Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First, can you tell us how you got into coaching and some of the guys that influenced you as a coach?

I was fortunate to have played and coached for a lot of great coaches. Of course, football was  a lot different then.

As an assistant coach, I was always involved in a lot of different things. But, I always watched how the head coach did things – how they handled things. I learned a lot that way – watching Hank Stram, Sam Rutilgliano and Buddy Ryan.

How were those guys to coach for?

Buddy was unique. His focus was on defense but I still learned some things from him. When I became head coach, I learned more things came into play. It’s not about just X’s and O’s. The players are people with their own problems and a lot of the things that came across my desk then had nothing to do with playing football. So learning how to handle those things was important. I’m thankful to all of the coaches that helped me with that.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Tight End Rich Kotite (1968) and NFL Head Coach”

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

Since I retired I started a couple of businesses. I’ve been working in the community and focusing on mentoring. Just different ways to advance the community. I’m working on a couple of initiatives and information on those is forthcoming. I’ll let the public know soon – these will be endeavors that will help people all-around.

Was the post-NFL adjustment difficult for you? 

It wasn’t that hard for me. Just getting used to things – throttling down the every day rigor of professional football. Thankfully I had a strong family unit that helped me stay grounded. So it wasn’t a major adjustment. The financial difference was big obviously. Not getting that weekly NFL paycheck. But other than that it was ok.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Tackle Ulish Booker, 2005-2008”

First, how is the offseason going – what are you working on?

I’m training here in Alabama with my kicking coach – he trains a lot of NFL guys. I’m just trying to get better and work on improving my craft.

Did the coaches talk to you – not sure if you had an exit interview but did you get any direction on what you need to address most?

I just want to improve everything I can. I’m a young guy – I haven’t played in an NFL game yet – not even a preseason game. Boswell, Canaday, Jordan – I’m just watching them and absorbing all I can from them on how to prepare. I can improve in every part of my game – I have a lot of room to grow.

Continue reading “Exclusive: Steelers Punter Corliss Waitman”

First, let me know what you got involved with after your time in the NFL?

After football I went home back to Bakersfield and worked in the oil refineries for 40 years. Coming back home – that’s where all the money was there – in oil. I went back there, raised Brock and Todd and applied to the oil business through some friends and made it.

Was the adjustment to life after football difficult at all for you?

Football was always the thing that I wanted to do. It was my greatest dream – from college to the pros – it was always my main goal to play football. I dropped out of college due to the draft so I only had my junior college credentials – but those helped me out.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Wide Receiver Jerry Marion, 1967”

First, let me know what you’ve been up to since your NFL days – your media work and new book!

My last year was with the Steelers in 2009-2010 – that was my eighth year in the NFL. A lot of things led up to it, but I’m now a talk radio host in Cincinnati – I host the Eddie and Rocky Show on 700WLW. I’m also a college football analyst for ESPN – I’ve been doing that for seven years or so now.

Outside of that I have three great kids and a great wife. I still cherish all of my NFL experiences and my learnings from them.

Continue reading “Exclusive: Former Steelers Linebacker Rocky Boiman, 2009”

First, what have you been up to over the offseason and have the coaches asked you to work on anything in preparation for training camp?

I’m just working on getting stronger and my mobility. Getting ready for training camp and to compete for a spot.

The coaches liked my versatility and told me they really didn’t get a chance to see what I could do since I was signed so late in the season. They told me this was an opportunity to prove to them what I can do. I just need to work on getting stronger and more mobile so I can compete for a job. That’s the best way to get their attention.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Lineman Brandon Walton”

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

I’m pretty much doing several different things. I’m coaching now. I’ve done some coaching fellowship programs with the Cardinals and 49ers. And I was the offensive line coach for the collegiate bowl.

I also own a few businesses – one dealing with financial education. I work with everyone from business owners to every day American helping show them how to take control of their money using different financial products. Helping them to obtain wealth.

Any coaching influences that affect the way you are as a coach?

I definitely have a number of different influences. They start all the way back with my high school coach – Coach James. He was a legendary high school coach for Carter High School in Dallas. I learned a lot from him- about life and understanding how to achieve your goals and the implications behind it. Working hard and having the mindset to put you above the rest.

Continue reading “Exclusive with former Steelers Offensive Lineman Jonathan Scott, 2010-2011”

First, how is the offseason going – what are you working on?

Right now, I’m just here in Maryland working out and doing weight training. I want to get a couple of pounds heavier – gain some muscle weight – before I start focusing on  my position-based workouts.

The coaches tell you anything specific in the exit interviews?

I met with the coaches – it was the same message really. Just hone in on being a great linebacker – they want me to focus on that. Just to improve my all-around game and gain some weight. They said they are very pleased with my game so far.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Linebacker Marcus Allen”

First, what is the offseason plan for you – how’s your health?

My health is good! I’m just thankful to God for helping keep me in good health so I can still do what I love to do.  I have no complaints.

The offseason has been good. I’m just starting to get back into doing some light workouts this early in the offseason. It’s been busy – taking kids to school and going to their games. That’s what my offseason’s looked like.

Did the coaches talk to you/ask anything of you heading into next season?

Yeah – the exit meeting went pretty good. They are interested in bringing me back and seem to be happy with the four seasons I’ve played there. You never know for sure what the plan entails though. I’m excited about the journey and to be able to continue to do what makes me happy.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Defensive Lineman Tyson Alualu”