Tag: Steelers

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

I’m currently the sales manager for a car dealership in South Boston, Virginia. I retired around when Covid hit – I had knee issues and tried o rehab it, but it just wasn’t doing well. I wasn’t able to practice and play at my best. I had calls to play still, but I decided then that I was done.

My friend was in the car sales business and he got me interested in it. He got me the opportunity, and when he was promoted to general manger, I went with him and became the sales manager.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Defensive Lineman Winston Craig, 2019”

First off, what’s the plan/situation for you now?

Well, I’m not under contract as of the end of February. So I’m waiting on these job openings to get filled to see where I can get an opportunity. It all depends on who comes in for those jobs.

Would you stay in Pittsburgh if given a chance?

Well you treat it like any other job at this point.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Wide Receivers Coach Zach Azzanni”

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

I’m raising my two kids here in Texas – a 13 year-old daughter and 12 year-old son. My daughter is the oldest and is amazing – she plays volleyball and is an artist and is doing amazing at school. She gets upset when she gets anything under a 97 and still believes everything her dad says is gold!

My son plays football and basketball and also excels in school. He plays quarterback like his dad – imagine that! He’s an encyclopedia of football knowledge – we play golf together and get to spend a lot of good time together that way.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Quarterback Jared Zabransky, 2008”

First off, what have you been up to since your playing days?

I was fortunate to be able to use the programs afforded to us by the NFL to go back to school and get my MBA. Afterwards I worked for a non-profit doing consulting in the healthcare industry. I helped hospitals with their buying habits and surgeons with new techniques. I did that for 10-to-12 years.

On the side I also would sell homes and create passive income that way. Buying homes and creating value – you can make positive financial gains. I did that for eight years. I did that in San Antonio and sold homes for the highest price per square foot.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Wide Receiver Eric Fowler, 2007”

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)”