Former Pittsburgh Steelers star has pivoted to completely new career and built audience of millions

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John Malecki didn’t have a long NFL career, but has since blossomed off of it.Malecki made a name for himself as a standout offensive lineman at the University of Pittsburgh, fitting for the hometown kid who grew up right there in the Steel City.Malecki played in the NFL from 2010-2012GettyFollowing his college career, Malecki entered the NFL in 2010 as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Tennessee Titans. Over the next several years, he spent time with multiple teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers.Malecki’s time in the league was largely limited to practice squads and brief active roster stints, as he was never truly able to find his footing, before calling it quits in 2012.And while his NFL career didn’t last long, he has since carved out a successful, and somewhat surprising, new career path.After stepping away from professional football, Malecki pursued a passion that had long been a creative outlet: woodworking.Yes, you read that right. Woodworking.Malecki co-founded Studio AM in Homestead, Pennsylvania, a studio specializing in custom wood and metal work, branding, and design.He then took his passion to the internet, where he’s built a following that now reaches into the millions. Over the years, Malecki has steadily grown his footprint as a content creator, turning his workshop projects into a full-fledged digital brand.His YouTube channel, which features woodworking projects, tool tests, DIY builds, and home renovations, has garnered a large following of 1.5 million subscribers and includes over 350 videos.Beyond his workshop and YouTube channel, Malecki has expanded his brand to include downloadable project plans, merchandise like his “Shop Shades” safety glasses, and an active online community where hobbyists and aspiring makers connect.YouTube/@John_MaleckiMalecki has formed quite the following online over his woodworking[/caption]NFL's Greatest......Ranking the top 10......Quarterbacks of all-time – Can anyone better Tom Brady?Wide receivers of all-time – Does Randy Moss or Jerry Rice come out on top?Running backs of all-time – Stacking Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith and moreTight ends of all-time – How does Travis Kelce compare?Malecki’s message to his subscribers and fans is simple: he just wants to connect with like-minded people who are as passionate about his work as he is.“If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a passion for getting your hands dirty and creating something special with wood,” Malecki wrote on his website.“Whether it’s crafting a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture or tackling a challenging DIY project, there’s something incredibly rewarding about bringing your ideas to life in the workshop.”Malecki reflected on his shift from the NFL to the passion that has now become the highlight of his life.“After spending years on the football field, I hung up my cleats and dove headfirst into the world of woodworking,” he continued.“And let me tell you, it’s been one heck of a ride! From learning the basics to mastering advanced techniques, I’ve poured my heart and soul into honing my craft and sharing what I’ve learned along the way.”From the grueling grind of the NFL trenches to the careful craftsmanship of woodworking and content creation, he has carved out a unique space where his talents and interests intersect.A hard place to find, one that most do not.Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the news, exclusives, interviews and more