Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First off, I know it’s been a while, but can you tell me what you did after football career and family-wise and how you got started?

I went into sales and ran the sales for a couple of companies over the years. Since then I dropped out early from my career – that was 28 years ago – because my wife had cancer and wasn’t supposed to live much longer. But she didn’t pass away like they said she would – we are blessed and she’s still alive today, though at our age we both still have issues.

I’ve been blessed in a  lot of ways. I started in sales because my uncle worked for a company and got me involved. I started off in insurance but that didn’t work out, then went into sales.

I have two sons – both played at Iowa State, so it was fun to watch them. I have three children, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren – with another on the way! And almost all live close by to us.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Quarterback/Punter Vic Eaton, 1955”

First, can you let us know what you’ve been doing since your time playing football?

Since ’98 I’ve been retired.  I was in a car accident when I played for Kansas City that was career-ending – I broke my arm, had internal bleeding and a concussion. What’s crazy is I was number 57. Derrick Thomas was later killed in a car accident – he was number 58. And Wayne Simmons also died in an accident – he was number 59. We all had lockers next to one another.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Reggie Clark, 1994”

Franco Harris: “I always say that the Immaculate Reception was the biggest play in Steelers history and beating the Raiders in the ’74 Championship game was the biggest game in Steelers history. The Immaculate Reception gave us the winning attitude we didn’t have before. The ’74 game – when we won that and went to the Super Bowl – we knew then that we were the best team in the NFL. The ’72 win was about attitude. the ’74 win was when we knew we were the best. I was nervous that entire game until the final whistle blew!”

Continue reading “Celebrating the Anniversary of the Immaculate Reception”

Cliff Stoudt: “I remember in May in mini-camp, I watched Franco take a handoff and run 80 yards downfield into the endzone on his own. He was spinning and pretending to jump over guys. We asked him what he was doing and he told us he expected to score on every play. So the next day all the rookies started doing the same thing – just in warmups.”

John Dockery: “Franco – some thought he was quiet because he was just distancing himself from everyone else. But that wasn’t the case. He was one of my favorite players – he was such a warm guy. He was just quiet.”

Seth Myers: “When I hosted the NFL Honors Award Show, I got to meet Franco Harris. He told me that if I was ever in town to give him a call. Well I had a chance to take my dad with me to dinner with Franco in Pittsburgh. My dad has met Obama, but he could care less about that compared to meeting Franco! Giving that to my dad was a gift. And Franco – his integrity. He’s probably told many of his stories a million times, but when he tells them it doesn’t seem like it. Those stories are like gifts.”

Continue reading “RIP Franco Harris: Steelers Players & Other Comments on Franco”

First, can you let mw know what you’ve been up to since you retired from football?

I’m the Director of the K Club at Kansas State University Athletics – where I went to school. K Club is for all alumni across all Kansas State athletics that ever donned a K-State logo.

My job is to keep them engaged with the athletic department – reunions, connecting with old teammates and friends and to keep them engaged with current student athletes. We want to make it a great experience for current players and alumni.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Offensive Lineman B.J. Finney, 2015-2019, 2021”

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

I’m an Athletic Director now at a middle school and high school. We’ve started a new school and are in year three here. This is the first year of sports – we have a number of different sports teams we’re launching, so I’m excited about that.

How difficult was that post-NFL adjustment and how did you come about that direction?

It’s something I always wanted to do. Growing up I had a good mentor who was an athletic director where I played. What he did for me was great – he was a mentor for me and I wanted to be that same kind of voice for kids.

The opportunity came so fast and at such a young age for me. I was still interested in playing football but to get that kind of opportunity…I spoke to my wife and family and decided to take the opportunity.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Running Back Alvester Alexander, 2013”