Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

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

I’m a realtor now. Before that I did some coaching at the high school and junior college level.

Anyone help influence the way you coached?

Oh of course, yeah. My Junior college coach John Becker did – he later became a scout for the Rams. He showed me the discipline part of the game. I never played football in high school – I played just a few games. I was lucky that when I went to junior college I became an All-American there. He and Harry Welch, who was a legend in the Northern California area. Those two taught me the discipline part of the game.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Cornerback Rodney “Rock” Richmond, 1987″

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

I’ve been working all over the country and world doing off-shore oil and gas drilling. Since I left Pittsburgh I’ve been all over the world – Africa, Korea….that’s what I’ve been into now – for over 16 years.

I’m sure you’ve seen some amazing things – anything stand out?

I’ve seen all kinds of stuff. You learn about the different cultures and things you’re not accustomed to, but you have to adapt to their culture. You’re visiting their home. But you learn a lot.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Wide Receiver Chris Collins, 2004”

First, what made you decide to sign with the Steelers over the Browns and Cowboys?

My agent and I talked and we saw a big window of opportunity there. I know they drafted a cornerback in the second round but, especially long-term, I think there’s an open competition for a roster spot there.

Lots of San Diego State guys there right – four total? What does that do for you?

It makes the atmosphere more comfortable – seeing guys I played with when I got to camp was a good feeling. It gave me the chance to rekindle those bonds and it’s been fun hanging out with them, even outside of football.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Cornerback Luq Barcoo”

First, can you let me know how you got into coaching since your playing days?

Well, I stopped playing in 2016 after the Chiefs cut me. I moved to Atlanta and opened up a gym. I was running that business – I never thought I’d become a coach when I was a player. But I had that itch to get back to the game in some fashion. Some of my coaches said I’d be a great coach.

I reached out to some of the coaches that impacted me when I played to pick their brains. My wide receivers coach at Connecticut was a high school head coach – Matt Cersosimo. He told me that if I wanted to figure it out, to come to Connecticut and coach his wide receivers. My girlfriend lived in Connecticut so it worked out well. I closed out the club and moved to Connecticut where he took me under his wing at the high school level.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Wide Receiver Kashif Moore, 2013-2014”

First, why did you sign with Pittsburgh?

The whole draft process I never really spoke with the Steelers. When I was released by Indianapolis the Steelers reached out to my agent and wanted to know about my weight – whether I was in shape –  they wanted me to come in for a tryout.

The Steelers were my only NFL option at the time after Indianapolis – they got to me first.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Running Back Darius Hagans”

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

I worked for AT&T for 33 years as a sales and marketing exec before I retired. I coached high school football as well. I coached in Houston for four years – we went to three state championships and won two of them. That was the same high school where Gary Kubiak played quarterback.

After that I moved to Georgia and coached my two younger sons – my older son is 34 and was the top player in Texas at his position at the time. The other two I coached played  college football. I also do some strength and training coaching for kids and work as a substitute teacher.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Defensive Lineman Bret Shugarts, 1987”