Tag: Steelers

First, can you let readers know about your coaching career – how you got started and why you enjoy most about it so far?

I have been coaching now for six years and I love every minute of it. It is time-consuming but worth it. I began coaching right after my last year of playing which was 2009 and I haven’t looked back since.

Ever since high school I knew I wanted to coach.  I viewed all the sports as a chess game. I looked for weakness and strengths and it all came natural to me. I enjoyed dissecting a game of any sport. I played for as long as I could and in he process I did scouting and player evaluations. I wanted the coaching world to see I was serious. I have four Grey Cup Rings. Two as a player and two as a coach. I’m currently coaching for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as defensive Backs coach and looking for my fifth ring.

Continue reading “Barron Miles, Steelers Cornerback, 1995”

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

Well, when I retired I went back to school to get my teaching certificate. I probably will go into coaching. I started a couple of other businesses too – just trying to stay busy. I’m still in Texas – I went back to Baylor and, thirty years later, I’ll get my degree one week before my son does!

How hard was the post-NFL adjustment for you?

I think being in the league for nine years – playing as long as I played ….. it was hard to find a way to stay busy. My wife is still in Pittsburgh and my son will graduate from Duquesne. I drove a semi for eight years. It helped me to be able to see my kids – I could take the truck and leave any time. One went to school in Michigan too so it helped keep me going. It would have been hard to keep traveling to see them otherwise.

I also had some drug issues. I regrouped – got myself back together. I try to stay busy still. I don’t need to work but I want to. I think I’m qualified to coach. I’ll stay here in Texas – I have a cousin who is a head coach. I’d like to do something that got me here in the first place.

Continue reading “Greg Hawthorne, Steelers Running Back/Receiver, 1979-1983”

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

Well,  I got to spend five years in the NFL fulfilling a childhood dream. I had good parents – it all started there, My dad was my high school coach and he told me I had a chance to go to college for free – that I should take advantage of that. Which I did.. I have s dual degree from Pitt and got a chance to play in the NFL. My dad said that at some point my NFL career will end – I needed a fallback plan. I took advantage of some internships though the NFL. I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I felt I could have the most impact working on leadership development and was introduced to the CEO of the company I work for now, Buddy Hobart at Solutions21. My thoughts on leadership were pretty much aligned with the business. .

Continue reading “Tyler Palko, Pitt/Steelers Quarterback, 2009”

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

I’m working out and staying healthy. I’m still a free agent. Right now I’m working with high school kids – I’ve been hosting a kids skills camp for about two weeks now. It’s for local area kids and semi-pro guys looing to live the football dream. The main focus is on the high school kids, working on seven-on-sevens, which is big now. I’m trying to help keep them active in the offseason. Giving  back to the community – and I can taking this experience with me when I’m done with football.

Continue reading “Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith, Steelers Safety, 2010-2014”

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”