Tag: Steelers

First off, I know you’re coaching quarterbacks now at William & Mary – how did that start?

In January I was working at the shipyard – I was out of football – I was coaching basketball as a volunteer but that was it. I wasn’t involved in football.

But then I got a call out of the blue. I didn’t have any conversations with him before, but Coach London at William & Mary called and said they had a job that just opened up coaching quarterbacks there. The other guy just left and Spring ball was starting in a month. He was just calling then to see if I was interested.

I told him I haven’t been looking for a coaching job but if the situation was right I would definitely be interested. We had a conversation and I spoke to my wife afterwards and it all lined up. A day later I gave my two-week notice at the shipyard!

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Quarterback Bryan Randall, 2007”

First off, can you let me know how you started off with the team?

I was supposed to start as a training camp intern but the team purchased a VR tool in 2018 from a company called Strivr. Omar asked if I wanted to work on that instead since they knew I had video experience and I said “Hell yeah!” Anything to get a role on the team.

How did the team use the VR system?

It was used by the offense – the defense didn’t really use it. We had six go-pro cameras that filmed practices. We’d upload that film and players could put on the VR goggles and look around and hear the sounds from the practices. They could rewind the film to relive plays – look right and left and watch how things developed and what to look out for.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers VR Asst/Scout Fawwaz Izzuddin, 2018-2024”

First off, what have you been up to since the NFL?

After that last season in Pittsburgh ended in 1990, I went to Canada and played for a year with Winnipeg. I had an injury since college that affected me throughout my time playing. I was only 25 and had a lot left in the tank but my hamstring injury just wouldn’t go away. As a running back and speed guy, that’s your bread and butter. It was frustrating having to stop.

It was disturbing to me – it challenged me spiritually and mentally. I signed with the London Monarchs of the WFL – that was a great opportunity for players needing another chance. But my injury never healed – each pull got worse.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Running Back Elgin Davis, 1989”

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

Well, it’s a loaded question because I’m involved in a new venture. I’m working with a telecom company. This will disrupt the industry like Uber did for transportation. We sell sim cards – charge users $300 only and buyers get unlimited text and data and phone use for nine years. Including international use. The site is tearupyourphonebill.com and we’re reaching all over the globe.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Kicker Norm Johnson, 1995-1998”

First off, what have you been up to since your time in the NFL?

After I was done playing I got into medical device sales. I’m selling neuro-modulation devices – nerve stimulators. I started because of Matt Kranchick – he asked if I could help him and I said sure – that was the start for me.

Was the post-NFL adjustment difficult?

It wasn’t difficult no. My mindset was to get to the NFL and play but I was also realistic that I wasn’t going to be a 10-to-15 year player. I knew another career was going to be needed – that I was going to have to do something else to make money.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Tight End Issac Smolko, 2006”

First off, what’s life like for Keith Butler now? Completely done with coaching?

Yes and no! I’m traveling quite a bit – seeing my grandkids, brothers and sisters. And playing a lot of golf and doing men’s Bible studies here and there.

My wife is eager to get me out the door! When you work 80-hour weeks then stop – well, she was used to having the house to herself. So it’s a tough adjustment for me, but for her too!

Continue reading “Exclusive: Steelers Linebacker Coach Keith Butler (2003-2014)/Defensive Coordinator (2015-2021)”

First, can you tell us what you’ve been doing since you retired from the NFL?

Basically, I’m retired now. After I retired I got married and have been able to watch my kids grow up and to be a part of their lives. I coached some of their football and hockey teams and have been happy just to be a dad.

How hard was that post-NFL adjustment for you?

It was a hard adjustment. A lot didn’t go my way. People try to take advantage of you – my ex-teammates and I talked about that – about there always being a target on our backs with the NFL logo. I had some businesses that didn’t work out, so I decided after a while to just hang out with my football friends and be with my family.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Offensive Lineman Duval Love, 1992-1994”

First off, what are you up to now?

Right now I’m just here taking care of my family and doing a lot of traveling. I’m open to getting back to the NFL or another sport if a spot opens up and working with good people.

You played first – at James Madison University – how important was that playing experience to your roles in the NFL?

It helped a lot. Playing and being in that team environment – you learn that you have to rely on your teammates no matter how good you are. That was instilled in me early on. At JMU I became very interested in scouting and evaluation. We had a few players scouts were coming in to see and I talked to them about what it took to be a scout. One suggested I write detailed scouting reports of teammates that had been drafted already and send them to coaches along with my resume. That helped me to plug in to future coaches and relate to them, having played.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Samir Suleiman, Steelers Football Administration Coordinator, 2013-2020”

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

After I was released by Pittsburgh I played in the Arena Football League for several years with Philly and L.A.  After that I was the head of PeeWee Football in Riser, West Virginia – sixth to eighth graders – for a long time. Then five years ago I moved to  Fairmont, West Virginia and helped coach at the high school there. My youngest son was playing there at the time. He’s now playing at California University in PA, and I’m still here helping coach at the high school.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Fullback Wes Ours, 2003”

First off, what have you been up to – still working to get back in the NFL?

I’m still planning to play in the UFL next season for Houston. Outside of that I’m working with my college roommate Shaun Crawford on a sports media production company – creating content with that. My mission is still getting back to the NFL and I’m staying in shape right now here in Dallas.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Jamir Jones, 2021-2022”