Tag: Steelers

First, tell me about life as a scout – what got your started as a scout and what do you enjoy about it?

When I was playing I would always go into the scouting room and talk to Bill Nunn and the other guys there that were so integral to the guys we drafted. I was always interested in understanding how all of these talented guys got there and would ask them questions about how we found all of these amazing athletes.

They tried to deter me about the job – said it was too much travel. But after I played for as long as I could I called a number of teams asking for a chance to internship with them, and Phil Kreidler in Pittsburgh gave me a chance to pursue that interest.  After it was over he called and asked me if I was still serious about being a scout. Now, ten years later, here I am!

Continue reading “Exclusive with Mark Bruener, Steelers Tight End 1985-2003/Steelers Scout”

First, what’s the offseason plan – what are you looking to work on for next season?

The little things really. Focusing on my body – core stability and getting stronger i my upper body – and improving my speed. I know what to expect now snd just want to be in top shape and feeling good for the OTAs.

What did the coaches tell you in your exit interview?

They told me a lot of positive things mostly and what to work on. A lot of positive versus negative. I had a good season I thought, but I can improve. Coach Tomlin told me he liked my vision as a runner and my ability to get out of the backfield and make people miss.

They liked what I could do in college and i think I surprised them on how much I showed that in my first year. Tonlin was happy with my vision as a running back and wants me to excel as a true running back.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Running Back Jaylen Samuels”

First, can you let us know what you’e been doing since retirement? 

Well, a big part of what I’m doing now is speaking to schools about drug addiction and abuse. It started when I started going to AA meetings and met a woman who later became my wife. She was speaking and talked about her daughter who she lost when she wandered away during a party and drowned.

She was doing various speaking engagements on the effects of alcohol on families. We started dating soon afterwards and I watched the effect she had on people when she was speaking.

And that’s how you got started? 

I waited a couple of years first – I wanted to be able to go into schools and say for sure that I was clean and sober. Other asked me if I would speak but I wasn’t a public speaker. I hated speaking and hate the attention. But a friend had a program called New Beginnings and I spoke for them a couple of times then started doing it with my wife and the Drive to Save Lives Tour. Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Defensive Lineman Chris Sullivan, 2000-2001”

First, what are the next steps for you as you enter into your eleventh potential season?

Well I’m definitely keeping my eyes open and hope for the opportunity to come back this way to Miami. I’ve been enjoying time with my family. I don’t worry about much of the things that are out of my control. I’m hopeful that Miami will bring me back and am still preparing my body to play.

Any thoughts about what your next steps are, even if Miami brings you back. What’s next after playing in the NFL?

After my playing career I’d like to stay in football and coach. At what level I don’t know. I’ve spoken to my wife and agent about it and we’re still discussing it now. But I would definitely like to stick around football.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Defensive Lineman Ziggy Hood, 2009-2013”

First, let me know how you got involved with the Steelers and Duquesne?

Well I grew up in Pittsburgh and a sports fan, so when  I got the call for a PR internship with the Steelers it was Mike Tomlin’s first season. It wouldn’t have mattered who was coaching but it was cool to work for his first draft. It was a good one too – everyone played in a game except Stephenson. Timmons, Woodley, Spaeth and Gay…and Sepulveda would have been great if he could have stayed healthy.

How did you get in a position to get the call?

The way it worked out for me – Duquesne was close to the Rooneys. So many went to school there -Art and Dan played football. I played too and went to Duquesne grad school  for a fifth year on a scholarship – I could go for five because I was injured one year, I was in the media and journalism program then. I was a T.A. for my professor there. Right after grad school my professor called me and told me that the Steelers were looking for someone to help them – someone looking to get a start in their career. I had a part-time marketing job in Elizabeth and started boxing at my dad’s gym in South Park at the time.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Robert Healy III, Duquesne Sports Journalism Professor and Former Media Assistant for the Steelers, 2007”

First, can you talk a bit about how your dad decided to make football his career?

Val: I have some stories but dad was pretty private about his playing days. My brother didn’t even know he played football until high school!

He took the numbers off of his game jerseys and the Steelers patches off of his football jackets he had. He was a humble guy.

I know they called him a sleeper. They didn’t expect him to be as good as he was. He was gifted naturally. He had a good friend in college and they mirrored each other – Chuck Mihalik. They played for the Fleet City Blue Jackets during the war and played at Duquesne together.

Tim: They used to call my dad and Chuck the Gold Dust Twins!

Zeb: He only played high school in his senior year. He worked in the coal mines after high school until one day his principal asked him what he thought about going to Duquesne on a football scholarship.  My dad was a one-hit wonder in high school – he won the Mid-Mon Valley award in 1939 as a senior.

Continue reading “Interview with sons of Steelers WR Val Jansante, 1946-1951”

First – congratulations on signing with the Steelers. Tell me why you chose the Steelers?

Well, I’ve been a Midwest guy the whole time I’ve been living. I think playing in Michigan and in the MAC – it’s a blue collar mindset. And it’s the same thing in Pittsburgh. Everyone works hard to get what they get.

Plus, the tradition of he team and the success of other MAC quarterbacks that have played there – with Ben and his historic career. All that stuff made it a great opportunity.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Quarterback Brogan Roback”

First, tell me a bit about what made Pittsburgh the place to sign with this offseason? Anything to do with the big play you had last preseason versus Pittsburgh when you were with Tennessee? 

After the season ended the Steelers invited five linebackers in for a workout and it went really well. I loved the interaction with Tomlin and the other staff while I was working out. They called me three-to-four weeks later to sign me. It was exciting.

I just think they saw the hard work ethic I had and the work I put in during the workout. And the love for the game I have. I just showed them what I could do I guess. Now it’s up to me to show them I deserve to make the team.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Linebacker Robert Spillane”

First, can you let us know a bit about your recent charity work in Pittsburgh?

Well, I had a background doing it at North Carolina. Every Friday we’d go to the burn center at Chapel Hill and visit for an hour. I got into it my junior year.

When I got to Pittsburgh I knew UPMC was prevalent there – they were everywhere. But I didn’t know how to go about working with them. I did some research but then I had that back and forth on social media with Colin Dunlap. When that went down I learned about his daughter’s treatment and they reached out to me for a visit.

I went once and I was hooked. I just had to go back – it caught on like wildfire. It was incredible. I’m out of Pittsburgh for the offseason but will be back in April and visit then. I want to make a routine of it.

As you said, it all started with social media as far as Pittsburgh is concerned.  How do you manage to stay out of trouble on social media especially seeing other guys who do get in trouble?

Oh there are definitely knuckleheads out there. A lot of guys get a voice on social media that don’t deserve one.  It bothered me more when I was younger. People can be really harsh and mean. As I’ve gotten older I guess I’ve become more mature.  I realize now that those opinions don’t matter.  You need to pick and choose my battles, right?

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Wide Receiver Ryan Switzer”

First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing since your time in the NFL – what you’ve been up to in the past couple of years!

Well, my family has just started a grocery business – my wife and I. We just became owners of a wholesale business and are attempting to run it. We’re just staying above water and are working in anticipation of success!

How hard was that adjustment to post-NFL life and what prompted it after just three years in the NFL?

Well remember I played organized sports since high school, college, and then pro football. You become a sort of regimented robot. You expect things to happen and when as the band starts playing, as they say, you just start dancing around. But the transition wasn’t very difficult and frankly I knew it was necessary to do it right to be successful.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Larry Krutko, Steelers Fullback, 1958-1960”