Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

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

Well, after I signed with the Colts, I moved to Indianapolis and met my now ex-wife here. I have two daughters out here.

I did a couple of different jobs after the NFL.  I worked at Marathon Petroleum but then went on disability.

Football injuries?

Yeah. some are. I had major neck surgery – a level three spinal fusion. They usually don’t do level threes but my neurosurgeon spoke with a couple other guys and they concurred that if I didn’t have it I’d just have to have others later. I had my C4 fused to my C5, C5 to C6, and C6 to C7. Eight plates and screws. I felt really good for two years after it but the last two have been really bad. My back’s a mess too. I applied for disability and usually they say it takes more than one try, but I got it on the first try. So I guess I’m pretty screwed up!

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steeler Nose Tackle Mark Catano, 1984-1985”

First, can you let us know what you’ve been doing this offseason?

I’ve been training every day – focusing on position work. I trained a lot at WIN Performance in Illinois – working on ways to get stronger and more flexible.

How did the signing happen with the Steelers – what do you think brought that on?

My agents called me earlier in the day and told me they had no deals for me but that they may try and talk to Pittsburgh. I didn’t know what to say then. But then they called me back and told me they were just playing – that Pittsburgh offered me a deal. They were so childish – playing games with me!

Continue reading “EXCLUSIVE: Steelers Offensive Lineman Rashaad Coward”

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

I’m living in Arizona now- living the dream. I can’t ask for no more than this. I’ll be 52 this year – and right now I’m sitting in my garage, drinking Miller Lite and smoking my cigar.  Sometimes I watch my neighbors kids – block off the street and let them play ball. And now I’m just looking forward to football season starting up again.

Was the post-NFL adjustment tough for you?

It was easier for me than it was for most guys. The reason is I listened to the guy that represented me. I wasn’t hard-headed – I listened to his advice and stayed financially sound. I wish more guys would have taken his advice. It was mostly about making paper – I had no complaints with him. He kept me responsible. I’m one person. Why do I need five damn cars right?

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Defensive Lineman Bill Johnson, 1995-1996”

First, what have you been up to this season – still trying to get back into the NFL?

I was in the XFL before COVID – I just bought a house in Pittsburgh and have been involved in real estate. Yeah, I’ve been hanging out and staying in shape and trying to figure things out – staying healthy.

I’d love  to get back in. But it’s definitely a business. It’s not always easy to get back in – I did well in the XFL and made some plays. I’m staying in shape. But maybe at the age of 29 teams figure they could give guys less money and a good player versus giving someone like me who may be better but who you’d have to pay a little more. That’s my guess as to why I haven’t been signed. It’s not my decision I guess.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Terence Garvin, 2013-2015”

First, congratulations on the appoint to Chief of Police in West Covina.  How did you get involved in law enforcement?

Well it’s a long but good story. I met Darryl Strawberry when I was playing in Pittsburgh and he was in town for a game- it turned out his grandmother and my wife’s grandmother were sisters. Meeting him was kind of a big deal to me. When I was finished in Pittsburgh after the ’90 season I ended up going to church with Darryl’s brother, who was a police officer.

I was always interested in becoming a police officer so I  asked him how he get started in the process, and he got me in contact with the folks in Los Angeles that he knew on the force. I got through everything in the process to becoming an officer there but I failed the medical – and that disqualified me from becoming an officer.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Running Back Richard Bell, 1990”

First,  what have you been doing since your time in the NFL?

Basically, after I retired from the NFL, I opened an automobile agency in Milwaukee for 17 years then coached high school and track for 12 years. I ended up coaching two state football championships and one track championship.

Did you mold your coaching style after anyone you played for?

Nobody really – I didn’t follow anybody’s coaching style, so to speak. I did it the way I wanted to. Remember, I was drafted by Green Bay and played for Lombardi who was a great offensive mind. Then I went to Dallas and played for Tom Landry who was the founder of the 4-3 defense. In Pittsburgh, Buddy Parker was at the end of his coaching career – he was a heavy drinker. But Layne, John Henry Johnson, Buddy Dial, Mike Henry… it was a good group of sharp guys so I was able to learn a little form them too.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Safety Bill Butler, 1961”

First, let me know a little bit about your post-NFL life these days..

Now, I’m pretty much retired. I’m following my kids around – I have three girls who are all in college. One plays basketball at Providence and I follow her career and try to see as many games as possible.

How hard was that post-NFL adjustment for you?

Well, post football, it was pretty much all over the place. I had my ups and downs, some legal issues as you may know. Pat Hodgson, my tight ends coach in Pittsburgh, he said that we should prepare for the rest of our lives after football. After playing most don’t make as much money as they did when they played. And he was right – some did, and some didn’t.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Tight End Adrian Cooper, 1991-1993”

First, can you let me know what you’re doing with yourself now since you retired from the NFL?

Well, I’m working now at my former high school – DeKalb and working to get my Masters in Sports Management. I may go back to school to become a high school administrator as well though, I really enjoy working with kids.

You also coached some?

I volunteered at DeKalb to help coach football there. I might become full staff next year but I don’t know if I want to go back fully into sports again – I’m not sure if I’m ready yet,

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steeler Running Back Cameron Stingily, 2015-2016”