Tag: Steelers

I know you played defensive back professionally – how did you become a running back coach?

I played running back all through my youth and for two years in college. In order to get on the field a position switch was necessary though – it worked in that regard. I played defensive back in Canada only – I never played there before in high school or college.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Kirby Wilson, Former Steelers Running Back Coach, 2007-2013”

First, can you let us know what you’ve been up to since your time in the NFL?

Well, I was in the commodities business for about 10 years, then I semi-retired. I haven’t been doing a ton of anything since – a few investments here and there, that’s about it.

We’ve been doing quite a bit of snowboarding now where we are in Montana. Some skiing and snowshoeing too.

Was the post-NFL transition difficult for you?

Not really. It didn’t really feel like it anyway. It was big that right away I had things to get involved in. I built and sold a couple of spec homes in Miami and split our time between here and the Florida Keys. We sold the house in Florida in 2006 and bought a sport fisherman boat and had some great experiences boating up and down the Keys, staying from island to island.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Offensive Lineman Tom Newberry, 1995”

First, can you tell me more about Alkeme Health – what it is and how you were motivated to launch this company?

Alkeme Health is a digital health platform whose guiding principle is to provide care to Brown and Black people with on-demand mental health and well-being content and courses offering psychotherapy help, meditation and more.

What prompted your specific interest in this?

Black and Brown people have been underserved by the the healthcare industry – especially in regards to mental health – for a long time. The healthcare industry didn’t address issues like intergenerational trauma, systemic racism, anxiety, and micro-aggressions. And no one really did anything about it. So we’re seeking to fill that gap by helping those in need. I experienced this as a player in the NFL. I really didn’t receive the proper care I needed for these issues. I wanted to provide help to others by filling that need.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Safety Ryan Mundy, 2008-2012”

First, can you talk a bit about what you’ve been doing since your playing days and how you got started?

Well, I’m a head coach now for high school football in Newport News, Virginia. I’m in my 32nd year of coaching and have coached guys like Michael Vick, Aaron Brooks, and B.W. Webb. I’m still teaching and coaching – I haven’t retired yet! I’m still trying to make a difference in the lives of the kids I coach while enjoying what I’m doing.

What has been the biggest influence for you as a coach?

Coming up through high school in the 70’s, it was crazy for me. Those coaches were big figures for me. They were important in my life – I grew up with no father. So those coaches were important and influenced my personal life. They talked to me and helped me – that helped show me what I wanted to do with my life as a coach.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Running Back Tommy Reamon, 1975”

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

Well, I’m semi-retired but work with NFL Legends – working with former players to help them with benefits, going back to school and to get connected with their former teams. We have the Legends Lounge at the Super Bowl, combine and draft too to meet and work with players and visit with teams on their alumni days. Each of us have a few teams to work with.

I also started a food distribution business locally here in Maryland and Virginia. We get crabs from Virginia and shrimp from North Carolina – ribs and chicken too. It’s a local thing.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Cornerback J.B. Brown, 1997”

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

Well, I’m pretty much retired now. I oversee real estate and construction for a company. I make sure they do what they re supposed to do and help handle payroll.

How hard was that post-NFL adjustment for you?

Oh yeah it was hard. Just after winning a Super Bowl too. I wanted to be part of that process again, but I didn’t get an opportunity. It was hard to deal with. Hard to swallow. There is always something to remind you of the game too. Constant reminders – TV or something on the news. It was hard to digest. Hard to accept.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Defensive Lineman Orpheus Roye, 1996-1999, 2008”

First, can you let me know a little about what you’ve been up to since your playing career?

I’m here at home, being a stay-at-home dad. I’m enjoying watching my kids – watching them grow up.

How as the post-NFL adjustment been? Healthy?

It hasn’t been hard really. Two or three years ago it was harder – not like I was staying up at night in cold sweats, but it was harder being away from the game. I played football since I was six years old and now it’s gone. So that’s the most challenging part – just being away from the game.

And yeah, I’m in good health now.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Sean Spence, 2012-2015, 2017”

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

Well, after Pittsburgh I played briefly for the Giants and then went back home to Topeka, Kansas. My brother-in-law got me into coaching and I got my teaching certificate. My family and wife’s family were in Topeka so it all made sense. I was a coaching assistant for five years then got a job as a head coach at my alma mater. I coached there for 15 years and started up a baseball program there.

In 2007 I went to Moberly, Missouri – which wasn’t that far from Topeka – and became their football coach and athletic director there.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Wide Receiver/Tight End Warren Seitz, 1986”

First, can you let me know what you’re doing with yourself now?

I graduated from RMU and am an actuarial analyst for a company here in Pittsburgh. I live in Bethel Park with my fiancee’ and puppy – we just bought a new house so we’re getting settled in nicely here.

I’ve been a Steelers fan all of my life!

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Ballboy/Equipment Assistant Sam Ference, 2012-2015”

First, let me know what you are doing with yourself now?

I live in Greensburg now – I grew up in Latrobe and we had season tickets to the Steelers growing up. I’ve been going to games since I was eight years old- my dad has gone to seven of the last eight Steelers Super Bowls and I’ve been to the last three.

I worked in Steelers camp for three years while living in Latrobe – now I work as a sales rep for Pepsi.

How did you get the job in camp?

I had a friend in high school who worked there. I told him I was looking for a Summer job and he told me to fill out the paperwork and apply. Jack Kearney is the one that heads security for the team and he hired me. A real good guy.

Continue reading “Exclusive: Former Steelers Security Guard Zach Kenly”