Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First – tell me about the Heyward House- why you chose his charity and what it’s about?

I started about five years ago – I saw guys like Troy {Polamalu} and Brett (Keisel} – how they got involved in the community. I didn’t know how but I knew I wanted to get involved too. I worked with my family and started the Heyward House to help children who were at-risk, the Southeastern Brain Tumor Association and the Asthma Institute. Those are causes near and dear to my heart. As you know, my dad had a brain tumor and I wanted to help people who had those issues.

Children at risk – these are crazy times and I think people don’t realize that this is still the biggest need we have. Just providing them social activities and working with the Boys and Girls Club where my dad grew up attending. If not for that my dad may never have been on a path to get to the NFL.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Defensive Lineman Cameron Heyward”

First, how are you handling the trade and the logistics amidst all this craziness – how is the team helping?

It’s definitely a strange time. I had my physical last Monday at the Redskins offices – they were a neutral party the Steelers trusted – the guy there worked with the Steelers for a number of years before.

I haven’t been to Pittsburgh yet – I’m still in Baltimore – quarantined here. It’s been a challenge time finding a place in Pittsburgh – people just aren’t renting or showing places right now.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Defensive Lineman Chris Wormley”

First, tell us why you signed with Pittsburgh ? What sold you on them and vice-versa?

After the XFL I just wanted to get back into the NFL as fast as I could. Pittsburgh was the first to show interest and they wanted me to be there to compete and go through camp. Me and my agent talked about that and other opportunities and thought this was a great opportunity for me to compete and make a team.

Any idea what role they expect you to play – what safety spot?

Any role right now – anything to make the team. I know special teams is the first way I can make the team, but I have to play at a high level there and at safety. My main thing is to learn the playbook quickly and go as fast as I can there.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Safety Tyree Kinnel”

First, what made you decide to choose the Steelers as a team to sign with after the XFL experience – you had some choices?

I just feel like my XFL experience and previous NFL experience helped me show teams that I have what it takes to make it in the NFL. I think they can see what they have in me and know I can help.

As for Pittsburgh, they have a great defensive line coach and great front – and a great tradition. I was excited to sign with them,

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Defensive Lineman Cavon Walker”

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

Well, right now I’m doing some real estate work, like a lot of guys end up doing. That, as well as some logistics investment in things like trucking. I kind of always wanted to do real estate since I retired. I ran for the hills for a while when the recession hit – its an eat what you kill job and there wasn’t much to eat then!

Why both lines of work?

Well, with logistics, I just always wanted multiple sources of income. And even in a recession, if you’re positioned correctly you’ll always have work. No matter what, goods always have to be delivered by someone.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Tight End Walter Rasby, 1994, 2004-2005”

First off, tell us what’s going on with you now and what’s next?

Well  I’m at a crossroads. It’s been 26 years of coaching and I’m 52 now. I’ve been afforded some time while I’m still under contract to think about what’s next and to make up some lost time with my family. I’ve watched more soccer and golf games lately than I had over the last 20 years. My parents are in Orlando and they aren’t doing so great so it’s good to be close to them too. So, it’s been really nice not to have to jump into anything. I love coaching and if the right thing comes along sure, but for right now I’m enjoying my time with my family.

Obviously your father was a big influence on you as  coach – who else influenced that style as well and how?

Well my father always reminded me of how fortunate I was to grow up with it as a kid and he was right. The memories of being there at camp in Latrobe as a kid and on the sidelines for things like the Immaculate Reception.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley, 2012-2017”

First, let us what did you do after your NFL career and why?

After football, I went into the insurance business in Pittsburgh for four years, then I coached at Duquesne University and Baldwin High School.

Then an opportunity came up for me to coach at my alma mater, New Mexico State. I coached the tight ends and special teams for six years. Then the head coach got heart problems and had to bail – he had to retire.

I stayed in the area and got my Masters Degree in Educational Diagnostics and coached and taught at a local high school. I coached there for a while then went back to New Mexico State and coached there again. I coached 10 years in high school and 10 years at New Mexico State.

Continue reading “Exclusive with former Steelers Kicker Roy Gerela, 1971-1978”

First, tell me what you’re working on this offseason to get ready for the new season?

Yeah – the mental aspect of the game. I was lacking a bit of the mental side of the game so I’m digging into the playbook now and making sure I understand what I’m doing on every play – and  that I know what the other positions are doing to.

Tomlin talked to me. I have to be in the right place at all times – I have to be on it every play and show them I can be more consistent. I’m in the film room constantly now getting better at it.

And of course, always working on the physical part of the game.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Linebacker Tuzar Skipper”

First, what have you been doing with yourself since your time in the NFL?

Well, I have five kids, four that are in sports. It’s definitely been busy – a busy part of the season for us. I work for Farmer’s Insurance – I manage the retirement investment business for most of the Southern United States.

I run around a lot but I also get to work out of the house and be around the for the kids – get to take them to school. So that’s fun for me. I always wanted to have more fun where I am now that where I was before, and I think I’m doing that.

Continue reading “Exclusive with former Steelers offensive lineman Matt Anderson, 2002”