Tag: Steelers

First, can you tell readers how you got started as the Steelers photographer?

I was helping out Harry Homa – the Steelers photographer – in 1980. He passed away in 1985 and the team asked me to take over the position as an independent contractor. In 2000, they made me a full-time employee, At the time I was only one of three of four full-time NFL photographers.

I’ve since gone to four Super Bowls – the Rooneys treated me like family. I have two Super Bowl rings and went to a few AFC Championship games. Some I’d like to forget, some I wouldn’t…

Continue reading “Michael Fabus, Steelers Photographer, 1980-2011”

First, can you let readers know what you are doing with yourself now and how you got started?

Well this winter I finished my first season in the CFL. I played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and really enjoyed myself. There is some really good football being played north of the border.

In 2010, you led the nation in college in touchdowns and rushed for over 1,300 yards for Northern Illinois. What about your running style led to such success?

I think I have a pretty balanced running style. There were times where I was called upon in short yardage early in my career which really helped me become a tough down hill runner. Combining that with my natural one cut running style I think led to a lot of yards and a lot of touch downs. I also like to contribute a lot of success to just knowledge of the game. When you understand your schemes and become familiar with your teammates blocking for you, the game slows down so much.

Continue reading “Chad Spann, Steelers Running Back, 2012”

First, can you  let readers know what you are doing with yourself since you’re time in the NFL?

I am currently working back at my alma mater Oklahoma State University as the Associate Director of Development. I also am the defensive coordinator of the OKC John Marshall Bears where my brother Rashaun is the Head Coach and my other brother Gary is the Secondary Coach. I also do some radio for OSU as well on 107.7 The Franchise.

What was the most difficult part of the transition from the NFL to “regular life” for you, and how did you make that adjustment?

Coming to the realization that you won’t be able to play a game that you have played all your life. Football is different from every other sport in that, once you finish playing, that is really the end. Nobody gets together to play pick-up games or anything like that. It really is the end and it is tough. I struggled with it like most players do, but eventually accepted things and though still tough at times, I have moved on to the next stage of my life and career.

Continue reading “Donovan Woods, Steelers Linebacker, 2008-2009”

Click here for our exclusive podcast with LB Ed Bradley on Burfict, players speaking up for one another, playing hurt, SB IX and much more.

First, can you let readers know what you are ding with yourself now?

Right now – we just had a baby. We have an eight-month year old so I’m busy there. I also am working with my brother in his recruiting company. I haven’t given up completely on the NFL – I’m still working out and keeping everything in order in case things come up on the horizon.

Is it hard being out of the game – especially after you had success working your way on the roster?

It’s pretty tough, I haven’t played this year – sitting back and watching other guys play is hard, especially if you see someone and think you can do it better than they could but I’m at home… I’ve been involved in sports my whole life – it’s an adjustment – life after the NFL. But I am pretty busy with my baby and have been tied up …

Continue reading “Derek Moye, Steelers Wide Receiver, 2012-2014”

First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing with yourself since your retirement from the NFL?

I own my own construction business – I do additions and renovations – kitchens and baths, that sort of thing. I’ve been building stuff since I was in seventh grade – I always got into it. It progressed over the years. I guess I like taking a pile of sticks and making something out of it!

How hard was it for you, adjusting to life after the NFL? Did the NFL help in your post-career?

It was a big adjustment. You go from having everything done for you to having to do it yourself.  I bought a house in my hometown outside of Pittsburgh though so it was easier being in my hometown.

The NFL offered zero help then. It’s basically, “We don’t want you anymore so goodbye!”

Continue reading “Gregg Garrity, Steelers Wide Receiver, 1983-1984”

First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing with yourself these days?

Well, I’m back in Houston – I moved back here when I signed with the Texans in 2002. I’ve been married eleven years and we have an eight year-old son. I’ve been working in commercial real estate since my retirement from football in 2007. I’m currently a broker at Fritsche Anderson.

I’ve also had the pleasure of running a quarterback academy since 2010 (Houston Quarterback Academy). I have group camps and offer private instruction. It’s been great to stay involved with the game in that way and mentoring QBs is something I love to do.

How hard was that post-NFL adjustment for you?

Everybody has a tough adjustment I think. In my situation I had to scratch and claw to make the team over my career. I had to fight to keep the dream alive. When the phone stopped ringing – you know maybe it’s time. In ’04 – that was my last year in the NFL – in Pittsburgh. My career came full circle. I tried the Canadian Football League in 2006 and that was good because it gave me closure. I knew it was time to start on the next chapter.

It was a tough adjustment. At first I didn’t like watching or going to games. I felt like I could still play – I know lots of guys have that feeling. Now that time has passed, I love watching games with my son and love being around it again and passing on the knowledge I gained.

Continue reading “Mike Quinn, Steelers Quarterback, 1997, 2004”

First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing with yourself lately career-wise and personally?

Well, I’m not currently employed – I’m just enjoying retirement. I do a lot of personal appearances – things of that nature. My relationships have grown because of that. People think it’s just about smiling, taking pictures, and signing autographs. But if you take a step back and ask and answer questions, you’d be amazed at the people you meet.

Now, I have gotten a couple of coaching offers – but that’s not my forte’. I’ve had opportunities. If the right opportunity comes along, then I’d make that happen.

Tell  us about getting drafted by the Steelers, Were you surprised to be drafted by Pittsburgh?

First of all, I never imagined being drafted. Everyone was saying that coaches and scouts were talking about me, but the athlete I was – I wasn’t into it until I was into it.  Once I left school I went to the Senior Bowl and that’s when I really found out that I could be playing for an NFL team. People after the Senior Bowl were saying mid-second round to the fourth round. I went on a few trips after that – to teams and a few combines – and my stock went up. Now people were telling me mid-to-late first round. I said “Ok – that was fine with me!”

I just wanted to be drafted. A number of teams would call asking if I wanted to play for them. It didn’t matter to me who it was – I just wanted to go somewhere.

Continue reading “Louis Lipps, Steelers Wide Receiver, 1984-1991”

First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing with yourself since your time in the NFL?

After Pittsburgh, I still wanted to play and had opportunities at Miami, Atlanta, and wound up in San Diego (1989), but I didn’t make it and was released. I knew my career was over then. I jacked up my elbow in Pittsburgh. I couldn’t really bend it – I was in extreme pain. So I retired and went back to college for two semesters and got my degree.

Continue reading “Mark Behning, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 1985-1987”