First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing with yourself since your time in the NFL, and how you got started in this?
Since my time in the NFL ended I went back to school at the University of Illinois to earn my Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration. I then went on to start my Insurance agency in late 2005 in Central IL. I enjoyed a successful agency for many years (8) I began to find other interest after I began traveling to Austin TX in 2008 and eventually moved to Austin in 2013. I joined Oracle Corporation recently and I am enjoying learning the Enterprise Software & Hardware sales world.
How did your time in the NFL help you and how hard was the adjustment to post-football life for you?
My time in the NFL helped me become a better self-starter, it helped me cultivate a never say die attitude that continues to translate over in business. It helped me transfer my competitive attitude over to the business world as a business owner and as an employee of a fortune 100 enterprise. What made the adjustment difficult was not being an athlete anymore, not having the guys around anymore, not competing daily with the best athletes in the world etc. The transition is always a bit painful but eventually you have to focus on your new pursuits and dedicate yourself to accomplishing your new pursuits with the same vigor and tenacity you did with football.
You signed on with the Steelers as a free agent in 2001. Why Pittsburgh – and what did they tell you your role would be there?
I was fortunate enough to sign with Pittsburgh after a very successful campaign in NFL Europe. My team enjoyed success and we made it to the World Bowl. The Steelers were the first team to present a serious offer and I was excited to join such a storied franchise. It was a no-brainer.
Who on the team helped you most to adjust to being a Steeler, and how did they do so?
The entire D-Line were very helpful in acclimating to the Steeler way as well as several other teammates like Marvell Smith, Joey Porter, etc. All of my teammates were very fun to be around and consummate professionals.
You were assigned to NFL Europe by the team. How did that experience help you and what about it did you enjoy most?
I was assigned to NFL Europe by my former team the Miami Dolphins. The experience was phenomenal I regards to seeing the world as well as playing time as a starter at the professional level, team and individual success and great lifelong friends.
What was your biggest adjustment to the NFL and Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense, and how did coaches work with you most to help you?
The adjustment was a bit difficult for me coming from Miami which played a wide 7 attacking (3-4 Defense). Coach Mitchell is very knowledgeable and was a skilled instructor and motivator. My style of play had to adjust a lot and the transition took a bit but after tireless film review and actual play in the (helmet to helmet 5-technique) position I eventually adjusted and began to understand my role and the expectations.
Tell us a bit about how humor played a part in your time in Pittsburgh. Who were some of the biggest characters then and can you tell us a couple of funny instances or stories that happened during your time there?
The locker room after practices was always a light atmosphere and guys like Joey P, Kimo, J.B. , Rodney Bailey, Casey Hampton always were joking. I lived in the same apartment complex as Joey Porter so I was entertained at the facility as well as off site.
Who were some of the toughest guys you lined up against, both in practice and on game days, and what made them so?
Marvel Smith and Wayne Grady were very tough linemen as well as Alan Faneca, all were great athletes very strong and quick. Alan Faneca was just a true beast of a man that made me get smarter and stronger from competing against him daily.
What are your thoughts on the way the NFL has changed over the past few years, and what advice would you give younger people entering the sport today?
I am not sure the NFL has changed much since my days but I am sure of this the athletes continue to get bigger, faster and stronger. I have noticed that safety precautions have increased over the years and I commend the teams and the NFL for tightening up on safety across the board. My advice for young guys entering the NFL is to STUDY UP, understand what a privilege it is to simply be a professional football player, take care of your body (limit bad food/alcohol/partying) there is time for all of that after you are done playing, it’s a very short career and a small window to maximize the opportunity you earned take full advantage.
Any last thoughts for readers?
The Steeler organization is a top tier ball club and my time with the Steelers was invaluable to my life and has helped shape me into the driven person I am now, my career was prematurely ended by a knee injury but being a part of Steeler Nation will always live on inside of me.
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