but wanted to get back to the level of school I had played at and ended up getting a job here. I never thought as a Wisconsin Badger I’d be working for Michigan State!

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Defensive Lineman Ethan Hemer, 2014-2015”

First off, why decide to re-sign with the Steelers – who talked to you and what did they say?

There wasn’t much discussion about coming back – they wanted me – to keep me around. I was there since October. They showed interest in me and my motto is to go where you are wanted.

Why did you sign with them initially?

The GM at the time talked to my agent – they just told him they liked me and signed me to the practice squad before week one.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Fullback Jack Colletto”

First off, what made you decide to sign with the Steelers?

I was there for a workout last August and signed with them when I was cut after the season ended. I worked out for Atlanta as well but the Steelers said they were looking for a third running back

Did you look at the roster prior to signing – was that part of the decision for you? 

Sure definitely. That goes into play. I was excited when my agent called about the opportunity. When I was there before for the workout it was a great experience. I really enjoyed talking to the scouts and seeing the facility.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Running Back Aaron Shampklin”