I am a senior Vice-President with Targe Energy in
Pittsburgh. I am on the coal side of contracts for our existing
coal properties that we acquired. I do the color for Penn State Football on
their radio network.
What is the fondest memory from your playing
career?
For me it was how there were so many
great players, who ended up being in the Hall of Fame, and we were able to play
so well as a team. The teamwork that we had everybody didn't care about their
own personal stats or whatever. They cared about winning football games and
championship games and that was something special I will always remember.
What was your best game?
I think the AFC Championship game when we played the
Raiders in Oakland to go to our first Super Bowl. It was a great team
effort for our defense and winning on the road was special for our entire team.
It jump started us to go to our first Super Bowl.
What did you like most about playing for the
Steelers?
I think from top to bottom people cared
about winning football games. It was not always the team that had the most
talent that won championships, it was the team that played well together. From
the Rooney's all the way down to Chuck Noll, who I never thought got the
recognition he deserved, were big reasons why we had the run that we did for
eight to 10 years.
Teammate you were closest to during your playing days and
why?
There were so many players I had great
relationships with – Andy Russell, Mike Wagner and Jack Lambert. Mike and I came
into the league together and formed a relationship from day one. We still have
that relationship today. There were so many quality guys on our football team.
Mike and I were drafted together, were roommates throughout our career. He is
the guy I began close to immediately.
Do you still keep in touch with former teammates?
Once your playing days are over
everybody scatters throughout the country. I think we were successful on the
football field here and are in business too here today. There are so many guys
still here. All of those guys who are still here were great players but had
outstanding careers here after their playing careers were
over.
Why do you
think so many players stayed in the Pittsburgh
area?
Not that we weren't making nice money here, but a lot
of guys looked at their careers post-football. I think Chuck Noll would say to
us every year we would have to be prepared to go with our life's work. Football
was an avocation. You needed something you were going to do after your football
career was over. Because of the success we had on the field guys had
opportunities to get in the community and look for careers for after football.
It was logical to stay here. Lynn Swann grew up in Southern California and fell in love with
Pittsburgh and stayed here. A lot of those guys did
that.
Who is the one player you think should definitely be on the
75th season team?
Joe Greene.
Do you still follow the Steelers and if so, how closely?
One of the things I do is the Jack Ham
Football Show on ESPN Radio with Mark Madden. Because of that I stayed very
close to the team the last few years. I am not just a casual fan. I watch with a
lot of intent. I can be critical. I try to be as honest as I can. I have been
fair.
Visit the Steelers
Alumni page for more on the team's former
players
