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[SA:] What differences do you see from the Steelers now and the Steelers from when you played in the league?
[Wolfley:] The league in general and the Steelers in particular have changed a great deal…and then not at all. Call me John Kerry and cover me with butter and syrup for that giant waffle.
Players have changed, that’s a given. Not just in physical dimensions but in attitude.
Money has become a factor to a degree. Guys go home in the off-season more, not that they didn’t in the past, but many guys fly elsewhere on weekends. We used to get together at each other’s homes.
But walking into the Steelers locker room today, it’s like a time warp. You still have the frat mentality, there’s clubhouse leaders, and quiet guys. The Steelers are a special group because they really care about each other. But that attitude has its roots from the early days when the Chief roamed the locker room, told you stories, and told you not to be a “Big shot.” There is a sense and spirit of humbleness that pervades from the Chief to this day.
In the past, players from different teams didn’t socialize with each other, due to free agency, there is almost a fraternal attitude that pervades the league. It’s not bad, just different.
There is a different mentality about injuries. I come from the old school of play that unless something is sticking out of the skin at a right angle, you do your job and play. This was because I idolized Mike Webster, Jon Kolb and Larry Brown. They set the standard. So you want to be the same. Now many players don’t play with the injuries we used to and probably that’s a good thing.
Bottom line is they will be healthier when they leave the game.
[SA:] What do you think about Terry Bradshaw really "sticking it to Ben" with his comments about his off field issues this past year?
[Wolfley:] Let me first start off by saying that I didn’t see any of Brad’s comments. So all I know is from second hand knowledge that he came down on Ben pretty strong. So I really don’t know. I know Brad to be a great guy and that I was a little befuddled about his attitude.
But Terry was never shy about calling you out if you weren’t getting it done.
I remember my rookie year when I was late getting back to the huddle at Three Rivers stadium during a very hot practice. I was taking all the reps because Sam Davis was hurt and so was a little lazy. Bradshaw barked at me, and I replied using Mike Webster’s favorite nickname for Terry.
I said “Relax Turdshaw, I’ll be right there.”
Bad move on my part. Terry looked up at me and I can still see the sweat pouring off his chin. He hit me with 10,000 watts of glare and said, “Son, you ain’t old enough yet.” Important point made. I hadn’t earned my spurs yet.
[SA:] Do you think the Steeler Nation is more passionate now or back when you played and why?
[Wolfley:] I think the generational thing is the coolest part of it. Quite often I have somebody come up and share an important time of their life that coincided with a Steelers game. Whether getting married or a sickness in the family that someone pulled through on game day, or around the time of a big game, I’ve heard a lot of great stories about Steelers Nation back in the day, and today. And also about their “Steeler Rooms.” Folks will show me pictures of their Steeler room and how they’ve got a terrible towel on the TV set that Myron gave them or something to that effect. Steelers Nation is unique in every way today, and thirty years ago. But whether today, or in yesteryear, there’s nobody, no other team anywhere that has the tremendous support from their fans or comes close to Steelers Nation.
[SA:] What is your opinion of the NFL's personal conduct policy? Do you feel like the NFL is consistent in it's punishment of players who make mistakes or break the law? Should there be a committee formed by the league to determine if the policy has been broken and if so to hand down these punishments?
[Wolfley:] I’m a little uncomfortable putting all power in the hands of one man. And I like Rog Goodell. (Though he’s from Jamestown, NY, the home of legendary comedienne Lucille Ball, and Goodell, as per my last conversation with him, still hasn’t been to the Lucille Ball Film Festival held every year in Jamestown…C’mon Rog, what’s up with that?). But I know Goodell has to strike a balance. And he’s also there to remind all these guys that playing in the NFL is a privilege, not an entitlement. That’s not an easy job these days.
[SA:] Dan Deirdorf recently said that "players today don't take games as personal as they once did. Players used to literally hate each other and would refuse to shake hands after a game. Today they have love fests at mid-field after games." He points to free agency as the motivating factor in that change. What are your thoughts on the issue? Is it free agency? The huge money these guys make? Or something else?
[Wolfley:] I would agree. There are guys I played against that I wouldn’t shake their hands back then, and I wouldn’t shake their hands today. I think free agency has changed so much of the attitude. Back in the day, when you were cut, mostly nobody else wanted you. With free agency today’s opponent is tomorrow’s teammate. In that sense the game has expanded to a league-wide team. All the players are part of that one team. It was a lot more personal back then.
[SA:] Lately when I hear NFL television commentators talking about the great coaches in NFL history, a list of names invariably come out of their mouths that include Lombardi,Shula, Halas ,Walsh , and modern day coaches like Bill Belichick; rightfully so of course. In recent times it seems that coach Noll doesn't get the recognition from the media that he deserves...have you also noticed this slight? and if so why do you think this happens?
[Wolfley:] Yes, but I think it was because Coach Noll was a very private man. Chuck was every bit the caliber of those you mentioned, but he was sincerely private. Coach was one of the last of the great communicators, one of those that would teach you more than just the game, but also about life.
With all those phenomenal players of the 70’s, can you imagine what a strong personality it took to ride roughshod on the likes of a Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, Mel Blount….yada-yada (there’s too many too mention) and keep them focused and pointed in the right direction? To coach that bunch took some strength of character and Chuck could give you a look that would make you lose control of some vital body functions.
He was not a rah-rah guy. He would not draw attention to himself the way a lot of the other coaches did. He coached like he preached to his players. Chuck believed that you played the game with enthusiasm, not emotion. Enthusiasm is self-generated, emotion too subject to highs and lows. So, while he was enthusiastic about the game, he was always in control of himself (for the most part, maybe one of those rare instances when the “look” came out might show up in a podcast someday).
[SA:] What is your take on the NFL's rule changes to protect the quarterback...do you think a great play by a defender should be wiped out just because he hit the quarterback too hard or in the wrong part of the body?
[Wolfley:] I think Jack Lambert got it right way back when. Let’s not “skirt” the issue shall we? This is a kinder, gentler NFL today.
[SA:] Thanks again Wolf for taking the time to answer our questions, it's been a real treat to speak with you! Don't forget Steeler fans, check out Wolf's website & listen to his podcasts every week at www.craigwolfley.com
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