Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First off, what’s the offseason looking like for you?

I’m now in Houston – in my home base, here with my wife and daughter. I take my daughter to acrobatics, soccer, gymnastics, ballet…. And on the side my wife and I always have our family over.  It’s just a time to hang out.

Did the Steelers or other teams talk to you yet about returning?

Not yet – my contract is up. Hopefully the Steelers will call – I’d love to go back. Well see how it plays out. I’m on the older side I know. There’s really no rush in signing with someone. I’ve been playing a long time and I have made good money. I know how it goes too – teams like to focus on their younger guys first.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Safety Eric Rowe, 2023-2024”

First off, what have you been up to since your playing days?

Now, I’m teaching algebra in the Virginia Beach school system. I got my degree in property management. After the NFL I did that in Ohio for a little bit then moved to Virginia Beach. The real estate market was bad then so going into teaching was easier.

How difficult was that post-NFL transition for you?

It wasn’t easy for me. It wasn’t real bad, but I just had to figure out what where I wanted to be next. Football was what I knew. Now I had to figure out if I should go into something different.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Running Back Cedric Humes, 2006”

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

I’m currently the President of BKI Canada-  we are a disaster remediation service company. Just like you’ve seen with the flooding and hurricane damage in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina – our organization works with insurance companies to get homes and lives back to livable standards. It’s an interesting industry – you don’t think about it until something happens to you at three a.m.

I knew nothing about the industry when I retired. Now we see, year over year, times have gotten worse weather-wise. So there’s been more need for our services.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Wide Receiver Ryan Thelwell, 1999”

First off, why did you sign with Pittsburgh last seasons – what made you decide to go there?

They chose me really. Tampa Bay released me my second year there and I flew back to Montana. I wasn’t there 24 hours when Pittsburgh signed me and I flew to Pittsburgh.

It’s crazy – I never talked to Tampa Bay or Pittsburgh pre-draft. It’s interesting how it happens. Crazy how things work.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Lineman Dylan Cook”

First off, why did you choose rot sign back with Pittsburgh?

It was a great opportunity. Meeting Coach Tomlin and Coach Dunlap and seeing that defensive line room and how it worked. Hard work there is respected. In Cincinnati I busted my butt but was battling things out of my control. In Pittsburgh it feels like effort is more respected. There’s more opportunity here – they show love from top to bottom.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Defensive Lineman Domenique Davis”

First off, why did you choose to sign with the Steelers?

Ultimately it was a real simple decision for me to make. I wanted to go where I could have the biggest impact for my team.  There were multiple factors on why I chose the Steelers. I talked to my family and prayed on it. The depth chart and scheme were big reasons. I was also just excited about getting s fresh start. My family was on board and it was just the right fit.

What’s in store for you this offseason?

Work, work, work! The past two years with the Colts – I’m super grateful for the opportunity they gave me and for drafting me. It was motivating though not to see the field last season, knowing what I can bring to a team. I’m getting to work on my weaknesses and want to come back better and stronger.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Running Back Evan Hull”

First off, what new projects are you working on now?

Now, my big thing is my transition back to Pittsburgh from L.A. We moved back about six months ago and are getting re-established here. We have twin girls and a son so getting them in school and getting settled has been a major thing.

Professionally, I signed with a publishing company to produce a book of poetry. That will come out this year. My wife and I are also talking to  a family friend who is selling their business. It’s called Salt of the Earth – it’s a salt cave and crystals shop in McMurray. We’re still talking to them about that.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Running Back Rashard Mendenhall, 2008-2012”

First off, what’s the off-season looking like for you?

I’m staying here in Pittsburgh. Being from Germany, I don’t have any family here so I’ll train here then visit home for 10 days. I’m just staying in shape and staying ready for next season, using the Steelers facilities to stay ready.

What have coaches told you to work on?

They told me to stay in shape. My goal is to have more of an impact on special teams. That’s how you get those last spots on the active roster. So I’m fine-tuning those skills. Danny Smith told me he has a plan for me at OTAs. I’m not sure what that will be though.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Linebacker Julius Welschof”

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

I’ve been married to 20 years now and have two boys – one in college at Oregon and the other is 13.  I met my wife when I moved to the U.S. when I was 10 – I knew her since I was a kid.

I’m a firefighter now – I’m a captain here in Washington – I was promoted to captain about a year ago.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Cornerback B.J. Tucker, 2003”