Brian BlankenshipGuard1987-91Where are you currently living?
Morgantown, West VirginiaWhat are you doing now?
I am Vice-President of sales for Greer Limestone. We produce aggregates for the construction industry, manufacture asphalt for roads and hydrated lime for the energy industries.
What is the fondest memory from your playing career?
Just being around Pittsburgh and the community and the family atmosphere the Rooney family created. It seems like you are not playing in the NFL but for a family's team and I enjoyed that very much.
What was your most memorable game?
When we beat the Houston Oilers, 26-23, in the playoffs in overtime in 1989. That was the same year Chuck Noll went after Jerry Glanville after our game down there. Later we went down there and beat them in overtime. That was probably the biggest win while I was here.
What made playing for the Steelers special?
I grew up in Nebraska and being in Nebraska the only thing was playing Nebraska football. It was the third largest city in Nebraska and when the Huskers play it was a family atmosphere. Coming here it was the same way. Even though it was the NFL, it seemed like it was a small community of people that got behind this team and it was special.
Do you get to games at Heinz Field often?
I have had eight season tickets since 1991. I come occasionally. I come to playoff games and sometimes regular season games. I come here when I can.
Teammate you were closest to during your playing days?
Bubby Brister and I are still really close. I am the godfather of his oldest daughter. Bryan Hinkle and I talk almost daily. You talk to some of these guys and it might have been 15 years since you have talked, but you pick up right where you left off.
Teammate who was the biggest character?
Tim Worley was one of the funniest. He was deadpan Eddie Murphy. He was as funny as there was. He is in Atlanta right now and is an ordained minister. I bet he keeps them in stitches down there in his congregation. Do you still follow the Steelers and if so, how closely?
There are only two teams I watch, Nebraska and the Steelers. I watch them all of the time. I watch them every Sunday.
You have a 10-year old daughter Olivia. Does she know a lot about your playing career?
She couldn't care less. She would have liked it more if I was Justin Bieber's manager or one of the Jonas brother's managers. She couldn't care less about football.
