Welcome to Steelers Takeaways! – Page 20 – 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 Former Steelers Defensive Lineman Miguel Chavis, 2011

First off, why coaching and what’s your ultimate coaching goal/wish?

I wanted to develop guys. I love the game – I always had a passion for the game of football.

After the NFL I was in the ministry as a youth pastor. I was content and happy trying to make a difference with the kids then.

Then Dabo Sweeney – he was the head coach at Clemson at the time – he called me. I was still active in the Clemson community. He said “Listen. Do what you’re doing, developing young men. Just do it in the game of football.” He told me I’d be a great coach. The seed was planted for me to coach already by Dan Brooks, my position coach at Clemson. He told me that I connected well with players and was a great teacher. And coaching is teaching.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Defensive Lineman Miguel Chavis, 2011”

Exclusive: Former Jaguars Wide Receiver Jimmy Smith

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

Right now I’m enjoying being a father. I have five boys – four play football and one plays basketball. My two oldest are at Wyoming and two are in high school. That’s my priority right now.

How has the post-NFL transition been for you? I know some have an easier time than others.

I’m still making the transition, ever since I retired really. I had my ups and downs but as long as I have my priorities in order and have a good solid spiritual relationship in order, I am ok.

But you are right, it is an easier transition for some than others.

Continue reading “Exclusive: Former Jaguars Wide Receiver Jimmy Smith”

Exclusive with Former Steelers Defensive Lineman Tommy Dawkins, 1987

First, can you let me know what you’ve been up to since your NFL time?

I got married to my lovely wife Robin and had three boys. They all played football through the collegiate level. One graduated from Appalachian State where I played and two played at NC State – one of those transferred to South Carolina.

What did you do after football?

After football I still had a love for the game and took up coaching. I coached my kids’ Pop Warner teams until they grew out of it then went on to coach in high school for seven years.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Defensive Lineman Tommy Dawkins, 1987”

Exclusive with Former Steelers Cornerback Kevin Fogg, 2014-2015

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

Just working, It’s been a different kind of transition for me – just getting over a lot of stuff. Not in a bad way – I just kept a certain face on for a long time and decided it was time to move forward.

What kind of stuff?

Stuff about my sexuality. It wasn’t fun to go through that over my career.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Cornerback Kevin Fogg, 2014-2015”

Exclusive with Former Steelers Wide Receiver Jay Kearney, 1996-1997

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

I was coaching football at Piscataway High School and had a number of successful years there – we won a couple of state championships. I also sent a few kids to the NFL as first round draft picks – after a while though I retired and went into pharmaceutical sales. Now I get to watch my daughter in her sports journey – she plays softball at the University of Georgia.

Who were the guys you sent as first round picks?

Malcolm Jenkins, Kyle Wilson and Anthony Davis – they all had great talent. I just touched it up a little and showed them what they should expect to experience when they got to college. They were all great, talented kids.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Wide Receiver Jay Kearney, 1996-1997”

Exclusive with Former Steelers Offensive LIneman Fernando Velasco, 2013

First, tell me about your role as Player Relations Coordinator for the University of Georgia – how it got started and what you’re doing?

I’m here to help out the kids as they transition into college and after college. To help them find that first job – whether it’s in the NFL or an internship or a job in corporate America. Preparing them for life outside of the NFL.

Was it a tough transition for you after football?

I think the transition is tough for everyone. For me, the key was having a plan. To have an idea of what I wanted to do. The big thing was, I got my degree. No matter who you are, football comes to an end.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Offensive LIneman Fernando Velasco, 2013”

Exclusive With Former Steelers Cornerback Tim McKyer, 1994

First, can you tell me what you’ve been up to since playing football?

I’m just trying to survive – to stay alive! I see a lot of guys my age dropping – guys in their 50’s. It’s scary. I’m exercising more, riding my bike and eating better. I think I’m in decent shape now but it’s personal. I lost two bothers in 2020 – one to a massive heart attack and one to complications with diabetes. That has taken its toll on me.

Other than that I’m just hanging out – nothing special. Just traveling and seeing family. Appreciating living.

Continue reading “Exclusive With Former Steelers Cornerback Tim McKyer, 1994”

Exclusive: Former Ravens, Browns, Bengals P Kyle Richardson

First, I know you’re involved with the NFL Alumni Association – what is the focus of the association right now?

The NFL Alumni Association is the oldest one for retired athletes in sports. It was started in concert with NFL owners – its logo became the NFL shield. We operate independently of the NFL and we now have 39 chapters. I’m the president of the Baltimore chapter.

Our focus is on health and wellness. The CBA offers good single-solutions for players but we want to be additive for players to help them live a longer, healthier life.

Continue reading “Exclusive: Former Ravens, Browns, Bengals P Kyle Richardson”

Exclusive with Former Steelers Safety Robert Golden, 2012-2017

First, can you let me know about the Golden Charter Academy – how that got launched and why you pursued this venture?

Throughout my time playing with the Steelers I always had a drive – a commitment to come back to my hometown and help children who are growing up in this area. I wanted to create an opportunity to help children by using the anti-bullying and mentoring programs I started when I was in Pittsburgh.

I had a mentor who told me that one day I could create a school like this for children. I told him that I wanted it to be completely different if I did. I wanted them to have hands-on learning and to show them that they are leaders right now.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Safety Robert Golden, 2012-2017”

Exclusive with Former Steelers Tight End Glenn McCombs, 1986

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

Now, I’m the VP of Business Development at NAES – we operate power plants. I work with hedge funds and equity mangers – folks like that.

I got into it by complete accident – around 25 years ago. I was working construction for my dad’s company when he decided to sell the business – he wanted to retire. So then I went to work for a water company. But a friend’s father told me that I should go work in the power business and I’ve been there since.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Tight End Glenn McCombs, 1986”