Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First, can you tell readers what you’ve been up to since you left football?

I opened up a new restaurant in March here in Atlanta – Wet Willies. I was researching franchise opportunities and went to Miami a lot and saw the success of the Wet Willies there and thought it would do well here in Atlanta.

How was it getting to the NFL as a 7th round pick – how did you make the squad?

When I got there, that year the Steelers took two other linebackers in the draft. Me, Earl Holmes and Steven Conley were all drafted.

Continue reading “Carlos Emmons, Steelers Linebacker, 1996-1999”

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

In April  I retired as the manager of an automotive business. Before that I ran a medical practice. Now I’m the manager for a septic company that does the work for the Colorado Springs area. We have a number of septic trucks – acts a lot like a Roto Rooter.

How is your health these days?

I’ve had ten surgeries, but I feel great now. My weight is at 205 pounds – it’s much easier to stay at 205 than 270. No more six meals a day like I had to do in college.

Continue reading “John Rienstra, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 1986-1990”

First, what are you doing with yourself these days?

I was in Pittsburgh for ten years taking care of my ailing mother before she passed. I was a high school coach at Westinghouse, Shaler and Woodland Hills after that and then got to coach for Penn Hills where I graduated which was exciting for me. I coached at Norfolk State from 1994-1988 before going back to help my mother.

I was depressed after she passed away in 1991. Now, I’m starting up a new program at Virginia University in Lynchburg – I’ll be the Athletic Director and Coach – it will be the first football team they’ve had there in sixty years.

Continue reading “Hubie Bryant, Steelers Wide Receiver, 1970-1971”

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

I’m actually retired from Reynolds Metals. They were Reynolds then were bought out by Alcoa. I worked for them for 39 years. I was working with them in the off-seasons during my five years playing football and went straight there to work after I retired.

What did you think when you were drafted by the Steelers who were such a poor team at the time?

I went to school at South Carolina – I red-shirted there. So I was drafted as a Junior by Buffalo of the AFL and Pittsburgh. I looked Pittsburgh up in the dictionary actually – I saw a big smoky city and said “Holy mackerel”…. I chose Pittsburgh over Buffalo though because the NFL was more established than the AFL in those days.

Continue reading “J.R. Wilburn, Steelers Wide Receiver, 1966-1970”

Brady Keys:

First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing with yourself these days and about the Keys Group?

The Keys Group is the parent company of Airport Concessions – it’s what I have left of the many restaurants that used to be part of the Keys Group.

It started in 1968 as a fried chicken franchise. It grew to 135 restaurants – which then grew into Kentucky Fried Chicken and Burger and King franchises.

It was a concept I developed – my own fried chicken batter – when I played for the Steelers. I called Art Rooney in the offseason from Los Angeles and told him what I did – about the idea and asked if he’d help me with money to start the business. All I heard was silence on the line. I had to ask if anyone was still on the line. Mr Rooney answered back “I am. I’m just trying to figure out how fast to get you the money!”

Continue reading “Brady Keys, Steelers Cornerback, 1961-1967”

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

I have a number of things – business ventures I’m doing. Coal, electric marketing, electrical supply company…these are just some of the things.

How did you get involved in these business ventures?

I’ve been working at this since 1973. I decided I needed something outside of football while I was still playing. I knew my career wouldn’t last forever. The people I ran into while I played I talked to to help me take advantage of these opportunities for when my NFL career ended.

Continue reading “L.C. Greenwood, Steelers Defensive Lineman, 1969-1981”

First, can you let readers know what you are up to these days – about your Industrial Metals & Minerals business and how you got started?

MM sells raw materials that are used in the production of glass. I started with them in January 1981 after retiring from the Steelers. Bob Prince, the Pirate Announcer, was my old boss. Bob Keaney was my neighbor and he introduced us shortly after my retirement. We hit if off and he offered me a job. I purchased the business upon Bob`s retirement in 1995..

Any lessons from playing with the Steelers that you were able to take and apply to this new career? If so, how?

I guess the work ethic that’s required to play professional sports. You must dedicate yourself to the task at hand.

Continue reading “Gerry Mullins, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 1971-1979”

First, can you tell readers what you are up to these days – how you are enjoying your retirement?

I’m retired – worked on Wall Street for thirty years. Now I raise money for funding a hedge fund. It’s related to what I did on Wall Street. Didn’t want to keep trading and get up at five am every day. Get’s tiring….

I can’t ever fully retire. You’ve got to stay busy – three guys in my old firm and I work together now with the hedge fund business – it’s a natural progression.

Continue reading “Terry Hanratty, Steelers Quarterback, 1969-1976”

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

Living out my motto, “Give something back,” in my hometown of Waxahachie, Texas, serving on the City Council, working as a Realtor with Century 21 Judge Fite.  I was elected to the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame, to the University of North Texas Hall of Fame, and to the Prairie View UIL Coaches Hall of Fame.

I am a widower with two grown children, daughter Lauren, who is married to Odarron Lacey; they have an 18-month old daughter, Emory,  (Call me Pops!)

From Boy Scout Senior Patrol Leader, and Team Representative, Missouri Valley Conference, not to mention running for Player Representative for the Steelers, I think politics was a natural. First elected in 1995, I am the longest-serving member of the Waxahachie City Council, including serving as Mayor from 1997 through 2002. I also serve on a variety of state and local boards and commissions as requested.

Continue reading “Chuck Beatty, Steelers Safety, 1969-1972”