Tag: Steelers

First, tell us why you signed with Pittsburgh ? What sold you on them and vice-versa?

After the XFL I just wanted to get back into the NFL as fast as I could. Pittsburgh was the first to show interest and they wanted me to be there to compete and go through camp. Me and my agent talked about that and other opportunities and thought this was a great opportunity for me to compete and make a team.

Any idea what role they expect you to play – what safety spot?

Any role right now – anything to make the team. I know special teams is the first way I can make the team, but I have to play at a high level there and at safety. My main thing is to learn the playbook quickly and go as fast as I can there.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Safety Tyree Kinnel”

First, what made you decide to choose the Steelers as a team to sign with after the XFL experience – you had some choices?

I just feel like my XFL experience and previous NFL experience helped me show teams that I have what it takes to make it in the NFL. I think they can see what they have in me and know I can help.

As for Pittsburgh, they have a great defensive line coach and great front – and a great tradition. I was excited to sign with them,

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Defensive Lineman Cavon Walker”

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

Well, right now I’m doing some real estate work, like a lot of guys end up doing. That, as well as some logistics investment in things like trucking. I kind of always wanted to do real estate since I retired. I ran for the hills for a while when the recession hit – its an eat what you kill job and there wasn’t much to eat then!

Why both lines of work?

Well, with logistics, I just always wanted multiple sources of income. And even in a recession, if you’re positioned correctly you’ll always have work. No matter what, goods always have to be delivered by someone.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Tight End Walter Rasby, 1994, 2004-2005”

First off, tell us what’s going on with you now and what’s next?

Well  I’m at a crossroads. It’s been 26 years of coaching and I’m 52 now. I’ve been afforded some time while I’m still under contract to think about what’s next and to make up some lost time with my family. I’ve watched more soccer and golf games lately than I had over the last 20 years. My parents are in Orlando and they aren’t doing so great so it’s good to be close to them too. So, it’s been really nice not to have to jump into anything. I love coaching and if the right thing comes along sure, but for right now I’m enjoying my time with my family.

Obviously your father was a big influence on you as  coach – who else influenced that style as well and how?

Well my father always reminded me of how fortunate I was to grow up with it as a kid and he was right. The memories of being there at camp in Latrobe as a kid and on the sidelines for things like the Immaculate Reception.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley, 2012-2017”

First, let us what did you do after your NFL career and why?

After football, I went into the insurance business in Pittsburgh for four years, then I coached at Duquesne University and Baldwin High School.

Then an opportunity came up for me to coach at my alma mater, New Mexico State. I coached the tight ends and special teams for six years. Then the head coach got heart problems and had to bail – he had to retire.

I stayed in the area and got my Masters Degree in Educational Diagnostics and coached and taught at a local high school. I coached there for a while then went back to New Mexico State and coached there again. I coached 10 years in high school and 10 years at New Mexico State.

Continue reading “Exclusive with former Steelers Kicker Roy Gerela, 1971-1978”

First, tell me what you’re working on this offseason to get ready for the new season?

Yeah – the mental aspect of the game. I was lacking a bit of the mental side of the game so I’m digging into the playbook now and making sure I understand what I’m doing on every play – and  that I know what the other positions are doing to.

Tomlin talked to me. I have to be in the right place at all times – I have to be on it every play and show them I can be more consistent. I’m in the film room constantly now getting better at it.

And of course, always working on the physical part of the game.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Linebacker Tuzar Skipper”

First, what have you been doing with yourself since your time in the NFL?

Well, I have five kids, four that are in sports. It’s definitely been busy – a busy part of the season for us. I work for Farmer’s Insurance – I manage the retirement investment business for most of the Southern United States.

I run around a lot but I also get to work out of the house and be around the for the kids – get to take them to school. So that’s fun for me. I always wanted to have more fun where I am now that where I was before, and I think I’m doing that.

Continue reading “Exclusive with former Steelers offensive lineman Matt Anderson, 2002”

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

Well, I had no plan really coming out of the NFL. I have four boys and am still married. I had a football camp but when all the kids started adding up it kind of fell through the cracks. I’m trying to repurpose it now. I couldn’t really focus a lot on it with so much going on.

Now, my dad-to-day is taking the kids to soccer, Boy Scouts, and that stuff. They go to private school, so it’s pretty hands-on. I’m a bus driver essentially!

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Linebacker Kendrell Bell, 2001-2004”

First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing with yourself as of late?

Well, I’m just back from my 50-year anniversary cruise, so I am totally relaxed!

I’m still working full-time at the New Community Church. I was the founding pastor but in ’98 I decided to step down and lead the pastor discipleship at the church. i was going in too many directions and wanted to get back to what I was doing when I was with the Steelers and Pirates.

I still work with some of those guys I worked with then and started a citywide discipleship forum to raise awareness on how  to train pastors and ministry leaders on the best strategies. We just finished our first year and I work closely with Leo Wisnewski – he’s a local guy who want to Penn State.  I also work with Tunch Ilkin and Jon Kolb but they don’t have as much time to give – they have so many other things going on.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Chaplain Hollis Haff, 1974-1989”

My personal feeling about what’s going on in the National Football League? The owners have let the league get out of control with the salaries and trying to protect their investment. I only wish they had to go through what we black players did back in the 60’s and 70’s. I have to say that the owners of today are not like Art Rooney of the Pittsburgh Steelers

He cared about the players that played for him and took care of them. More importantly, I feel that the concussions of the past are just as important as those of today.  And the fans are not seeing football the way it was started back in the day. Too many flags and too much protection for the quarterback and penalties for what the referees think they saw – to me they are fooling the fans that payed good money to see real football. Yes it nice to see a Quarterback throw along pass for touchdown. But what about the defense or linemen who try very hard to do their job. But when they do you can be assured there will be a flag. As I have said too many flags.

Continue reading “In His Own Words: Eugene Mingo”