Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

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

Since I’ve been done playing, the majority of my work feeding my family now has been in commercial real estate in Arizona and Utah. We’ve been spending our time between these two areas.

We need to bunker down now though. My kids are four and one – they are getting to be school age. So we need to settle on one area. I’ve also been involved in some start-up companies. Just trying to stay busy and active.

Was the post-NFL adjustment difficult for you?

I think it is a struggle, yes. It is difficult. For me, the challenge came with the fact my identity was as a football player and that association with that world. Being a part of a billion dollar business, doing interviews and having thousands of fans care about what you are doing – you get a sense of importance.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Ravens, Browns Linebacker Paul Kruger”

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

Well right now I’m doing the pregame show for the Browns TV network, We do an hour-and-a-half live show from the field on gamedays and in the studio for away games.

I’ve also been a real estate broker in the Cleveland area for 16 years and love it. And, I’m affiliated with the JACK Casino here in Cleveland as well.

Was the post-NFL adjustment difficult?

It hasn’t been tough really. All NFL players should know you have to give it up eventually – it doesn’t last a lifetime. It’s not forever. The average playing time is four years – I played nine years and knew while I played that I wanted to jump into real estate when I was done. That and radio and TV.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Browns Cornerback Hanford Dixon”

First, can you let me know how you got started in this profession and why?

I knew I wanted to get into mental training and sports psychology since I was in high school. All my education after that was about that. I interned then with Kevin Elko, who worked on profiling some of the Steelers draft picks at the time.

What did you learn from him?

Just seeing someone do it in real life. I saw the process. He also did motivational speaking – group talks – and I was able to sit in on those as well. I learned how to understand what different teams look for – what personality characteristics were most important to them.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Aimee Kimball, Player Development Specialist for Steelers, Penguins”

First, tell me how it’s going with you now and what you’ve been up to since your NFL days?

Well, I turned 88 last month and I’m just here enjoying life. I golf two days a week and play cards two days a week with some old buddies. I moved into a retirement community and I’ve been happy with that. I’m enjoying my family – my kids and grandkids. Whatever I have left in life, I’ll enjoy those days that I have left!

Let’s talk Houston and how you landed there as a coach?

I coached with the Jets under Eubanks. I knew he was retiring and knew who they were giving the job to next. I didn’t really think that guy would be successful and it turns out I was right. I called Sid Gillman – I knew he was putting together a coaching staff and he hired me.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Houston Oilers DC/Head Coach Ed Biles”