Mike Schneck, building for the future

Sporting News, The, August 23, 2004 by Bryan Ethier

Not only is Mike Schneck the Steelers' long snapper, he's also a real estate developer. Schneck and business partner Aaron Katsman have teamed with a quartet of NFL players/investors on a multimillion-dollar office building and warehouse in Ohio.

Schneck, also a licensed stockbroker, commonly uses his name and NFL standing to secure investors in his properties, but "I don't take advantage of people," he says. "They're impressed that someone from the NFL is trying to do something for himself, so they're excited to try and help me."

Schneck likens the excitement of a business deal to a game-winning field goal. "It all comes back to the adrenaline rush."

Both football and business afford Schneck a foothold on financial freedom. "I've seen enough examples with my own eyes of guys that don't prepare for when football is over," he says. "I'd like to present them with opportunities, a vehicle for them to do something with their money to set themselves up."

But Schneck, 27, isn't ready to completely relinquish his three-point stance. "There's no way you can compare the camaraderie in the locker room. You don't grow up. You get to goof off all the time, like a little kid."