Tim Benz: South Park’s Reggie Wells embraces coaching role at Duquesne, relives tie to Steelers’ Super Bowl history
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The epic Super Bowl XLIII interception return for a touchdown by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison lasted 13 seconds.
For South Park High School graduate Reggie Wells, his memory of it will last a lifetime. And, as an offensive lineman for the Arizona Cardinals that day, part of his role in the play is captured forever in one of the most iconic photos of the moment.
Wells, at 318 pounds, is chugging the length of the field, trying in vain to catch up with Harrison. He’s framed perfectly over Harrison’s left shoulder as the linebacker is about to make one more push toward the end zone before tumbling onto the painted grass after late tackle attempts from fellow WPIAL alum Steve Breaston and Pitt product Larry Fitzgerald.
“Stop it. Why? Why? Why? Why are we even going there?” Wells exclaimed during a recent appearance on the “Breakfast With Benz” podcast.
Sure, Wells knows the photo I am asking about. Now that his post-playing career has led him down the coaching path back in Pittsburgh, he even gets asked to sign copies of it on occasion.
If people ask nicely enough, he may even do it.
“I’ll get written requests to sign a picture in a bar or something somewhere,” Wells laughed. “A few here and there. If I’m there, I’ll generally acquiesce. Please just don’t look up the address. Because I’m not sure if it is coming back or not.”
Wells put together a successful 10-year career in the NFL after leaving South Park High School and Clarion University, rising to the level of being an offensive captain for the Arizona Cardinals on that Super Bowl Sunday. Now, 14 years removed from that Super Bowl defeat against his hometown team, Wells has made peace with the memory of the game and how fate brought him into such a lasting image of it.
“Anything related to that game, you can’t help but remember it in some way,” Wells said. “I still have messages saved from college teammates telling me how proud they were watching the game. It was a serious season for us. Just getting there for that matter. Finally winning the division and so many other things. The culmination of a journey up to that point.”
Whether it’s learning how to deal with those emotional ups and downs of football or on-field technique, Wells is now trying to impart some of his experience on Jerry Schmitt’s coaching staff with the Duquesne Dukes.
And he is doing so on the other side of the line of scrimmage. The 41-year-old Wells was hired last month to coach Duquesne’s defensive line.
“I learned when I was a very young coach, if you are an offensive coach, you should go over (to defense), and vice versa,” Schmitt said. “He’s a great person. He has shown to be an excellent teacher of the game and techniques. He is really good with the kids. He’s got a good personality. … Combine all that with the (NFL) knowledge, (it) makes for a good coach.”
Wells joins the Dukes along with new defensive coordinator Mike Craig. Both men worked together on the California University of Pennsylvania staff the previous two seasons.
“I certainly began to at least transition (from offensive line to defensive line) some of those teachings foundation wise into stance-based mechanics, hand fighting, things of that nature. It became more intriguing to me as time went on,” Wells explained. “I take that battle, that dance, and began to see a lot of carryover and similarities to objectives. One side of the ball versus the next.”
Duquesne senior guard Roman Macek — who recently received a contract offer from WWE — made the switch from defensive line to offensive line early in his career and sees the value in Wells’ view from both sides of the ball.
“I ask for pointers from him all the time because of his experience. I want to know what I could do better. Certain sets that I can take. Certain sets that helped him,” Macek said. “He gives some really good advice. He’s a great coach. I was very happy we got him. He’s a great addition for Duquesne.”
When it comes to dispensing knowledge, it appears there is little that Wells can’t teach the Dukes on the other side of the trenches.
Unless, of course, the question is, “How many yards does it take for an offensive lineman to track down an All-Pro linebacker?”
But even in that case, it appears Wells is OK talking about it. He just doesn’t need the visual aid.
He’s seen the picture once or twice before.
Listen: You can hear Reggie Wells’ entire interview on Friday’s “Breakfast With Benz” podcast