Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First, beyond the local connection, why did you choose to sign with the Steelers?

Just the opportunity to play for my hometown team – it’s something I dreamed about since I was a kid. I don’t know if it has set in yet – it’s slowly becoming a reality. They are the best organization in the NFL – I couldn’t pass up a chance to play for them. It’s something I wanted my whole life.

The team has a big need at depth at offensive tackle. Is that something you knew going into signing with the team? Did it help influence that decision?

I like to think of myself as a versatile player. Anywhere Coach Tomlin or Coach Meyer think I should play I’m happy to play there. I’m just excited to learn the system.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Lineman Jake Dixon”

First, what are you up to now and what drove you to sign with Pittsburgh?

I’m back in Cali now to get a few things then I’m off to Pittsburgh. With the situation I was in last year – with all that stuff that went on off the field – I was just happy to get an opportunity to showcase myself again this season. It was tough last year because of all of that.

Was it a long courtship – we read about interest for a while – or something that just sprung up around draft time?

I honestly didn’t know anything at first – not for a while. I read about the interest but I never talked to the team at all. It ended up being a quick offer and acceptance once I got it. With all of the stuff last year I’m grateful to Pittsburgh – I  just wanted to get the chance to play again.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Safety Damontae Kazee”

So first off, what made you decide to sign with the Steelers as a free agent?

I just had a lot of faith in the Steelers organization.  I’ve been a huge NFL fan and have seen how good Tomlin and Colbert have run things there. You can see their involvement in the community and the production of the team. It felt like a good fit for me.

Have you spoken to any of the Alabama guys that ended up with the Steelers?

The main guy I talked to was J.C. Hassenauer – more when he was still at Alabama. I learned a lot from him. He was a backup center there and he showed me then how you prepare and take care of yourself and stay ready for opportunities. How he made his name at Alabama and ended up getting his opportunity at Atlanta then Pittsburgh. He told me it’s a hard grind and you have to find ways to separate yourself and show you can do the job.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Lineman Chris Owens”

First, were you surprised to be drafted by Pittsburgh? What did they say to you on the phone?

Well, Pittsburgh was one of the teams I visited during the draft process. It felt good being there – I really enjoyed the visit. When they took Kenny in the first round I had no idea what to think after that though. I was on standby, talking to my agent when I got the call from the Steelers.

When Coach Tomlin got on the phone I was speechless. It was a surreal moment. He asked how I was doing and I told him I was just waiting to see what happened next. He told me then he was going to make my day a lot better – that they were about to take me in the seventh round.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Quarterback Chris Oladokun”

First, can you let me know what you’ve been up to since you retired from the NFL?

I’ve been helping out my son’s football team a bit – I was an assistant coach last year. I just did it because they asked me to come in and help. I’m just there to give advice – they have a coach and an offensive coordinator.

Give you the coaching bug at all?

No – I’m happy to be home with my family and wouldn’t want to coach. Coaching takes a lot of time and energy and I just wanted to stay home and focus on my kids and family after football. My career took a lot of time and focus away from my family so I just wanted to make sure to spend time with them now.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Quarterback Anthony Wright, 1999”

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

I started the Chuck Dukes Football Academy  15-20 years go. I came back and started working with the youth programs here when my two boys got started playing football. Most of those guys were volunteers doing the best they could – I could tell they needed more help. So I started the academy and helped the kids with full contact drills – with pads – and helping them to train. Agility, strength, explosiveness – that kind of thing. That’s how I got started.

I now expanded into high school and college – and not just football – basketball, lacrosse – you can train across any sport really.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Running Back Chuck Dukes, 1993”

First, can you let me know what you’re doing with yourself now?

I moved back to Northern California where I’m originally from. After the NFL I went back to business school and started a career in healthcare. I’m now working as the COO for HeartFlow – we use artificial intelligence to diagnose coronary artery disease.

I worked in a larger organization before I started here – this is more like a startup – a more interesting opportunity.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Tight End John Farquhar, 1996”