Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First off, what have you been up to since playing?

I’ve been raising my kids, playing golf and working on my business. I’ve been busy. When I was playing I didn’t think at all about a plan B. I figured I’d figure it out after playing for eight or nine years. That’s how I looked at it.

Was the post-NFL transition tough – how did you navigate it?

It was weird. You have all of that freedom – that time and energy. It wasn’t easy – I needed to find ways to decompress and transition to civilian life. I struggled for the first six months or so – I was rehabbing after surgery then too. Your ego is so big as a player you think you’ll play forever and it’s a shock to your system when you stop.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Offensive Lineman David DeCastro, 2012-2020”

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

I work in the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s office – I’m a Lieutenant and work on the emergency response team in the training division. I have a wife and two kids – a 10-year old and a daughter at the University of Pittsburgh. That’s the summation of my life – family and work!

What made you decide to pursue law enforcement?

I was actually at Virginia Tech on campus during the shooting. I was in the middle of a class at Squires Hall right across from where the shooting occurred. I saw the students running out and law enforcement running in. It was a pivotal moment for me. I think about it often – I’m not sure I ever digested that day – it was surreal.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Fullback Demetrius Taylor, 2010”

First off, what does the offseason look like for you? What are you up to now?

I live in Tampa here with my family. I’m here staying in shape and waiting to see where I’m headed next. Right now I’m enjoying time with my one-year old.

What made you decide to sign with the Steelers as a free agent last season?

For one, my familiarity with Arthur Smith after having played for him in Atlanta. That was a big draw. I like his offense and liked playing for him when he was the head coach. And who wouldn’t want to play for the Steelers and Mike Tomlin – it’s a top-notch organization and Tomlin is a great head coach.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Wide Receiver Scotty Miller, 2024”

First off, what’s the offseason looking like for you?

I’m now in Houston – in my home base, here with my wife and daughter. I take my daughter to acrobatics, soccer, gymnastics, ballet…. And on the side my wife and I always have our family over.  It’s just a time to hang out.

Did the Steelers or other teams talk to you yet about returning?

Not yet – my contract is up. Hopefully the Steelers will call – I’d love to go back. Well see how it plays out. I’m on the older side I know. There’s really no rush in signing with someone. I’ve been playing a long time and I have made good money. I know how it goes too – teams like to focus on their younger guys first.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Safety Eric Rowe, 2023-2024”

First off, what have you been up to since your playing days?

Now, I’m teaching algebra in the Virginia Beach school system. I got my degree in property management. After the NFL I did that in Ohio for a little bit then moved to Virginia Beach. The real estate market was bad then so going into teaching was easier.

How difficult was that post-NFL transition for you?

It wasn’t easy for me. It wasn’t real bad, but I just had to figure out what where I wanted to be next. Football was what I knew. Now I had to figure out if I should go into something different.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Running Back Cedric Humes, 2006”

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

I’m currently the President of BKI Canada-  we are a disaster remediation service company. Just like you’ve seen with the flooding and hurricane damage in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina – our organization works with insurance companies to get homes and lives back to livable standards. It’s an interesting industry – you don’t think about it until something happens to you at three a.m.

I knew nothing about the industry when I retired. Now we see, year over year, times have gotten worse weather-wise. So there’s been more need for our services.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Wide Receiver Ryan Thelwell, 1999”

First off, why did you sign with Pittsburgh last seasons – what made you decide to go there?

They chose me really. Tampa Bay released me my second year there and I flew back to Montana. I wasn’t there 24 hours when Pittsburgh signed me and I flew to Pittsburgh.

It’s crazy – I never talked to Tampa Bay or Pittsburgh pre-draft. It’s interesting how it happens. Crazy how things work.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Lineman Dylan Cook”

First off, why did you choose rot sign back with Pittsburgh?

It was a great opportunity. Meeting Coach Tomlin and Coach Dunlap and seeing that defensive line room and how it worked. Hard work there is respected. In Cincinnati I busted my butt but was battling things out of my control. In Pittsburgh it feels like effort is more respected. There’s more opportunity here – they show love from top to bottom.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Defensive Lineman Domenique Davis”

First off, why did you choose to sign with the Steelers?

Ultimately it was a real simple decision for me to make. I wanted to go where I could have the biggest impact for my team.  There were multiple factors on why I chose the Steelers. I talked to my family and prayed on it. The depth chart and scheme were big reasons. I was also just excited about getting s fresh start. My family was on board and it was just the right fit.

What’s in store for you this offseason?

Work, work, work! The past two years with the Colts – I’m super grateful for the opportunity they gave me and for drafting me. It was motivating though not to see the field last season, knowing what I can bring to a team. I’m getting to work on my weaknesses and want to come back better and stronger.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Running Back Evan Hull”