Where Are They Now?

RICH ERENBERG

Running Back

1984-86

Resides in Peters Township, Pennsylvania  

 

 

What is your current job and what does it entail?

I am in the real estate investment and development business for CC Realty Advisors, LTD. I have been in that business for the most part since I got out of football. It was kind of a fluke getting involved. I retired in 1988 and one of the guys I played with for one year was Steve Morris. He took a job in Houston, Texas around 1985. We were good friends. He told me the real estate market in Houston wasn't in good shape and maybe there were some opportunities if we put our heads together and started doing some real estate work. We were young and didn't know anything. We went down there and bought some properties and made some great deals and the business grew out of that.

 

 

What is the fondest memory from your playing career?

Without question playing in the 1984 AFC Championship game when we went to the Orange Bowl and played the Miami Dolphins.

 

 

What was your best game?

That's hard to say. I had a memorable game in 1984 against the Los Angeles Rams where I out-gained Eric Dickerson in yards and we won the game.

 

 

What did you like most about playing for the Steelers?

I think what most people will tell you and what I liked the same was having the Rooney's as the owners of the team. They are long-time real football guys. You get that family atmosphere. When I was there The Chief was still around. He would come around the locker room and shake everybody's hand almost every day. They always made you feel welcomed there. That and the rich tradition the Steelers had from the 1970 was very special. There was so much history there with Hall of Fame guys and Super Bowls. It was a wonderful atmosphere to play. Not to mention we have the best fans in the country. Steelers fans are very knowledgeable and come out to support the team. One of the things that is amazing for guys like me who was a short-termer there, people bring up names of guys today that played in the 1970s. When you think that was the mid-70s and its three decades later and people talk about those guys like they are still playing. You can go anywhere people are still talking about them. I find that terrific that people have such long, fond memories of the Steelers. I am not sure you can go to any other football city and it be the same way.

 

 

Teammate you were closest to during your playing days and why?

I was probably closest to Bubby Brister.

 

 

Do you still keep in touch with former teammates?

Some of them, there are a few guys we maintained a friendship. But as the years go on like in college you lose some of the acquaintances you had. Here in Pittsburgh we see a lot of the guys at various events and around town. As far as the guys I played with there are only a couple I kept in touch with. You see some of the guys from the 70s and get to know them. I can relate to the guys who came before us and we see more of them than the guys who play today.

 

 

Who is the one player you think should definitely be on the 75^th season team?

You have to include so many of the guys from years past. Guys like Franco Harris, Joe Greene, Terry Bradshaw and John Stallworth. I don't think you can pick just one. There are so many great players that would have to be on the team.

 

 

Do you still follow the Steelers and if so, how closely?

You bet. I keep my season tickets. I have a 13-year old and an 11-year old son who are avid Steelers fans. They grew up with Terrible Towels. I can't tell you how much fun it was being a player and then taking your kids to the games as they grow up. That is really special for a guy like me.

 

 

Visit the Steelers Alumni page for more on the team's former players.