Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

First, can you let me know how you got into coaching?

I always liked to be a man of the people, so to speak. I wanted to help the younger generation but didn’t know I’d end up doing so as a coach. I followed up playing with an NFLPA coaching internship and it went from there.

I spent a year playing for Saskatchewan in Canada after Pittsburgh, but after my third shoulder surgery I thought that was enough. I joined Frostburg State as an intern and am now at the University of Richmond. I enjoy being able to impact guys on the field, but also off the field with life skills as well.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Outside Linebacker Chris Ellis, 2010-2011”