WHERE ARE THEY NOWDonnie ShellStrong Safety1974-87Where are you living now?Rock Hill, South Carolina
What are you doing?I was with the Carolina Panthers from 1994-09. I started a consulting business, Donnie Shell Consulting. I am also working with the President of Johnson Smith University in Charlotte where we are developing the campus ministry there.
What is the fondest memory from your playing career?It would definitely be getting the first Super Bowl championship for the team. They hadn't won in about 40 years. When we won it everybody gave the Super Bowl Trophy to Mr. Art Rooney, Sr. I think that was the fondest memory I had. Just to see him get that with all of the hard work, dedication and sacrifice he put into the team. What was your best game?It would probably be my three interception game against the Cleveland Browns. It was in 1981, in Cleveland, and we won 32-10. That was my most memorable and it was against a rival like Cleveland.
What made playing for the Steelers special?They were family-oriented and community minded. It was great. Look at me now, I am giving back and helping. Mel Blount, John Stallworth, Tony Dungy, we are all doing the same thing and were influenced by that. It rubbed off on you. That is who the Steelers were. They did those community things.
What former teammate was the biggest character?Oh wow, would have to be Terry Bradshaw and Frenchy Fuqua. Different guys came together. We had different personalities but came together and worked as a team. We had players that were leaders on that team.
Do you still keep in touch with former teammates?I keep in touch with John and Mel and Tony regularly.
Do you still follow the Steelers and if so, how closely?I always followed the Steelers, even when I worked for the Panthers.
You came back for the Alumni Weekend during the season. How nice was it to be back?
It was wonderful. The Rooney family is a class organization. They bring us back for a weekend to see old friends and give back to the community and that is what it is all about.
