Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First, can you tell us a bit about what you’ve been doing since your time in the NFL?

Since football, you can say I’ve become an addicted entrepreneur. I’ve started up many businesses – sport facilities, I was a successful sports agent, opened up a transportation company and car business. I’ve had several endeavors and am still busy running those day-to-day operations.

How was that post-NFL transition for you?

It was a smooth transition for me – only because I was prepared for it. The NFL is a revolving door – all who go in come out. You have to understand that going in.

Everybody goes in wanting longevity and has goals of being a starter, Pro Bowl player … everyone sets some goals for their career. Not everyone thinks about what happens afterwards. I was fortunate to play for 10 years and was able to walk away on my own accord.

Continue reading “Exclusive With Former Bengals Wide Receiver Tim McGee”

First to all, can you let us know about your new role at VisitPITTSBURGH?

I just recently joined VisitPITTSBURGH – I come from a fairly deep background in professional sports. I worked for over 20 years with the Penguins – the bulk of that with team operations – travel, logistics, things like that. I also led the Penguins Foundation – building community relationships and partnerships throughout the region.

I’m excited – my work now is about highlighting the city to bring exciting events here. I work with the Pirates, Steelers, Penguins and the vibrant amateur and youth sports in the area to help bring other events to the city.

Continue reading “Exclusive: Jim Britt, Vice President of Sports Events, VisitPITTSBURGH”

First off, any upcoming projects/shows we should be aware of?

Well – we’re doing our annual holiday extravaganza we like to call it at the Crafthouse on December 28th. We’ll have two sets – the first with the old stuff with the Iron City Houserockers then the new stuff with Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers.

I also have two new records coming up and was involved in a new musical that premiered in New Jersey called East Carson Street.

Continue reading “Exclusive: Pittsburgh Musician Joe Grushecky”

First – how’s the health of the Eagles – I saw Dallas Goedert was placed on IR – how big of a hit is that?

Well we’re a lot healthier than the Steelers! Then only guy we have out is Dallas Goedert – and he should be back by the end of the season. Earlier on Davonte Smith, A.J. Brown and Jordan Mailata were out but they’re back now and we’re almost at full health.

Grant Calcaterra has done a great job too at tight end. He’s more of a pass-catcher than a blocker though.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Mike Gill, Philadelphia’s Host of the Sports Bash on 97.3 ESPN”

First off, what projects should we be aware of that you’re working on now?

Well, I just finished shooting season one of an Apple series. I signed an NDA so I don’t think I can give away the name of the series or many details yet, but it includes Olivia Munn, Jon Hamm and Amanda Peet. I have a re-occurring character. It’s a great series directed by the same person who directed Banshee.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Pittsburgher/Actor Manu Narayan”

First off, what are you doing now – are you still riding?

It’s my eight-year anniversary of the accident that changed my life and left me paralyzed from the chest down.

Now the only exercises I can do are with my arms. I push a wheelchair on the street in my Manchester neighborhood – it’s a flat street so I can do it easier. It’s been excellent exercise for me. I use a safety flag so I’m visible, and do about 3-6 miles a day – at about two miles an hour.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Danny Chew, Ultramarathon Cyclist and Co-Founder and Promoter of the Dirty Dozen”

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

I’m just raising my kids now. I worked for a telecom company – a small one you may have heard of – AT&T! A friend of mine from church talked to me after I retired from the NFL. I was in Ohio and was looking to move to Indiana for a job with Ameritech and the Yellow Pages when he told me he was looking for someone there in Ohio. So I ended up working for them.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Browns Quarterback Mike Pagel”