Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First – can you let us know what you’ve been doing with yourself since your time in the NFL and CFL and how you got started in that?

Well after my 2016 season with the Toronto argonauts I settled myself in Fresno, Ca. I attended college here and decided this is where I would buy my first home and grow some roots. The interesting thing about not playing football any longer is there is so much you can do, it just becomes a matter of what do you want to do.

I have always had a heart for this next generation of youth. So I decided to work with foster homes and kids on probation. I have built my brand and message as a life skills coach. My number one goal is to speak life and purpose into those I come in contact with. I’ve become a coach, mentor and speaker here in Fresno. Coached football on the side, invested in the Fresno community becoming a philanthropist, hosting charity events as well as seeking opportunities to go back to school for my masters.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Cornerback Isaiah Green, 2012-2013”

First, congratulations on your retirement! Can you talk about what drove you to that decision at such a young age, and what’s next for you?

Well, I am young I guess, and I’m mostly healthy from my playing days. But I’ve been in the league for over 33 years as a player and a coach. I have three young grandchildren all that live within a five mile radius of me. That’s the first time I’ve had all of my family close to one another. Before my sons and their families would be in different cities, and that wore on me.

I wanted to be able to be with them and do things with them while I was still healthy.

As for wat’s next, there’s nothing big ahead of me. I just want to spend time with my wife and family and travel. I guess if we had a hobby travel would be it – that’s the biggest thing we have going.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Tight End, (1989-1991) and Coach/Coordinator (1996-2003) Mike Mularkey”

First, can you let us know what you have been doing with yourself since your time in Pittsburgh?

Well, I’m now the Assistant Head Coach/Run Game Coordinator/Running Backs at Mississippi State

When I left the Steelers, I went back to Florida and coached at my high school. Later that year, in ’98, I got a call from Randy Edsall who recruited me out of high school to join him at Connecticut and coach there. From there I accepted the offer to coach at Mississippi State.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Running Back Terry Richardson, 1996”

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

Sure – I was with the Steelers for three years then I was bounced to Detroit for one season. I had injuries here and there and was banged up in camp  – they had Grossman and Larry Brown there too so they traded me to Detroit for a future draft pick.

In Detroit I got a hairline fracture in my middle toe. So much for the glamour of football! That constant pounding and two-a-days caused a stress fracture and I was in a cast for a few weeks. I ended up backing up Charlie Sanders in Detroit and the next year was picked up by Seattle in the expansion draft for their first season before retiring,

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Tight End John McMakin, 1972-1974”

First, how is the offseason going so far- what are you focusing on right now?

Right now I’m just resting my body a bit for a good month or so before getting after it again.  I’ll pick it up again in March and hit the ground running. I’ll start doing some little things after the after the Super Bowl to start getting ready too.

I’m just looking to work on small things – you can always get an edge on everything.

Did the coaches talk to you about working on anything specific this offseason?

I’ve been around a while so they know what I bring in all phases of the game – special teams and defense. They would probably like to see me make more plays and stand out more on defense. I love special teams though and stay in my lane – they know I play well there, They didn’t ask me to work on much – but there’s always young guys coming to take your job so I know I need to keep working on everything.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Safety Jordan Dangerfield”

First, tell me about all of the things you’ve been doing post-NFL – you’ve been busy!

Yeah, I’ve been trying to stay busy. The transition to post-NFL life is difficult – it’s hard to find ways to keep that competitive spirit you’re used to having.  That daily work ethic you have to stay ready for football – how to translate that to something else.

I started a non-profit after my last year in Buffalo called Athlete Strong. I worked with the NFL Play 60 while in the NFL, working with communities – that was second-nature for me. So Athlete Strong, we work with other athletes to show their importance to helping communities overcome issues. We work right now in the Utah Valley, but hope in the future to work in the Southwest United States as well.  That’s what I do on the side.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers LInebacker Stevenson Sylvester, 2010-2013”

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

Right now, I’m not doing much working out. I’m just working out a little bit and trying to keep my body right.  I haven’t been doing much because the coaches told us to rest our bodies. I’m not used to that really. Going from college to pro days to rookie camp to OTAs I never stopped. It’s weird now taking a month off. That’s the biggest difference for me right now – just focusing on resting. TO be honest it’s difficult – I’m getting antsy.

Did the coaches talk to you about working on anything specific for next season?

Yeah – they told me that they didn’t get to see my with pads on last year so they want to see me in pads, making tackles. They want to see if I’m able to tackle well. Last year I had one day in pads – the rest was basically seven on sevens. When I got back to practice, it was just shorts and helmets.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Cornerback Alexander Myres”

Russell Stuvaints: “Troy Polamalu always wore these reggae shirts. We didn’t know who those guys on his shirts were. One day he wore one with Peter Tosh on it – we didn’t know who he was but it was a picture of a small guy with dreadlocks. We called Troy Peter Tush because of that one.”

Ike Taylor: “Troy was great- he was Michael Jackson and we were the Jackson 5. We were the other guys and figured to get some fame too. But he didn’t want the fame. When you see that, you fall back.”

Continue reading “Congratulations to Troy Polamalu for Being Elected into the NFL Hall of Fame”