Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!
More than 1,000 interviews of Steelers players, coaches, front office staff, media and more with those that played in the 50’s through today’s current roster.
First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing since your time in the NFL?
I’ve been retired from working in the public school system in Jackson, Michigan since 2010. I was the Athletic Director and Principal when I left.
Since then I’ve been a granddad. That’s my role now in the family, to babysit my five grand babies. They are all here in Michigan so I get to see them weekly. Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Running Back Russell Davis, 1979-1983”
First, I know you just recently stepped down from coaching in Green Bay, What’s next?
Well, I haven’t ruled out going back to coaching yet. I know there was talk of me coaching in the new league but that won’t happen. At no time have I considered that.
Right now I’m doing some contracting – property management. Keeping my options open.
It’s been great reconnecting with my family. Decompressing. I’m realizing there is much more to life than just football. When you’re playing and even moreso when you’re coaching, you think football is the only thing that matters. Now I’m seeing first hand the difference. I just took my daughter to school at Penn State for her first year there. I never got to do that with my first two daughters. I always felt bad – this opportunity made me feel how special it was to get back to the real world. When you play and coach it’s always a grind. You’re thinking about ball all the time, even when you’re at home.
First, can you tell me a bit about what you’re up to now in your broadcasting career and how you got started?
Well, I have a dual career. I have a production company – I’m in my 18th year of doing that – called Wisdom Productions. I also of course have my broadcasting career which started at the local level in 1994.
Continue reading “Exclusive with former Steelers Safety Solomon Wilcots, 1992”
First, tell me a bit about what you’re doing with yourself now since your time in the NFL?
Well, I’m coaching at Pitt-Johnstown – the defensive coordinator there for a semi0pro team. I’ve been having fun coaching my son all the way up to his senior year. I’m also a coach for the wrestling team here too.
Who really helped inspire the way you approach coaching and how?
I’ve been fortunate to play under some top-notch coaches like Noll and Cowher. I liked Coach Noll, and also had Ron Blackledge as my offensive line coach and Joe Greene as my defensive line coach. So I was around some good coaches and used the things they taught me as a coach now. Continue reading “Exclusive with Carlton Haselrig, Steelers OL, 1989-1993”
First, tell me how the AFL is going for you – and what you like about playing for the Baltimore team?
My time here has been awesome. I’ve been here for two years now. Unfortunately we had a tough ending to the season last year – we lost in the Arena Bowl Championship. But we made great strides since we were 4-12 the year before. We’re building something special here!
Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Steelers Cornerback Josh Victorian, 2012-2013”
First, tell me about the Flag Football League – how did you got involved and what do you like about it now?
Well, it all started because of my work with Nike and Ralph Green. He brought it to me. I was hesitant at first, but when he threw out names like Michael Vick and Terrell Owens, I was interested. I was all about getting back on the gridiron. So with all of those Hall of Famers, why not?
Continue reading “Exclusive with former Steelers Quarterback Dennis Dixon, 2008-2011”
First, can you let us know what you’ve been doing since your time in the NFL and what prompted the new career?
Well, in 2011, I showed up to training camp in Pittsburgh and ran the conditioning test. The next day I felt stiffness in my right leg, and the following day my right leg was completely numb. It turned out I had a ruptured disc in my back, so I had to have back surgery the next week. After the Sepulveda injury the job was mine, I was excited coming into camp. Then, this happened.
Continue reading “Exclusive with former Steelers Punter Jeremy Kapinos, 2010-2012”
First, let me know what you’ve been doing with yourself since the NFL?
After the NFL I got involved in financial services and started the Golden Ratio business with offices in Palm Springs, California, Oregon, and Washington. My experiences in the NFL learning to handle my own finances got me into it. I got my securities license and became successful, getting into asset management and employee benefits for organizations and individuals.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Lineman Paul Wiggins, 1997-1998”
First, let us know what you’ve been doing with yourself since your time in the NFL?
I’m working for a credit union now. I’m back in Seattle where I grew up. I started here a few months ago.
How tough was that transition from the NFL to life afterwards!
It’s going pretty good now but it was tough at first. My whole life I was kind of like, used to training and being a part of a team. Then you’re done suddenly and you have to figure out what’s next. My main goal is to figure out what’s next after football.
I did take an NFL symposium last year for players transitioning out of football. I worked with a job search company there that helped me as well. Continue reading “Exclusive with David Paulson, Steelers Tight End, 2012-2014”
First, can you let us know a bit about what you’re doing with yourself these days?
My dream as a player was always to retire out West. I am a passionate fly fisherman and I love the mountains, My wife and I near the end of my career went on a number of trips to Montana, Idaho…those great Midwestern states. By accident we went on a vacation a year before I retired to a town West of Calgary near the Rocky Mountains. It was one of the most beautiful places on the planet. By the end of the week all four of us agreed it was the most beautiful place we’d ever seen.
Continue reading “Exclusive with Gary Anderson, Steelers Kicker, 1982-1994”