Tag: Steelers

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

I’ve been involved in training and coaching – working with younger men to help with their athletic development – across all sports, but of course a lot of football. I did some combine work but not as much lately. It’s mostly working with kids at the high school level and in youth programs.

I also did some coaching at the high school level as well.

What coaches and coaching influences affected you most as a coach and trainer?

I wouldn’t say just one. It’s a combination. You learn something from every coach – even my high school coach. In Pittsburgh, Dungy, Noll….and Jimmy Johnson in Dallas. And a lot from the assistant coaches.

One of the most influential coaches was my secondary coach at Baylor – Rick Johnson. He was one of the most intelligent coaches I ever had – I learned so much from him. I was ready to go at the collegiate level because of him. He showed me how to approach the game – how to prepare. That was my edge in the NFL – it’s what kept me around as long as I did in the NFL.  That’s one of the things missing in today’s coaches and programs. You have to get it across to players, or teach them to do it themselves. But getting prepared for the game was my edge.

Continue reading “Thomas Everett, Steelers Safety, 1987-1991”

I’ll start by asking a question – why is it that the Steelers are a better second-half team? They score more points and let up less. It happened again yesterday. It happened in Denver. It’s noticeable enough that the announcers in the Ravens game made continual mention of it.

There’s a tone that this team opens with at the start of many games. Play not to lose. Keep the cornerbacks off the receivers – don’t let them get beaten deep. Don’t come out attacking opposing defenses…

First, can you let us know what you’ve been doing with yourself this season?

Well, I’m a free agent still – have been for eleven months now. I’m staying ready and focused.  I know how the game works and I’m staying in shape and ready.

What has your agent told you?

That I need to stay patient. The same thing I’m telling myself really. There are a lot of free agents that can play that haven’t been signed this year. I don’t know what it is but there’s a lot of talent on the street. A lot of players I expect will be back in the league next year.

Continue reading “Weslye Saunders, Steelers Tight End, 2011-2012”

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

Well, I have a construction start-up – I’ve been doing that for some time now. I also am bartending some while I’m in school. My main thing is that I’m working on my EMT certification so I can become a fireman. I’ll go the academy once I get that.

Why a fireman?

I always wanted to be a fireman. The comraderie is similar to that of football. The concept of teamwork and having a common goal is an idea that makes people happy.

Continue reading “Roy Lewis, Steelers Safety, 2008-2009”

First, can you let readers know what you did career-wise post your NFL playing days?

I’m just retired now.  I play golf and handball a couple times a week and my wife and I like to travel when we can.

After the NFL, I came back out here and went into the silver recovery business. I’d buy x-ray film and litho film from printing companies with my cousin.  I rented a cargo van and we’d go from place to place and sell it back to the silver refineries. I did that from eight or nine years – it was fun.  Then I went to work behind the bar at a friend’s restaurant – Frankie’s  on Melrose. I did that for seventeen years and then I got tired and retired. It was just too much. I got involved in a couple other restaurants but that is about it.

How hard was the adjustment to life after football for you – how did you do it?

It wasn’t that hard to adjust. I didn’t have any problems. Everyone says it’s a problem but I don’t know. You miss having beers with the guys after practice, that sort of thing. But I had a lot of friends out here…

Continue reading “Lou Cordileone, Steelers Defensive Lineman, 1962-1964”

First, congratulations on your 10 year anniversary! What were your first thoughts when the team contacted you to be a part of the celebration? Any reluctance? And how did they do so? 

My first thought, this will be a great opportunity to see my old teammates that made this dream come true as a player to win a Super Bowl.  No reluctance at all, I was excited about it.  They contacted me through email.

Continue reading “Exclusive: Steelers’ DB Willie Williams on the 2015 Super Bowl reunion”

First, congratulations on your 10 year anniversary! What were your first thoughts when the team contacted you to be a part of the celebration? Any reluctance? And how did they do so?

First off I would just like to say thank you for having me back – it’s always a pleasure and an honor. A letter and email was sent to me but I have been busy traveling and taking care of some family issues concerning my dad, so I had put it off until knowing the status of recovery. Willie Parker and I spoke a week prior to the events/ceremony and reminded me so I quickly contacted Lynne Molyneaux who works extremely hard and diligently for the Pittsburgh Steelers and putting these events together and she facilitated my travel and hotel arrangements. So needless to say there was no reluctance or hesitation once I knew I had the time.

Continue reading “Exclusive: Verron Haynes on the 2015 Super Bowl reunion”

First, can you let readers know about your post-NFL life. What have you been doing since the NFL and how you got started?

Well the first job I had after playing in the NFL was in the construction field. One of my
college teammates had his own company so I worked with him for several years. My next job was working as a counselor in a residential treatment center. This took place in
Houston, Texas. I moved to Jersey City, NJ in 1997 and worked for the Urban League of
Hudson County. In 2005 I started teaching and coaching football. I have coached football at Lincoln High for eleven years and have enjoyed it tremendously. It took me a while to find my niche but I found it.

Continue reading “Wentford Gaines, Steelers Cornerback, 1978-1979”

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

Well, it’s not really all that exciting, I started teaching high school and coaching wresting, along with some football, track & field, and even some golf – which I didn’t know a thing about! I knew enough not to screw them up I guess – they won a couple state championships.  I coached wrestling at Cedar Grove. We were the conference champions all three years and won the state championship my final year. Then I left Port washington and moved back to Coleman – I was waylaid on my way to Alaska. I coached the wrestling team there – where I used to wrestle.

Continue reading “Roger Pillath, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 1966-1967”

First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing since you’ve retired from the NFL and how you got started in these new ventures?

I’m currently an Executive Team Leader for a Target store in Alabama. I played pro football for four years on three different teams; the Steelers, Texans, and two seasons in the United Football League with the Las Vegas Locomotives. After my second season in the UFL, I had a decision to make; either continue playing another year in hopes to get back to the NFL with a slim chance considering being the 2nd or 3rd string tight end most of my professional career or start looking for employment to start building my professional resume’,  live in a city more than a few months at a time, and most importantly, leave the game in one piece.

I went to my Alma Mater’s campus at Mississippi State and was recruited by several companies. Having “Super Bowl Champion” and “UFL Champion” definitely stands out on a resume’!  I have been in retail for about three years now and I enjoy it!

Besides work, I like to do races such 5K races, mud runs, and triathlons. Having that competitive drive keeps me active and wanting to do and try new things.

Continue reading “Dezmond Sherrod, Steelers Tight End, 2008”