Where Are They Now?GORDON GRAVELLEOffensive Tackle
1972-76
Resides in Northern California
What is your current job and what does it entail?
I own a home building company.
Did you get involved in the business world during your playing career?
I did. When I was playing I got my MBA at Duquesne University taking night classes. In the later part of my career I invested in some things and actually bought an airport. I got involved in aviation and bought the airport as part of a land development deal, which led me into my current career.
Would you encourage today's players to start preparing for their future while playing?
Absolutely. The yare making a lot of big money right now, but that money disappears very quickly. Any time anybody can start working towards their career they have to.
What is the fondest memory from your playing career?
My fondest memories would be two things. First was having the pride and feeling of accomplishment winning the first two Super Bowls and playing with such great guys and the team we had there. We played with such great individuals. The second one was knowing Mr. Rooney.
What was your best game?
I would say Super Bowl IX. We were against the Minnesota Vikings and they were known as the "Purple People Eaters." I was going against Carl Eller and he was a non-factor in the game.
What did you like most about playing for the Steelers?
It was a family business and everybody in the whole organization was called by their first name except for two people – there was Mr. Rooney and Coach Noll.
Teammates you were closest to during your playing days?Moon Mullins, Jimmy Clack, John Banaczak, Jack Ham and Mike Wagner.
Teammates who was the biggest character?
We had one guys, Warren Bankston, for a couple of years. He was a jokester. We had a lot of characters.
Do you still keep in touch with former teammates?
For the most part we see each other at Andy Russell's golf tournament. We also are in touch with Christmas cards.
Do you still follow the Steelers and if so, how closely?
Yes I do. I follow them as a team, but I don't specifically follow the individual players.
Visit the Steelers Alumni page for more on the team's former players.
