Welcome to Steelers Takeaways! – Page 16 – 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.

Exclusive with Haywood Jeffires, Former Oilers Wide Receiver

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

Well I’m retired now. I’m laid back due to some disabilities now but making it work.

I work a lot with disabled kids- less now due to my health but I was doing that for 15 years. I was very involved for a while in helping disabled kids – I came from a big family and we had some family members with special needs so that was part of why I got involved.

My mom – she died of kidney and heart failure so I stayed involved in those charities fort a while too. Now, I’m mostly sitting on boards and collaborating when I can with them.

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Exclusive with Contracted Steelers Performance Analyst Sally Ward

First off, can you tell us how you started in this line of work and how you started working with the Steelers?

Many years ago I went to a Knicks game with my brother – it was one of the few things we had in common. We got there early and saw their warmup – that was 12-15 years ago. It was a mess – I felt like the players were going to pull their hamstrings if it continued. I was thinking of all the changes I’d make as I watched.

Well after the game I went home and watched it again on Apple TV in slow motion. I wrote a letter via LinkedIn afterwards to the Knicks and they called me two weeks later!

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Exclusive with Steelers Running Back Aaron Shampklin

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.

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Exclusive with Former Steelers Cornerback Randy Fuller, 1995-1997

First, can you let us know what you’ve been doing with yourself lately?

I’m still in the biggest highs of my life, raising my family, My son is in high school, playing varsity soccer. My daughter plays tennis. My wife is doing great with her job. I’m still doing my job full-time, and that allows me to save lives every day.

I help people get treatment – work at a residential treatment center. People recovering from PTSD, addictions, and mental health issues. They come to my facility for recovery. I love being a resource for them.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Cornerback Randy Fuller, 1995-1997”

Exclusive with Steelers Linebacker Kyron Johnson

First off, what are the plans for the offseason for you?

For now, it’s just an ongoing process to get ready for next year. I’m doing what I do best – figuring out what’s next!

I’m doing my strength and conditioning work, weightlifting and working on that work-life balance. A lot of stuff is going on here for me personally – and of course I’m getting ready for next season in Pittsburgh!

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Exclusive with Former Steelers Safety Justin Thornton, 2010

First, can you let me know what you’re up to since the NFL?

I’m in the food service industry – I have been since I’ve been out of school. I’ve been the general manager of a few places running food and beverage and am now at the Lawrence Country Club here in Kansas. I never left the area since I came back after Pittsburgh. I like cooking and taking care of people.

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Mykal Walker Recording

Exclusive with Steelers Linebacker Mykal Walker

First off, why did you decide to sign with Pittsburgh this year?

Truth be told, I was looking for a stable opportunity. I was with the Raiders for five weeks but I wasn’t really given an opportunity there. The Steelers gave me a real chance. Mike T. told me he knew that I wasn’t a practice squad player.

With the injuries there, I got a good chance to play if I proved myself. He told me that “If you don’t act funny, I won’t act funny!”

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Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Johnny Williams, 2009

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

My time in Pittsburgh still impacts me to this day. To see how they have so much success in their systems – from top to bottom – from the Rooneys to the coaches and players and how they created a winning culture. They have been doing it for so long – it trickled down though the team. It’s one of the best organizations I’ve been around.

How did they manage to do that, from your perspective?

Tomlin – the way he joked and got along with players and yet be serious at the same time. It was interesting to see how he pulled off that dynamic. I was able to see what winners did to be successful – how to create a winning culture. I remember once walking out to the practice field and passing a room on the way out – in the room Dick LeBeau was there getting his Hall of Fame bust made. I had to stop in to see it – he was a legend.

I went to the practice squad then and they told me that if they made the playoffs they were seriously thinking of activating me. Unfortunately we didn’t make it.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Johnny Williams, 2009”

Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Lineman Joey Fisher

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

Well, I have a baby coming in May so I’m looking forward to that! For now, I’m looking over my notes of my time in Pittsburgh – the playbook and techniques, trying to improve on those things. Even my notes from Cleveland – there are techniques I learned there that I can apply to my game still.

Soon I’ll go back home to Maryland and train with my brother and college coach.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Lineman Joey Fisher”