PITTSBURGH — Tim Worley didn't see much of Saint Vincent College as a rookie. The seventh overall pick in the 1989 NFL draft held out for a month before appearing in the third preseason game, the former Steelers running back mesmerized by looking across the line of scrimmage and seeing the legendary Reggie White.
The last time Worley was here was 1999 — he's actually never seen a game at Acrisure Stadium/Heinz Field — but his return Tuesday should be special on a few fronts.
Worley was actually invited here by Merril Hoge. The two plan to speak with current players Wednesday, when Worley will share his own incredible story that includes drug problems, a suspension, an arrest and a rebound to his current life as an evangelist.
"That's my thing," Worley said of sharing his experiences and failures with a younger generation of football players. "It makes me look back to when I was this age. Didn't know jack. Thought I did. Had a ton of money in my pocket.
"We make mistakes, but my mistakes have made me a wiser person from a godly standpoint. They made me a smarter person, a better person, a stronger person. I know what's important in life."
What Worley does now is fascinating and — as he has no problem pointing out — probably not the least bit expected. He's a motivational speaker and life-skills consultant, and since around 2010, he has traveled the country speaking to groups, delivering a faith-based message.
At one point, Worley had a contract with K-LOVE/Air1 Radio to be part of its "Dare to Dream" program, talking to kids in elementary or middle school and telling them about the importance of making good choices.
"I'd hit 'em with the good stuff, tell 'em about my accolades and then tell 'em about my problems," Worley said. "I'd show them video of me getting Tased and arrested. I'd talk about failing a third drug test and getting suspended for the 1992 season. Then, they'd connect."
About 18 months ago, Worley took his message a step further, officially becoming an evangelist and taking a position with a group called Ambassadors of Compassion, where he's implemented a program based on forgiveness and resiliency.
They're two things about which Worley is plenty familiar.
Talking some about his playing days, Worley admitted to abusing cocaine and being addicted to women. Although Worley fared well enough as a rookie in 1989, running for 770 yards and five touchdowns, the lifestyle soon began to take its toll.
By 1992, facing a year out of the NFL, Worley knew he needed a fresh start.
After serving his suspension, Worley asked Steelers coach Bill Cowher to trade him, a request that was obviously honored. There were four or five teams interested, Worley said, and the Bears were his No. 1 choice.
"Did some good things, but I also continued my mess," Worley said. "By 1995, I was pretty much out of the league. I didn't want to play anymore. I officially retired in '96 when I was 30 years old.
"Then, what do you do when the cheering stops and you didn't prepare for life? I didn't know what to do with myself for a lot of years."
That, Worley explained, will be a big part of his talk with Hoge: explaining to the current group that there's life beyond what they're currently experiencing. He'll also be talking to them about his faith, which he found by bottoming out several years after his playing career ended.
Partying for Worley later turned into a major bout of depression, where he didn't want to leave his house and toyed around with the idea of suicide.
"I didn't want to live," Worley said. "I wasn't gonna take myself up, but I was doing everything in my power to put myself in harm's way."
One example: Worley would buy over-the-counter sleeping pills and ingest as many as 12 at a time.
"Deep down inside, I didn't really want to die. I was just crying out for help," Worley said. "I was so hard on myself."
With little else to cling to at that moment, Worley began to pray. Christianity helped Worley feel alive, driven. He learned more each day, continuing to pray for a path forward, and he gradually climbed out of his hole. Soon, he wanted to tell others about what he had found.
"God completely turned me around," Worley said. "I am totally sold out — just like I was in sports when I was younger — to Jesus Christ. I'm fully persuaded. Nothing can change my mind. I'm gonna share and spread the gospel everywhere I go."
On Monday night, that was the city of Pittsburgh. After receiving the invite from the Steelers, Worley drove up from his home in Lumberton, N.C., and took video of his drive through the Fort Pitt Tunnel, calling it "timeless" and saying he was just as excited to be back as he was in 1989.
Worley returns a smarter, sober man. He has co-founded a communications consulting firm and works to deliver his message, one that doesn't gloss over the gauntlet of problems and temptations young players face.
Now 55 but looking like he could still jump into drills if he wanted to, Worley smiled and laughed as he watched the Steelers practice, his perspective formed by experience and his life in a richer and more sustainable place.
"I used to think my only identity was this — as an athlete," Worley said. "But, no, I'm a businessman. God chose me to be an evangelist. It's pretty amazing, isn't it?"
