First, tell us a bit about how this offseason differs from last one for you?

Well it’s not so much new just more competition. It’s been more competitive as a team this year versus last year. We had great attendance in OTAs and mini-camp – they key players showed up besides Bell.

Any concern amongst teammates about Bell?

Well many of the players around the league don’t show up to OTAs and mini-camp. I don’t know Le’Veon’s situation but I don’t think it’s about money, just knowing him as a person. I think it’s more about the surgery he had and coming off of it. I know what that’s like. Once he’s back we all know what he’ll give us. I don’t think anyone has any concerns. And it helps because the guys behind him get more reps and that’s huge for us. You don’t get those once the season starts. And that’s chances for receivers in the passing game not just backs.

Continue reading “Interview with Steelers WR Demarcus Ayers”

First, you were a good basketball player in high school and college. Why chose football?

I was too short for my position – I was a center. I took on football but I was new to it – it was  a challenge.

Happy about the decision?

I’m definitely happy. I mean, I’m definitely not content though with where I’m at.

Continue reading “Interview with Steelers DL Lavon Hooks”

Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) takes us around the horn on the Steelers squad to discuss depth and roster questions/issues early in the offseason.

First, let’s start with defense and the scheme  – inn speaking with some of the players this week it seems like the one common theme on defense is improved communication and some changes in scheme. Thoughts?

Well – if you consider that 40% of the starters (I consider five defensive backs with the slot corner to be starters) are entering their second year in the secondary, that’s big. The Steelers were not hiding their communication issues last year. It was the rallying cry all off season – fix the communication issues. Which makes sense since they started two rookies – one of which was out of position early on.

In terms of scheme, testing things is routine now. They have the whole off season to get it together, especially with this part as an emphasis.

Continue reading “Interview with Tribune-Review Steelers Reporter Chris Adamski”

First, I know you’re in between OTA’s and camp. What are you doing with yourself now?

Well, I’m in New York and just took my finals – I happy – I did really well. I know I have  rookie development soon. Then camp after that.

You just wrapped up OTA’s a short while ago. What were the things you took away from there that you realized you need to work on most?

Staying low in my run blocking.  More power in my legs to get more leverage, I’m taking extra time working on the agility shoot and working on the blocking bags.

Continue reading “Interview with Steelers TE Phazahn Odom”

With SteelCityUnderground, I interview former Steelers LB Carlos Emmons on making the transition  as a rookie outside linebacker to the NFL, pass rush techniques, frustrations of dropping into coverage, mentors and more.

CARLOS EMMONS

Read more interviews by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades.  To order, just click on the book:

Donovan Woods: “I think I was really just a training camp body, but I just wanted an opportunity.  I thought I would be playing inside but they put me at outside in mini-camp so I was outside. There were a ton of guys I thought. Though I played outside all camp and preseason, we had some training camp injuries and in the last preseason game against Carolina and I volunteered to go to inside after Arnold Harrison went down with a knee injury and had a very productive game and just like that I was at inside now. “

Mike Quinn: “They went to camp with four quarterbacks – Miller, Kordell, Tomczak and me. I think everyone thought I was just going in as the camp arm. I didn’t focus on that and ended up having a really good preseason and made the team as the third quarterback. It was awesome -we had a great season and I learned a lot. Tomczak took me under his wing and showed me how to be a professional.”

Continue reading “Training Camp Stories by Former Steelers”

First, can you tell readers about your post-NFL career as you establish your coaching career?

After I finished with the NFL I became a graduate assistant Coach at Old Dominion University, coaching the offensive line, I was there for three years and ended up as the tight ends coach and offensive line graduate assistant while getting my Masters. Now, I’m working as the graduate assistant coaching the offensive line at the University of Washington.

Who helped shape your coaching mindset, and how so?

I blended my coaching philosophy from my college and NFL coaches. Sean Kugler taught me certain drills and just how to handle myself in situations. He also showed me how to prepare – how to watch film, take notes, and break down an opponent. Those were the main things.

Continue reading “Kyle Jolly, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 2010-2011”

First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing since your 2013 season?

I’m working now at IBM with their analytics software. I did an internship during the lockout in the finance world and was a finance major in college, but the hours of a finance job were over the top for what I wanted to focus on so I went to IBM.

I enjoy solving problems.  Helping companies with cost reduction and new revenue generation is something I like to do. I like helping solve problems – just like punting. You have a problem with field position, I can help you!

Continue reading “Zoltan Mesko, Steelers Punter, 2013”

First, can you let readers know what you ate doing with yourself now?

I’m working in the athletic development department at Michigan State as the Senior Associate Director of Athletics. I’ve been with he university for over eighteen years. Most of that time was as the Lieutenant of the Michigan State police department.

How did you make that jump from police to working for the AD Department?

Yeah – I went the non-traditional route. As an officer I used to run workshops on character development for the student athletes. As a former student athlete, I helped those individuals understand the laws and to leave the school with usable benefits for their entire life. After years of doing these workshops I was asked to be on the search committee for a new head coach inn 2007. The then AD Mark Hollier asked me afterwards if I wanted to compete for the job I have now and I did.

Continue reading “Alan Haller, Steelers Cornerback, 1992, 1993”

First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing since our time in the NFL – are you still trying to get back in the game?

I’m done with the game – I officially retied. I’m in medical device sales now, working for a company based out of Clearwater, Florida.

Was it tough leaving the game?

Not at all. I always worked on a backup plan – I knew the NFL would not be forever. I sold insurance in the offseason and got my Adjusting license. I always looked for what was  a good fit for me and found it.

Continue reading “Kion Wilson, Steelers Linebackers, 2013”