Former Eagles defensive lineman Mike Pitts (1987-92) would have loved to have a Jerry Rice-like NFL career. Because of the camaraderie, the challenge, and the benefits, Pitts sometimes wishes he could play professional football even now.

However, both he and his wife, Gena, knew that one day his playing days would come to an end. Therefore Gena, who Pitts refers to as his "Guiding Light," made sure a financial plan was in place.

"My wife is a very smart lady," Pitts said. "It was her idea to open up several businesses, including a successful nanny placement agency, Childcare Resources, Inc. in Atlanta while I was playing football, because we wanted a back-up plan in place when my career ended.

"We agreed to do this when I was traded from the Falcons to the Eagles in 1987 when our son was born."

DT/DE Mike Pitts

Pitts, who has been married for 20 years, says he and Gena have "successfully weathered the storms of life after a pro football career."

Gena has actively supported Pitts' career by helping to start a wives association both in Atlanta and in Philadelphia.

Now residing in Alpharetta, Georgia with their two children, Mike Jr. (17), and daughter, Phia (9), the couple is launching The Professional Sports Wives Magazine, the first-ever magazine of its kind that will profile the wives of athletes, coaches, and sports executives in the professional sports and entertainment industry.

Complete with pictures and profiles, The Professional Sports Wives Magazine will provide wives and the player's mothers who subscribe to this members-only publication with helpful tips, inspirational articles, and resources to help the families of both active and retired athletes transition and adapt to their different lifestyles.

"It's disappointing when you hear that one of your former teammates is now divorced after his playing career is over," Pitts said. "One complex reason is because once a player's career is over, they get to spend more time with their family. But many times a player doesn't even realize who his family is because when they are playing, they get to have very little quality family time, and really know their family's daily routine.

"When I was playing in Philadelphia, the whole team was very close like a family, and as players we were supportive of each other, and each other's family. For example, we loved watching Margaret (the wife of Keith Byars) sing the National Anthem before the game. She is a great gospel singer, and as players, it really pumped us up before the game."

With Gena working by his side, Pitts can focus on his current responsibility as defensive line coach at Division II Morehouse College located in Atlanta, Georgia.

Fond of the one-on-one, personal interaction he has with the student-athletes, he explained what has surprised him the most is, "the way they play the game in terms of team speed is very impressive for this Division II School." Pitts teaches them both the 4-3 and 3-4 defensive schemes.

When asked about his "dream" coaching job, the former Eagles player who played a total of 11 NFL seasons with the Falcons, Eagles and Patriots responded without hesitation.

"I would love to coach with the Eagles. To coach in Philadelphia would be very rewarding, primarily because of the fans", said Pitts, who served on the Cleveland Browns coaching staff in 2000. "I remember walking out of the 'Vet' locker room when I was playing and talking directly to the fans after the game.

"I knew many of the fans by their first name. Eagles fans are the most passionate fans whether we win or lose; it's an amazing atmosphere."

On his comparison of the Eagles fans, Pitts said: "Here in Atlanta, the Falcons fans mostly show enthusiasm when they are winning, and the fans can't even come close to the kind of support given to the sports teams in Philadelphia.

DT/DE Mike Pitts

"The Atlanta Hawks had the lowest attendance in the NBA. Philly fans are always passionate about their sports teams, and by experience, I can tell you that the coaches and players love that environment."

As an All-American while playing at the University of Alabama, Pitts felt privileged to play for legendary head coach Paul "Bear" Bryant.

"Coach Bryant truly cared about his players, and he taught us that a life of good character is more valuable than football," Pitts said. "Some coaches are worried about just winning, and not getting fired, but 'Bear' Bryant was always honest and stressed the importance of being a good student first with values and character and then a good athlete.

"He was a true players' coach, very similar to (Eagles head coach) Buddy Ryan."

Ryan was a huge reason why the defense was so dominant during Pitt's tenure with Eagles. Statistically, he enjoyed his best season in 1989, recording 110 tackles and 7 quarterback sacks, the latter of which was fourth-best on the team behind Clyde Simmons (15.5), the late Reggie White (11.0), and Jerome Brown (10.5).

Pitts credits his success that season to the dynamic duo: "The Minister of Defense" and the great J.B.

"The attention given to Reggie and Jerome on every play made my job easier," Pitts said. "We had such a great camaraderie both on and off the field. On the field, I always knew what Reggie and Jerome were thinking because we played next to each another. For example, if Jerome rushed inside, I would slow down my rush and stunt outside and usually get a free shot on the quarterback.

"Because Reggie demanded a double-team on the outside, me and Clyde (Simmons) benefited from it."

Pitts spoke about the chemistry of the trio, off the field too: "We would always go out to eat after the game with our families. We just enjoyed the great camaraderie of being teammates and friends."

When asked who he viewed as the most overlooked NFL player during the time of that great Eagles' defense, Pitts said it was Simmons: "I never thought Clyde received the recognition he deserved around the league. He was such a quiet and mellow teammate, but he always played hard and consistent football. And when a big sack was needed by the defense, Clyde would usually deliver it for us."

And like Simmons, Pitts admired the play and character of defensive end, Jevon Kearse.

"The 'Freak' is a great player and I'm a big fan of his dating back to when he was in Tennessee," Pitts said. "He shows up and delivers an impact every Sunday. As a fan, I love to just sit back and watch him go."

Whether on or off the field, publishing the magazine or coaching, Pitts is still making an impact, just ask his "Guiding Light" and the student-athletes he coaches at Morehouse College.