More than 1,000 interviews of Steelers players, coaches, front office staff, media and more with those that played in the 50’s through today’s current roster.
First, what’s offseason plan – did the coaches tell you to work on or do anything specific?
It’s really just to stay in shape and stay ready. That’s been my motto the whole time – to stay ready and be ready to prove myself when it’s time.
When Coach Tomlin called and talked to me we didn’t about anything specific – he just sounded excited to get to work.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Cornerback Mark Gilbert”
These two following exerts are from my recently published book: Dancing in the Shadows, available from my art website: larrygagner.com
My first participation as a rookie in a regular season pro-football game for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1966 was preceded with a common occurrence executed, somewhat, uncommonly. Since we won the coin toss, we elected to receive the opening kick-off. That meant the Steeler’s offensive team was to be individually introduced over the PA system before the hometown crowd at Pitt Stadium.
There were several linemen introduced prior to me. At the end of each player’s run from the stadium’s field entrance unto the field, they would shake the hands of the preceding introduced players. When my name was announced, I followed suit. At my run’s end, I shook a couple of white player’s hands, and they said the traditional, “Have a great game.”
Continue reading “In His Own Words Larry Gagner”
First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing with yourself after your time in the NFL?
Well, after Chuck Noll told me I should get on with my life’s work, I became a teacher and a coach at East Allegheny High School – where I went to high school. It was called Westinghouse Memorial then. So I went back to my roots and taught for 35 years and coached for 25 of those years, then retired.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Wide Receiver Dave Kalina, 1970-1971”
First, tell me why you decided to sign with Pittsburgh?
Well, when I didn’t get picked in the draft – when I wasn’t one of the 259 guys drafted – after the draft I wasn’t mad or sad or angry. I just kept myself level-headed. God brought me through a lot of things and it was a blessing from God to be able to sign with the Steelers.
I didn’t know what team would come to try to get me and sign me after the draft. But when Mike Tomlin called he sounded like he was very happy to have me.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Wide Receiver Isaiah McKoy”
First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing since your time in the NFL?
I’ve been in sales – I sell refractory equipment – high temperature insulation for the steel and cement industries – for furnaces and things like that. I’ve been doing that for over 20 years now.
Was the adjustment to post-NFL life difficult for you?
I didn’t technically have a plan. My career didn’t go as I imagined it would. I was nicked up and it just wasn’t very good. Not what I wanted it to be.
I was talking to a friend who offered me a job, and my wife said I’ll take it! I thought about coaching and worked in Pitt’s athletic department for a bit, but it’s tough on families. A lot of travel and moving around, so I opted not to do that for our family. I do have friends like Jerry Olsavsky and Bill Cherpak who have been successful coaches – Jerry with the Steelers of course and Bill at Thomas Jefferson.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Offensive Lineman Dean Caligure, 1991-1992”
First, can you talk a bit about what you’ve been doing with yourself lately?
Well, I retired in 2014 and am recovering from a stroke now. I’m doing ok – it’s a slow process though. I’m weak on my left side – I’m trying to get that straight.
I live in Green Bay and overlook Lake Michigan.
Looking back, what got you started in scouting?
We had our daughter in ’81, and I started thinking about the abilities I thought I could bring to a career – what skills I wasn’t using like I could. I wanted to be sure I had something to do in the future.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Scout Jesse Kaye 1985-1989”
First, what are you doing in the offseason to stay ready for when camp starts?
I’m currently in the Dallas area – I spend my offseason here. I stayed here after the XFL season and grew to love it here. I’m here with my college teammate Chris Convington who has been in and out to the NFL too. There are a lot of NFL players around here so the environment is ideal – it’s been a good place for me to be.
Right now I’m working on my strength and footwork. I’m well – I’m healthy and ready. So that’s where I’m at.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Linebacker Tegray Scales”
First, what’s the offseason plan been for you?
Well, as you already know, we can’t be at the facility now more than ever. So I’m just working out here in Vegas – that’s what I’ve done really since I got into the league. I’m just staying n shape and doing what I need to do to be ready when it’s time to go back.
Last year, the precedent was set early for how we handled Covid – we knew what the deal was. This year we still don’t know yet. It’s a unique situation – we’re just still playing it by ear. Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Linebacker Miles Killebrew”
First, let me know what you’ve been doing since your time in the NFL?
I work for a company here in South Carolina – we make automotive seats for BMWs and Volvos. I supervise 15 people and have been doing this for a long time since I retired from football.
I started off working for a model homes company as an inspector before I took this job and moved up the company to where I am now.
Was it a difficult transition to post-NFL life for you?
What gave me joy was my kids – I have three daughters in college. I recently went to the wedding of my older son and my younger son just bought a house. My kids gave me perspective on life outside of football. Football helped me to understand the work needed to achieve goals and to be accountable. Now, I make sure the people that work for me at the plant have ownership of their work and we have the best line in the plant because of that.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Defensive Back Fred Foggie, 1994-1995”
First, what’s been the offseason plan for getting ready for the season?
Just the same thing I’ve been doing – working out and working on the small details – route-running, keeping my weight up – staying strong and fast. Catching punts and kicks. I want to be able to walk into camp not feeling like a rookie. I want to feel like I’ve been there.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Wide Receiver Matthew Sexton”