Tag: Steelers

First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing with yourself since you’ve retired?

Well, I have four kids, so being a daddy and a husband now is my number one thing. Dealing with my health has been the toughest thing. I’ve had a lot of physical issues- two back fusions, a hip replacement. Things like that. I’ll just leave it at that – it’s all been football-related.

Outside of the physical issues, how hard has the post-NFL adjustment been?

Well, one thing I wanted to start off with, just to be upfront. I went to the Steelers at the high-point of my career. I was really excited to get things going there. It was a good team with a good defense. I had The Bus behind me.

Continue reading “Exclusive with former Steelers Quarterback Kent Graham, 2000”

First, can you let us know how retirement has been treating you – what have you been up to?

Well, I am retired now, and I’m very good at it!  I loved being in football and I love being out of it now. I’m fortunate to have my grandkids in the same town as me here in Northeast Georgia – in a small town we love called Clarksville. Every day I’m going to a swim meet or basketball or baseball game. We love this little town and my wife and I love the slow life here!

Was retirement difficult for you – getting to sleep in now fun?

Actually, I still don’t sleep in! I still get up around five or six every morning. It’s a habit you get into through the years that’s hard to break.

Retirement wasn’t that difficult for me. I do miss the camaraderie with the coaches and players. I miss that. Other than that the stress and hours I don’t miss. I loved the competition in football but I get that now with golf and little league games!

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Coordinator Chan Gailey, 1994-1997”

First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing since your time playing pro football?

Growing up, I used to do contracting jobs before I went to college to make some money – roofing, siding, remodeling….a family member had the business and it gave me an opportunity to learn some things.

I went to high school in Pittsburgh – at Blackhawk, near Beaver Falls. Then I went to Kansas State – they had an engineering curriculum – a construction sciences degree and that interested me.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Safety Greg Best, 1983”

First, what’s the offseason plan as you get ready for camp? Did the coaches tell you anything to get ready for in camp?

I’m just working out – running and lifting. Just getting ready for the start of rookie mini-camp.

The coaches haven’t told us to do anything – not really. I just signed so it’s early for that.

Why did you decide to sign with the Steelers? I’m sure you had other offers?

I signed because I thought Pittsburgh would be the best fit for me after the departure of Mike Hilton and Steven Nelson. I have the chance to go there and compete right away. Regardless of how I got there I have the opportunity now to show what I’ve got and to play – especially as a hometown guy.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Safety LaMont Wade”

First, what’s offseason plan – did the coaches tell you to work on or do anything specific?

It’s really just to stay in shape and stay ready. That’s been my motto the whole time – to stay ready and be ready to prove myself when it’s time.

When Coach Tomlin called and talked to me we didn’t about anything specific – he just sounded excited to get to work.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Cornerback Mark Gilbert”

These two following exerts are from my recently published book: Dancing in the Shadows, available from my art website: larrygagner.com                             

My first participation as a rookie in a regular season pro-football game for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1966 was preceded with a common occurrence executed, somewhat, uncommonly. Since we won the coin toss, we elected to receive the opening kick-off. That meant the Steeler’s offensive team was to be individually introduced over the PA system before the hometown crowd at Pitt Stadium.

There were several linemen introduced prior to me. At the end of each player’s run from the stadium’s field entrance unto the field, they would shake the hands of the preceding introduced players. When my name was announced, I followed suit. At my run’s end, I shook a couple of white player’s hands, and they said the traditional, “Have a great game.”

Continue reading “In His Own Words Larry Gagner”

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

Well, after Chuck Noll told me I should get on with my life’s work, I became a teacher and a coach at East Allegheny High School – where I went to high school. It was called Westinghouse Memorial then. So I went back to my roots and taught for 35 years and coached for 25 of those years, then retired.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Wide Receiver Dave Kalina, 1970-1971”

First, tell me why you decided to sign with Pittsburgh?

Well, when I didn’t get picked in the draft – when I wasn’t one of the 259 guys drafted – after the draft I wasn’t mad or sad or angry. I just kept myself level-headed. God brought me through a lot of things and it was a blessing from God to be able to sign with the Steelers.

I didn’t know what team would come to try to get me and sign me after the draft. But when Mike Tomlin called he sounded like he was very happy to have me.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Wide Receiver Isaiah McKoy”

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

I’ve been in sales – I sell refractory equipment – high temperature insulation for the steel and cement industries – for furnaces and things like that. I’ve been doing that for over 20 years now.

Was the adjustment to post-NFL life difficult for you?

I didn’t technically have a plan. My career didn’t go as I imagined it would. I was nicked up and it just wasn’t very good. Not what I wanted it to be.

I was talking to a friend who offered me a job, and my wife said I’ll take it! I thought about coaching and worked in Pitt’s athletic department for a bit, but it’s tough on families. A lot of travel and moving around, so I opted not to do that for our family. I do have friends like Jerry Olsavsky and Bill Cherpak who have been successful coaches – Jerry with the Steelers of course and Bill at Thomas Jefferson.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Offensive Lineman Dean Caligure, 1991-1992”

First, can you talk a bit about what you’ve been doing with yourself lately?

Well, I retired in 2014 and am recovering from a stroke now. I’m doing ok – it’s a slow process though. I’m weak on my left side – I’m trying to get that straight.

I live in Green Bay and overlook Lake Michigan.

Looking back, what got you started in scouting? 

We had our daughter in ’81, and I started thinking about the abilities I thought I could bring to a career – what skills I wasn’t using like I could. I wanted to be sure I had something to do in the future.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Scout Jesse Kaye 1985-1989”