Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing since you retired from the NFL?

Actually, when I first came out, I did a lot of youth training for football. Then I moved on and started my own trucking company  – 18 wheelers. I worked with underprivileged kids before deciding to stop for a while.

Now, I’m just licking my wounds from the NFL and being a dad. Taking it easy.

Was the post-NFL transition difficult for you?

It wasn’t hard at all for me. I went from a starter in Cleveland to not much playing time by the time I was done, so I knew where I was headed before I retired. I was already getting prepared and had started work on starting the trucking company before I stopped playing.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Wide Receiver/Kick Returner Quincy Morgan, 2005”

First, I know you’re practicing law now. How did you get started in your new career and what area of law do you practice in?

I practice general corporate law – mergers and acquisitions and general business transactions. I was interested in law as an undergrad at Northwestern when I did a legal studies program there.

After Pittsburgh I went to Michigan and got my law degree and made my way back to Chicago to start my second career.

Was the post-football adjustment difficult for you?

The transition is always a bit of an adjustment. A lot of guys I think will echo that. I was taken back from the structure of professional football where everything is laid out for you – from breakfast to evening film study. It’s all structured for you.

Continue reading “Exclusive with former Steelers Defensive Lineman Brian Arnfelt, 2013”

First, can you let us know why you signed with Pittsburgh?

Only Dallas and the Rams showed interest in drafting me. My agent told them they’d need to draft me if they wanted me because we had a deal in place with the Steelers if I wasn’t drafted.

I’m not sure why Pittsburgh had that interest in me though. We never talked about it.

Continue reading “Exclusive: Steelers Linebacker Calvin Bundage”

First, tell me how you became a Steelers fan – how did it all start?

I’ve been a lifelong Steelers fan – since I was four years old. I was born in California so it’s a bit strange why I became a Steelers fan.  It was dumb luck really.

I was four, and I was at my Aunt Jan and Uncle Don’s house. My cousins weren’t there so I didn’t have them to play with. I was watching TV – turning the dial – you know – when we all had those! I came across what I later found out was a football game. My parents weren’t big sports fans, so I didn’t know what it was. It turns out it was the 1975 Super Bowl versus the Vikings, so that was my first Steelers game. The first play I saw was Bradshaw throwing his only passing touchdown of the game to Larry Brown and then seeing and hearing the fans going wild. It was love at first sight and I was hooked from that day forward!

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Minority Owner Paul Sams”

First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing since your time playing football?

Well, after I played in Green Bay I went to school and got my law degree, I’ve been practicing now for 51 years! I’m a trial lawyer and have racked up a few awards here in South Carolina. I came back to the town I grew up in and went to high school and college in. Still practicing law!

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Ed Holler, 1964”

First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing with yourself since you’ve retired?

Well, I have four kids, so being a daddy and a husband now is my number one thing. Dealing with my health has been the toughest thing. I’ve had a lot of physical issues- two back fusions, a hip replacement. Things like that. I’ll just leave it at that – it’s all been football-related.

Outside of the physical issues, how hard has the post-NFL adjustment been?

Well, one thing I wanted to start off with, just to be upfront. I went to the Steelers at the high-point of my career. I was really excited to get things going there. It was a good team with a good defense. I had The Bus behind me.

Continue reading “Exclusive with former Steelers Quarterback Kent Graham, 2000”

First, can you let us know how retirement has been treating you – what have you been up to?

Well, I am retired now, and I’m very good at it!  I loved being in football and I love being out of it now. I’m fortunate to have my grandkids in the same town as me here in Northeast Georgia – in a small town we love called Clarksville. Every day I’m going to a swim meet or basketball or baseball game. We love this little town and my wife and I love the slow life here!

Was retirement difficult for you – getting to sleep in now fun?

Actually, I still don’t sleep in! I still get up around five or six every morning. It’s a habit you get into through the years that’s hard to break.

Retirement wasn’t that difficult for me. I do miss the camaraderie with the coaches and players. I miss that. Other than that the stress and hours I don’t miss. I loved the competition in football but I get that now with golf and little league games!

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Coordinator Chan Gailey, 1994-1997”

First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing since your time playing pro football?

Growing up, I used to do contracting jobs before I went to college to make some money – roofing, siding, remodeling….a family member had the business and it gave me an opportunity to learn some things.

I went to high school in Pittsburgh – at Blackhawk, near Beaver Falls. Then I went to Kansas State – they had an engineering curriculum – a construction sciences degree and that interested me.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Safety Greg Best, 1983”

First, what’s the offseason plan as you get ready for camp? Did the coaches tell you anything to get ready for in camp?

I’m just working out – running and lifting. Just getting ready for the start of rookie mini-camp.

The coaches haven’t told us to do anything – not really. I just signed so it’s early for that.

Why did you decide to sign with the Steelers? I’m sure you had other offers?

I signed because I thought Pittsburgh would be the best fit for me after the departure of Mike Hilton and Steven Nelson. I have the chance to go there and compete right away. Regardless of how I got there I have the opportunity now to show what I’ve got and to play – especially as a hometown guy.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Safety LaMont Wade”