Andre Hall, back in St. Pete, pulling for Steelers

Former USF running back Andre Hall was back in his native St. Petersburg on Saturday as one of several NFL players participating in the Celebrity Flag Football Challenge at the Tradewinds Resort on St. Pete Beach.

We caught up for Hall for a few minutes, talking about a coaching change in Denver and upcoming surgery this week to correct a wrist injury that put him on injured reserve last season. Hall was all over the sand in the charity game -- he made a leaping catch for his team's first touchdown and took a mouthful of sand grabbing the flag of an opposing receiver. Thanks to the Times' Chris Zuppa for the photo, left ...

GA: I see you're going to play today, so tell me how you're feeling overall.

AH: I'm taking it real light. I missed the end of the season, and that was a tough time for me. Losing my mom, then to come back and get hurt, that was tough at the time. I'm all right. I'm emotionally kind of disturbed about the Shanahan situation. It's a huge change, and I really liked Shanahan. He was a guy who was really there for me during the hard times, but I still have to live, still have to go.

GA: Have you met the new coach in Denver, Josh McDaniels?

AH: I haven't. I've been here since that happened, but I'm excited about going back, getting to know a new coach. We'll take care of (a new contract) in March. I expect to be back.

GA: When will you be fully healed from your wrist?

AH: I'm probably getting surgery Wednesday. It's just a four-to-six-week rehab. After the Miami game, I broke my hand, and that put me out. The Kansas City game, that injury really had me sitting out. I hurt the ligaments in my right wrists. The surgery will tighten up my ligaments.

GA: How many Super Bowl weeks have you made it to now?

AH: The last three, Miami, Arizona and this one.

GA: Who are you pulling for?

AH: Pittsburgh. I've got a buddy there, Anthony Smith, the safety for Syracuse. I played against him (at USF), and we go out and do stuff, hang out. I'm not going to the game -- better for me just to watch at home.

GA: Do you still keep in touch with the guys from USF?

AH: I talk to everybody. Jenk (Mike Jenkins), Trae (Williams), Snake (Stephen Nicholas). We all had a barbecue together yesterday.

Comments

Deadbeat dad

[Mike Lakeland]

Andre Hall is a great guy, no doubts. I have been pulling for him all along.

Go Broncos!

[Amanda]

I've always liked Andre, he seems like he still has a really good head on his shoulders and I hope he breaks out more this year, especially under a new coach.

[Windbane]

Big time barbecue!