Tag: Steelers

What have you been up to in your post-NFL playing days and how did you get started?

When I was in Pittsburgh, I knew even then I wanted to get into broadcasting and acting.  I was a Journalism major at Kentucky and always had an interest in doing both.

I got season tickets to the ballet when I was in Pittsburgh and took dance classes at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.. I danced in college – I was the University of Kentucky’s first male dancer. I was in their dance ensemble and danced jazz, ballet and modern dance.

When I went to Atlanta I co-hosted a football show while I played, and then when I retired I worked locally covering Falcons games as a sideline reporter. Then one day I got a mind-blowing call out of nowhere – they wanted me to work as a sideline reporter for John Madden and Pat Summerall. I got to spend time on the road with those two.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Cornerback D.J. Johnson, 1989-1993”

First, let me know what you’ve been doing since your time in the NFL?

Not much – working for Fedex now. I used to have two jobs – working for Fedex and an airline company. Now just working for Fedex. Heck, I’m shocked you were able to find me!

Was that post-NFL transition difficult for you?

It wasn’t really that hard, no. There was just no easy work for me to find after I left football. It was not my choice to leave football. I just had a bad agent that didn’t help me. When the Steelers released me I couldn’t even find him – he didn’t really help me at all. I should have fired him but I just didn’t know how it all really worked.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Tight End Darrell Nelson, 1984-1985”

WR Justin Brown: “AB and Sanders too. Just watching how everyone prepared was a huge help. They were all open and welcoming”

DB Walter McFadden: “Going up against AB and Emmanuel Sanders and working with them to get better. They were never too big to show you stuff and work with you.”

Scottie Montgomery: “The ability at the end to pit Antonio and Emmanuel against each other – to see their competitive natures was great to see. We had Hines and Mike Wallace there – we knew the makeup of the team. We lost Santonio and wanted guys we could build on.”

WR Markus Wheaton: “The wide receivers were a close knit group. AB, Sanders, and Cotchery – and myself and Justin Brown – we all talked in and out of meetings. On the football part, I latched on to Jerricho Cotchery. He was a veteran guy – he taught me the ropes. I’d watch him and AB and Sanders a lot.”

Trainer David Robinson: “A lot don’t know it but Emmanuel has a great work ethic. In the offseason he works out two-to-three times a day. He excels a lot in short areas with his quickness. He improved that part of his game and also excels on tracking deep balls. He and I watch a lot of film.”

WR Wes Lyons: “I thought Antonio Brown and Emanuel Sanders were a big help throughout camp my first year. We would study the playbook together every night when we went back to our rooms after practice. “

OL Doug Legursky: “When I was on the practice squad I was always the one who knew what to do. I was never the biggest or strongest guy. In fact I was the smallest lineman I think for a while.  But I was strong in the weight room and always tried to outwork and outsmart guys.

I remember one time in practice in my second season, after spending my first year on the practice squad. It was right before Spring ball. B.A. (Bruce Arians) asked me in front of the whole team where I was a week ago last year, and I told him I had been released – I wasn’t on the team. He said, “Now look at you. You’re probably going to get a hat on Sundays.” That was a big moment. It made a big difference. It showed everybody I made it – I was a nobody a year before that. I went from the practice squad to getting a hat on Sundays. Even guys on the 53 man roster, not all of them get to play!”

Continue reading “Steelers Players Talk About Their Time on the Practice Squad:”

First can you tell me how you got into your firefighting career – how you got started and why?

I’m the captain from my department here in L.A. – I’ve been here now for 15 years and have been moving my way up the ranks. I’m the captain for Station 22 currently.

I got involved starting in Canada when I played there in Calgary. Football became political – I started not to like it – it became more of a business. I went to Canada to work my way back into the NFL, but I broke my ankle. I started brainstorming on what I wanted to do next. I explored my options and thought a lot about what’s next in life.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Wide Receiver Kamil Loud, 2000”

First, can you let me know what you’ve been up to since your playing days?

So right now I’m working as a warehouse supervisor. I’m going to school though to get my nursing degree. It’s a family thing – my mother is an RN and my sister is a CSNA as well. We’re all taking classes together.

Was the post-football adjustment difficult?

I’d say that I was able to adjust perfectly fine to it. You have days when you watch games and think “I can still do that.” It stays in the back of your mind but injuries just caught up with me. As a running back you’re hit hard every play and get beat up.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Running Back John Clay, 2011”

First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing since your time in the NFL?

I’m a firefighter here in Longmont, Colorado. I’ve been doing that for 14 years now.

After football I didn’t know what to do next. I went back to Fort Collins and did some side construction work. One of the guys there suggested I would enjoy being a firefighter. I said now way – I thought I was too big. But he said no – I’d be fine. It took three years to get this position – it’s very competitive. Most of the time there is just one or two jobs available – especially in a small town like Longmont – and hundreds of applicants.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Offensive Lineman Morgan Pears, 2003”

First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing since your time in the NFL and how the post-NFL adjustment went for you?

Well, I’m retired now. I worked at the Port of Houston after I played football. It wasn’t too much of an adjustment. I knew it was coming – the transition was good.

Were you surprised to get drafted in 1971 and by the Steelers? How did you learn you were drafted?

I was surprised to get drafted at all – I was not expecting to get drafted by anyone really. I never believed I would be in that group to be drafted.

In school, I heard I got drafted – I think I got a letter from the Steelers saying they drafted me. Camp started a month later so I went up then – it was mini-camp – it lasted about three days. That’s when I went to Pittsburgh and got to know the other drafted guys and coaches.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Defensive Lineman Bert Askson, 1971-1972”

First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing since your last coaching job?

Well, I recently worked with a German national football team – it was an amateur team full of kids they imported from other countries. I got a call from a friend who asked for some help. The kids weren’t as talented as other kids but they loved to play and we had a lot of fun. Most spoke English pretty well. So I was doing that before I officially retired last February.

Now, I’m remodeling my house. Not doing that much in the way of football-related stuff. I’m spending time with my family and enjoying it. I have seven grandkids and three children. The three kids are working which is great – and we just moved out here to be closer to them all. It’s been great to be able to spend time with my family.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Coach Bob Valesente, 1990-1991”

First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing since your time in the NFL?

I’m now in Atlanta – working for Georgia State University as an associate registrar. I never thought I’d be back in higher education  – I thought I’d become a coach or do something in sports. I look back at the support I had as an athlete in school – it was all laid out for us. That has helped me focus everyday on helping students now who need that support.

It’s rewarding helping kids graduate – many came here from different situations. I’ve been able to do this now for 17 years.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Wide Receiver Darrick Owens, 1992”