Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First, can you let me know how the Steeline got started?

The Steeline started in 2012 – I encountered drumlines in grad school at Missouri and met people who were involved with the drumlines with the Chiefs and Rams. I thought it was a really cool thing. I was originally from Pittsburgh and had planned to come back to Pittsburgh after I graduated. So I thought it would be awesome to start one up in Pittsburgh.

I moved back and got together with a few friends of mine in college who were also drummers – we developed the idea. The music, uniforms, persona, logos….We then approached the Steelers to see if we could work with them. We had some contacts in the community – the team brought in high school bands for games and we knew some of those guys – so we were able to get in touch with the team.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Vince Wallace of the Steelers Steeline Drumline”

First off, what have you been up to since your time in the NFL?

Well, I’m retired now. I play a lot of pickleball and have a lot of grandkids, so I do a lot of things with them – sporting events and those types of things. I also play a lot of golf when the weather is nice. And I stay involved in the community.

You are involved with the NFL Alumni Association there too correct? 

I’m President of the local chapter here yes. We focus a lot on kids – reading programs for kids to ensure they don’t get too far behind. We have a golf tournament we do with St. Elizabeth’s Hospital as well.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Cincinnati Bengals Kicker Jim Breech”

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

When I was done playing in ’09, I came home and started teaching in 2012. They asked if I wanted to coach and I told them I wasn’t ready yet. But in 2018 I finally said I’d do it. My first year was a struggle and I said I wouldn’t do it again. But three months later I was named the AD and head coach!

I’m now in my fifth season and we’ve won a lot of games since then and had a lot of fun. It’s been fun coaching my boys and nephews too.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Bengals Tight End Matt Schobel”

First, can you let me know how you got started compiling stats on NFL referees for NFL Ref  Stats?

It really started by necessity.  I make Vegas my home most of the year and I’d meet up with friends – Scott Kellen who runs Sixth Sense Sports and Bernie Fratto who’s on Fox Sports Radio. We’d meet up at the M Casino on Sundays at their sportsbook to watch games. We noted the refs and their impact on games but didn’t follow it that much. When calls were made we’d hear that is was good for the home team or the over-under, but that was about it. I wanted to learn more about the referees and how they called games.

I knew there were sites for baseball that covered the size of strike zones for umpires and figured there would be similar sites for NFL football refs, but there was nothing remotely close to what I was looking for. So I figured I’d start one on my own.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Joe Gibbs of NFL Ref Stats”

First of all, how did the National Scouting Combine begin?

It’s similar to the NFL Combine. I was in the NFL Combine in 2000, then fast-forward, I started this National Combine event. Every event says they can get you to the NFL and all jockey for that position. But not every player can be an NFL player. I’ve seen a lot of players and not everyone can be at the top of the pyramid.

I was with the Patriots and got hurt and made my way back to the NFL by playing in leagues like the AFL. I saw players who played for the love of the game. By 2010 I had four kids and knew my game was coming to an end.

Continue reading “Exclusive: Jimmy Kibble, CEO & Founder of Beyond Sports, LLC | National Scouting Combine”