Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First, can you let me know what you’ve been up to since you time splaying in the NFL?

I’m the Vice President for Player Engagement in New Orleans now. I’m helping to mentor young players – trying to lead them down the best path to be professionals. Players today have a lot of free time and money. I’m trying to help them to mange their time and money – we offer financial classes on how to manage money and budget. A lot of these players come from humble beginnings so we try to give them some experience managing money.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Running Back Fred McAfee, 1994-1998”

First off, can you let me know what’s next for you – I know you just recently retired or are you still interested in playing if you get a call?

Well I finished playing a couple of years ago. Really, even before I was done playing I was done. My heart just wasn’t in it. I had a construction background growing up – I loved the process of building and creating.

When I was young I worked with my family – they did framing and I was the low man on the totem pole then. I was young but I loved it – that sense of accomplishment. Being able to finish projects – that sense of accomplishment.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Ryan Anderson, 2022”

First, can you let us know what you’ve been up to since your time in Pittsburgh?

It’s nice being retired! After Pittsburgh I worked at IMG handling financial planning strictly for football players – I was the VP there. It was fun for a while but I didn’t like it as much as being on the ownership side.

I was hired by the Houston Texans after that – I worked there until 2006, but my then-wife didn’t like Houston, so she and our kids moved back to Pittsburgh, where she was from. I continued to work for the Texans for a while, going back and forth to see my kids. But it was too much of a struggle – my kids were young and I missed being able to see them.

So, I came back to Pittsburgh in 2006. It was a difficult decision – I liked working with Charlie Casserly there and Dom Capers too. I enjoyed it there but I just had to go back.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Dan Ferens, Chief Contract Negotiator, 1981-2000”

First off, I know you joined the military after your time in the NFL – what drove that decision for you and how did you manage that transition?

My last year in the NFL – my second year in Pittsburgh – I was going through camp, recovering from surgery, and just realized I was behind guys like Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro. I was sitting in the hot tub after a practice talking to Al Villanueva, and he told me a personal story about his time in the Army and why he joined the Army that got the gears turning for me.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Offensive Lineman Cole Manhart, 2016-2017”

First off, why did you decide to choose the Steelers?

I felt like it was the best situation for me. The coaching staff and the offense they run – and the quarterback room – it was just a good situation for me to learn and grow. It was the best chance to play the game I love. I am super blessed to do it.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee”

First off, let me know what the plan is leading up to rookie camp?

Really just starting to learn the playbook. That’s the biggest thing. And learning my role with the team. They told me they wanted me to play in the slot and contribute in the return game. I feel like I can play anywhere really, but I’m excited to play wherever they need me.

Why did you decide to sign with the Steelers?

I think it was just the best opportunity for me. Some teams have needs in certain areas – maybe they didn’t bring some guys back or draft guys for a certain spot. So when you look at the roster you can see where the best opportunity is for you.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Cornerback Beanie Bishop”

First off, what made you decide to sign with the Steelers?

The Steelers I know were at my pro day. I know they saw me then and talked to me a bit then. I thought I’d get calls from some other teams too but the Steelers were the only ones that called, and invited me to their rookie mini-camp for a tryout.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Rookie Camp Tryout Defensive Lineman Johnny Hudson”

First off, let me know what the plan is leading up to camp?

Right now I’m just trying to stay in shape. I’m working out at EXOS a lot with their trainers. My day usually ends around 2:00 physically. Then I’m studying and trying to finish my school work in time to graduate.

Were you surprised to get drafted by the Steelers?

I had my best meeting with them of all the teams at the combine I think. I met with 10 or so of them – Coach Tomlin, the defensive coordinator, the GM and a lot of other guys. There were a multitude of people in the room! It’s hard to remember exactly what they asked me, but a lot of what they asked were regular questions on things like my background, positions I’ve played over my time playing, how I’d describe my game. Things like that.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Defensive Back Ryan Watts”