Welcome to Steelers Takeaways! – Page 76 – More than 2,000 interviews of Steelers players, coaches, front office staff PLUS interviews with Pittsburgh actors, musicians, authors and more

Exclusive with Steelers Linebacker Miles Killebrew

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”

Exclusive with Former Steelers Defensive Back Fred Foggie, 1994-1995

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”

Exclusive with Steelers Wide Receiver Matthew Sexton

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”

Exclusive: Steelers Linebacker Jarvis Miller

First, what has been the offseason plan for you – how have you been preparing for the upcoming season?

Well, a lot of people may not know it, but I’ve been grinding all year ever since my pro day last year got canceled due to Covid. I was training with Saquon Barkley who’s a good friend of mine and just kept working all year.

Now I’m back home in Connecticut and working out with Malik Golden – a former Steeler actually. We’re both from the same area here in Connecticut. I’ve just been steady grinding – putting myself in the best possible situation both mentally and physically for when camp starts.

Continue reading “Exclusive: Steelers Linebacker Jarvis Miller”

Exclusive with Ray Austin, Co-Founder and Commissioner of Fan Controlled Football

First, tell me how you got started in all of this?

Six years ago, after I was done with football, I became an actor in Chicago. I did that for 15 years – shows like Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, Empire…. I ended up having a better acting career than football career!

I came up with the idea after for something new. I was watching a friend of mine’s semi-pro football game – I was in the stands and texted him. It’s semi-pro ball – so he’s there with his phone during the game! I’m watching the game and was just saying to myself how bad the coaches were. After the game I went down and talked to the players and asked the coach if I could have the guys run some plays. He said sure, so I texted them plays from the stands and watched them.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Ray Austin, Co-Founder and Commissioner of Fan Controlled Football”

EXCLUSIVE: Steelers Cornerback Stephen Denmark

First, what has been the offseason plan for you – how have you been preparing for the upcoming season?

Right now I’m training in Birmingham with Ha Ha Cinton Dix – he’s a friend and has shown me a lot. How to take care of my body and mastering my technique. Just on how to be a pro on and off the field. Making sure I’m 100% ready to go when the season starts.

What made you decide to sign with the Steelers as a free agent?

Well to be honest they were the only team to reach out sat the start. But William Gay went to my high school and I always watched and liked the Steelers because of him.

Continue reading “EXCLUSIVE: Steelers Cornerback Stephen Denmark”

Exclusive with Pittsburgh Native/Actor Joe Manganiello

First, any new projects you’re working on that fans should know about?

We just launched Shoplifters of the World – it just came out. It’s a period piece set in 1987 after the Smiths broke up. There’s an urban myth about a kid in Denver who holds up a radio station to impress a girl and won’t let them play anything but Smiths songs. I was inspired by the story and produced the film as an independent film. Me, my brother and a high school friend all worked on it and I play the DJ in the movie. We have 20 Smiths songs we use in the film – we showed it to Morrissey who loved the film too.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Pittsburgh Native/Actor Joe Manganiello”

Exclusive with Former Steeler Nose Tackle Mark Catano, 1984-1985

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”

Exclusive Interview: Steelers Tight End Henry Clement, 1960-1961

First, what have you been doing since your retirement from playing football?

I hung around the ‘Burgh after I was done. I worked for what was then Pittsburgh National Bank for a couple of years. One of my accounts I had then was a startup, and I ended up working with them. I knew the owner.

After that I started my own business with a couple of other guys – we repped industrial equipment. I started another business after that too but had to have all the assets sold – I got killed on that.

Continue reading “Exclusive Interview: Steelers Tight End Henry Clement, 1960-1961”

EXCLUSIVE: Steelers Offensive Lineman Rashaad Coward

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”