Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!
More than 1,000 interviews of Steelers players, coaches, front office staff, media and more with those that played in the 50’s through today’s current roster.
First off, what have you been up to since your time in the NFL? Was the post-NFL transition difficult?
Well, I’m married and have grown kids now and live here in San Antonio working retail.
My oldest son Dimitri played in the NFL for two years and my nephew Trey is playing now for Atlanta.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Buffalo, Steelers Linebacker Erik Flowers, 2013”
First off, can you let me know how you got started working with the Falcons?
This is my second season working for the Atlanta Falcons. It’s been a great opportunity to see the other side of the game, working with a great owner like Arthur Blank. I’m thankful for the opportunity.
How did that get started?
I grew up in a football family of course – but growing up I never knew the role my dad had in life was so impactful as it was. We never placed that much emphasis on it as a family – I didn’t appreciate it until I got older.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Akil Blount, 2017”
The Steelers family lost a number of players and others closely associated with the team. Here is a list of those players:
Sidney Thornton (September 2, 1954 – January 29, 2023)
“I didn’t understand how fortunate I was to be a part of a situation and organization like the one in Pittsburgh. People play so many years without ever getting to a Super Bowl and I got to two.”
https://steelerstakeaways.com/sydney-thornton-steelers-running-back-1977-1982/
Marv Kellum (June 23, 1952 – February 4, 2023)
“It’s humbling. You don’t realize how lucky you are. I was talking to former Steeler Craig Bingham – I’d do it all again for free to make it to the Super Bowl.”
https://steelerstakeaways.com/marv-kellum-steelers-linebacker-1974-1976/
Continue reading “Who we lost in 2023:”
First off, what prompted you to sign with the Steelers – why Pittsburgh?
To be honest I didn’t have that many choices. I was on the practice squad in Atlanta and they grabbed me. I’m thankful they did – all the teammates I met around the league that played for Pittsburgh spoke highly of the team. When my agent hit me up and told me Pittsburgh wanted to sign me I was super-excited.
Did the 2021 Lions game where you had success against the Steelers play into it?
You’re 100% right – it definitely was a big factor I think in why I’m here. Mike T. harps on it all the time: “Own your film. You never know where it will take you.” We were struggling in Detroit that year but I played with grit and was fortunate to make plays against Pittsburgh. The conversations I had with Mike T. – I think that’s a big reason why I’m here. They have a long memory and I am happy I got their attention.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Running Back Godwin Igwebuike”
First, what have you been doing since your time in the NFL?
I bounced around a bit on jobs. I worked at Equifax for a while then with a competitor of theirs in Harrisburg. Then I started my own business doing insurance investigations for insurance companies. I did that for 20 years before I retired.
Now, I do some work remodeling homes – a lot for my family. But I’m technically retired.
How was the post-football adjustment for you?
It was very easy. I wasn’t one of those guys where football was everything to me. I had no intention of even playing football in college until all of the sudden I got scholarship offers. I accepted Wake Forest’s.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Dave LaCrosse, 1977”
First, can you let me know what you’re up to now?
I’m the General Manager now Of BURN by Rocky Patel here in Indiana. We had one near the stadium in Pittsburgh. I did a lot of work there with Mike Linkovich – the General Manager there. We went there a lot with coaches and players and their families and associates – we’d go there and have a good time and hold meetings and events there.
I settled here after working for Pepsi when Mike approached me about this opportunity. It fit my skillsets – I love people and building relationships. He thought this would be a good fit. I’m all about people.
First off, how is your health?
I was diagnosed with ALS in 2016 but am doing pretty good. My gait is slow and a bit awkward, but I have no complaints. The doctors think I’m among the lucky 10% who will live 10 or more years after their diagnosis. My sister Laurie, Tunch Ilkin and several football teammates from Oregon State all passed from ALS within the typical two-to-five year period after being diagnosed. I’m often asked what I attribute my longevity to and I assure everyone it’s just luck. My sister and football friends were otherwise very healthy people and did everything in their power to win the battle but ALS won out.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Defensive Lineman Craig Hanneman, 1971-1973”
First, can you let me know what you’ve been up to lately?
I live in Colorado, near Denver, with my wife and kids. I’ve been working out, fishing, skiing and playing a lot of basketball. I think of myself as semi-retired – I’m staying in shape just in case someone calls.
Were you aware of the Steelers-Browns rivalry when you were drafted by the Browns?
I wasn’t really super aware of if – I grew up in Wisconsin so I was aware of the Packers-Bears and Packers-Vikings rivalry more. I heard stories about the rivalry of course.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Browns, Steelers (2021) Linebacker Joe Schobert”
First, can you let me know what you’ve been up to since your playing days?
You know what they say – life is about relationships. Cody Risien and George Lilja were friends of mine from Cleveland and they got me into the medical MRI scanner business – selling those. They were booming at the time. I’ve been in that business ever since.
It’s not as thrilling as the NFL but not as nerve-racking either!
Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Browns Defensive Lineman Dave Puzzuoli”
First what are you up to now?
I decided not to return to the CFL for personal reasons. We went to the Grey Cup last year and lost to Winnipeg. I decided not to go back for a while. But now I’m looking forward to going back and re-joining the CFL or XFL and jumpstarting my career.
In the meantime I’m working in law enforcement – doing executive protection and fugitive recovery here in Atlanta. I got my degree in criminal justice so this was a natural fit, and it gives me the flexibility to continue training while I gain experience in the field I want to pursue when I am done with football.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Outside Linebacker Keion Adams, 2017-2018”