Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First off – how did the tryout opportunity come about for you?

I’ve been training for a couple of months now here in Miami – I’m from here. I had a lot of interest before the draft from teams – Miami, Packers, Vikings, Texans, Jaguars, Bears and the Steelers all showed interest.

At my pro day the Steelers stayed and talked to me for a while. Casey Weidl and Phil Kreidler told me they liked my elusiveness, speed and the way I ran routes.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Camp Invite, Duquesne Wide Receiver Dwayne Menders”

First off, why sign with Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent?

During the process leading up to the draft I had an amazing Zoom call with the coaches and their special teams coach especially – Danny Smith. I think we really connected well. They talked about how they wanted to use me on special teams and I am really looking forward to that – to contribute in that role.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Running Back/Return Specialist Jordan Byrd”

First, excited to get in the building and start working on? What has the offseason been like for you – what did you do/work on?

It’s been good – it’s been refreshing to be in a new place with a new opportunity. Just to be in the Steelers building and getting to know guys and figuring out the way things work here.

Right now we’re all still trying to get to know each other and figure out our way around the building. I’m just looking to come in and work and earn a spot and get on the 53.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Safety Kenny Robinson”

First, how have the past couple of days been – any surprises?

Well I drove up from North Carolina and have been working out with the guys in the Steelers facility since last Sunday. There’s a ton of great energy here – lot’s of good guys – and all very welcoming.

It’s been business as usual so far – installing the base packages and meeting the guys. It’s been good to get to know my teammates. Some have been friends of friends so it’s been good to connect with them.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Linebacker Tanner Muse”

First, can you let us know what the offseason has been like for you?

The offseson has been going well. Honestly I’ve been focusing on staying in a rhythm and staying consistent. That’s the biggest thing for me. There’s always a lot of outside stuff going on – I just wanted to stay locked in on the main thing – football. You have a lot of freedom in the offseason with open schedules.

So for me, I just spent time with my family, worked and stayed humble. This is a big season for me – and for the Steelers. I want to be a part of it.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Linebacker Chapelle Russell”

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

Right now I’m a dialysis patient. After football I went into the car business – then that was about it. I got married and had two kids. I lost one son – he was shot and killed. My other son lives near me in Kansas City.

How did you handle that – and the post-NFL adjustment – how did you manage all of that?

It was a struggle for a while. And you have all that fame and glory then it’s just gone away. I just tried to stay busy though and pick up other things to do. I even went into coaching my boys in basketball.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Safety Donald Herron, 1986”

First, can you let me know how you got started as a photographer?

Well, my family has always been involved in photography. My grandfather got started in Italy – he had an interest in photography – he was a cabinetmaker too. My dad was too – and when I got married we had a little boy I was so proud of – so I loved taking pictures of him.

I mostly loved taking black and white pictures – I loved the dark room work – developing pictures.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Photographer Bill Amatucci, 1975-2014”

First off, can you let us know what you’re offseason’s been like so far?

Right now I’m just working on staying in shape – whetting stronger and faster and working on my explosiveness.

The only real time off I took was to go to Mardis Gras with some friends. Nothing crazy!

Looking back, did you have any mentors when you first got into the league with the Jets – who and how so?

Folo Fatukasi and John Franklin-Meyers – they both helped me to learn the ropes as a rookie. I’m using the same program now that they showed me then! How to take care of my body and that it’s not always about heavy lifting. You also have to work on movement – to be more mobile.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Defensive Lineman Jonathan Marshall”