After The Gridiron

https://atgridiron.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/ATG-Pat.png ()Pat had a great career playing 8 years as a wide reciever in the NFL and CFL.  He had brief stints with the New York Giants and Washington Redskins  but played the bulk of his career in the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes.  He also played for his hometown Ottawa Renegades and for the Edmonton Eskimos and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.  He grew up a football fan and started at a young age.  Both his parents loved football and also even played touch football (yes his mother too!)  They were huge Ottawa fans and went to games.  However he was actually a Winnipeg Blue Bombers fan growing up.  He did play other sports growing up, with basketball being his best for a while, but he excelled at football.  He was recruited by some big schools including the University of Michigan Wolverines, which happened to be his favourite as a kid.  However Syracuse University won him over with their proximity to home and the potential to play quickly.  He did get to play quickly as he played quite a lot his redshirt freshman and sophomore seasons.  He started in his last two year there and was a team captain his senior year.  Going undrafted in the NFL draft, he was signed by the Giants as a free agent.  Due to some injuries in training camp, he was able to shine with the starters and earned a spot on the team.  It was a trill for his family to be there to see him in his first game as a pro athlete in the NFL.  He then went to Montreal and the next year was playing in a Grey Cup.  He was outstanding in that game and had the longest (has since been broken) play in Grey Cup History.  After the Alouettes, he got to play for his hometown team which was something he always had thoughts of doing.  Near the end of his career he took more interest in training and all that’s involved in preparing your body for sports.  That lead to him starting his company, Elite Performance Academy, which is a training program for all sports.  He also spent time as the strength and conditioning coach for the Red Blacks in 2016 when they won the Grey Cup.  He now has online programs that are available to everyone that want to improve their health.  For more intormation check out the link to his website below as well as the links to his social media.website: http://www.eliteperformanceacademy.ca/team-view/pat-woodcock/ (www.eliteperformanceacademy.ca/pat-woodcock/)Twitter: https://twitter.com/EliteCoach16?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor (www.twitter.com/EliteCoach16)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elitecoach/?hl=en (www.instagram.com/elitecoach/?hl=en)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElitePerformanceAcademy/?eid=ARAz4FaXA1eHgBZ30qfApWHTmdAalyNo3yp4nfJpcX9-GtDXCGKW-X2W2DfN9fbEOJ_FzElUR3NubD4T&timeline_context_item_type=intro_card_work&timeline_context_item_source=516960927&fref=tag (www.facebook.com/ElitePerformanceAcademy)Resourceshttps://www.atgridiron.com (www.atgridiron.com)http://www.symfonies.ca (www.symfonies.ca)https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Free-Trial-Digital-Membership/dp/B00NB86OYE/?ref_=assoc_tag_ph_1485906643682&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=pf4&tag=gridiron-20&linkId=66d68bff364d9d0d09064e459c476170 (www.audible.com)

https://atgridiron.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/ATG-Karl.png ()SUBSCRIBEhttps://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/after-the-gridiron/id1441939773?mt=2 (iTunes) | https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/I3poqibyqfnwjnj5mwcn6lhmz2i (Google Play) | https://open.spotify.com/show/3hnoI8YbzNAcJ0Tlg1Hb0B (Spotify)Karl enjoyed a stellar career playing 12 seasons in the NFL all with the Denver Broncos.  He started playing football at a young age as well as other sports but his favourite sport growing up was actually hockey.  He developed into very good goalie in hockey which helped him later on as a linebacker in football.  He was not heavily recruited out of highschool so went to a small College, Augustana University, for 2 years.  After putting up stellar numbers, he though a full scholarship would follow.  However the school backed out, knowing his dad was a doctor and could afford to pay for his schooling.  They pulled his scholarship thinking he would stay.  Instead, he transfered to the University of Minnesota and walked on the team there.  He had some legendary coaches on the staff there like Tony Dungy, Mike Martz and Mike Shanahan.  His numbers for his Senior season were not phenomenal, however he showed enough to be selected by Denver in the 12th round.  The coach, Dan Reeves, was a player that was viewed as an underdog so he looked for players like that who he knew could develop into a great player.  Karl was a player that fit that mold.  He was a dominant player, and the team used his versatility by playing him in multiple positions to take advantage of the weak spots on the offence.  His physical play took a toll on his body having several surgeries during his career.  Even though he went to school to follow in his dads footsteps and become a doctor, his path led him to a career in speaking.  He does talks around North America using the lessons he learned playing football.  He’s part of a mastermind group of speakers that help each other refine their keynotes and become better speakers.  He also wrote a book, Heart of an Student Athlete: All-Pro Advice For Competitors an Their Families.  Check out Karl’s website and social media links below for more information.LINKSwebsite: http://karlmecklenburg.com/ (www.karlmecklenburg.com/)link to buy his book: https://amzn.to/2Vyhrd6 (www.amazon.com/heartofachampion)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarlMecklenburg/ (www.facebook.com/KarlMecklenburg/)RESOURCEShttps://www.atgridiron.com (www.atgridiron.com)http://www.symfonies.ca (www.symfonies.ca)https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Free-Trial-Digital-Membership/dp/B00NB86OYE/?ref_=assoc_tag_ph_1485906643682&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=pf4&tag=gridiron-20&linkId=66d68bff364d9d0d09064e459c476170 (www.audible.com)

https://atgridiron.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/ATG-Belton.png ()Belton had a long sucessful career playing 10 years professionally.  It began with 3 years playing for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL and ended with him playing another 7 years in the CFL mostly with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.  He started out at a young age, and always had a love for football.  He and his brother would always play and had dreams and aspirations of playing professional football.  Having a hard time deciding where to attend college he missed signing day and had to walk-on as a freshman.  The University of Mississippi, Ole Miss as its commonly known, was where he eventually decided to go.  That also allowed him to play with his brother who also went to Ole Miss.  They were able to play side by side on the offensive line as both were starters for the team!  As an undrafted free agent he had to fight and claw his way onto the roster of the Bengals which he did.  After his time ended with them, he made his way up to Canada to play in the CFL.  Having no knowledge of the CFL or Canada even, he had to look on a map to see where he was headed!  He had a brief stop in BC with the Lions before heading to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.  Most of his time in the CFL was spent with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who have the most passionate fan base in the league.  He ended his career with the Edmonton Eskimos.  Having spent most of his off-seasons in Saskatchewan, he developed relationships off the field which led to him working with Saskatchewan Government Insurance.  He is still working with them and has adopted Canada as his home with his family.  He is also the VP of the Roughriders Alumni Association.  To connect with Belton, go to the links below for his social media accounts.Twitter: https://twitter.com/bjizzle56 (www.twitter.com/bjizzle56)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belton.johnson.9 (www.facebook.com/belton.johnson.9)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beltonjohnson/ (www.linkedin.com/in/beltonjohnson/)Resourceshttps://www.atgridiron.com (www.atgridiron.com)http://www.symfonies.ca (www.symfonies.ca)https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Free-Trial-Digital-Membership/dp/B00NB86OYE/?ref_=assoc_tag_ph_1485906643682&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=pf4&tag=gridiron-20&linkId=66d68bff364d9d0d09064e459c476170 (www.audible.com)

https://atgridiron.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/ATG-JG.png ()Jason enjoyed a 5 year professional football career, playing 2 years in the National Football League and 3 in the Canadian Football League.  He was drafted in the 6th round of the NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.  He played lots of sports growing up but gravitated to football due to his ability and talent to excel as a football player.  With the assistance of his highschool principal, he was able to earn a full scholarship to Kent State University.  He excelled at Kent, becoming an All-MAC tight-end and achieving school records as the all-time leader in touchdowns and yards by a tight-end.  He had an incredible rookie year in terms of the events that occured and the path it took.  He ended up playing on 4 teams that year, which culminated in being a part of the Baltimore Ravens.  The year ended with him being a part of winning the Super Bowl Championship!  A shoulder injury hampered the remainder of his career which finnished with stops in Montreal, BC and Toronto in the CFL.  Real Estate came on his radar as a possible after football career, and he is now a successful Realtor in the Toronto area.  He also coaches and mentors other Realtors starting out in the business.  Please go to the links below to have him assist you in buying a home or get more information about him and his company.website: http://www.searchtorontohomes.ca/ (www.searchtorontohomes.ca)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellerwilliamstoronto (www.facebook.com/kellerwilliamstoronto)Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesuperbowlguy?lang=en (www.twitter.com/thesuperbowlguy)Resourceshttps://www.atgridiron.com (www.atgridiron.com)http://www.symfonies.ca (www.symfonies.ca)https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Free-Trial-Digital-Membership/dp/B00NB86OYE/?ref_=assoc_tag_ph_1485906643682&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=pf4&tag=gridiron-20&linkId=66d68bff364d9d0d09064e459c476170 (www.audible.com)

https://atgridiron.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/ATG-Burns.png ()Chris enjoyed an 11 year career in the CFL playing for Saskatchewan, Ottawa, Calgary and Hamilton.  Although born in Conneticut, he grew up in BC and started playing football at a young age.  He participated in other sports growing up including ski racing, but football was his passion.  Later he went to Shasta College before going to play and attend Portland State University.  He had a great career there garnering All-American honors.  There was some NFL interest for him but he ultimately went to play for the Saskatchewan Roughriders after being their selection, 2nd overall in the draft.  He was a CFL all-star in 1999 and 2000 and won the ultimate prize, the Grey Cup, in that 1999 season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.  He did some broadcasting near the end of his career but always had Real Estate in the back of his mind as the career he wanted to pursue.  He is now doing both, working at a Realtor in Vancouver with Engel & Volkers as well BC Lions and Seattle Seahawks pre and post game broadcasts.  Check out the links below for more information.website: https://www.chrisburns.ca/ (www.chrisburns.ca)https://vancouver.evcanada.com/en/ (www.vancouver.evcanada.com)twitter: https://twitter.com/chrisburns55?lang=en (www.twitter.com/chrisburns55)Resourceshttps://www.atgridiron.com (www.atgridiron.com)http://www.symfonies.ca (www.symfonies.ca)https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Free-Trial-Digital-Membership/dp/B00NB86OYE/?ref_=assoc_tag_ph_1485906643682&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=pf4&tag=gridiron-20&linkId=66d68bff364d9d0d09064e459c476170 (www.audible.com)

https://atgridiron.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/ATG-Fraser.png ()Eric enjoyed a 7 year career in the CFL playing for Calgary, Ottawa and BC.  He started out as a soccer player but quickly fell in love with football.  He developed his skills and earned interest from the Western Ontario Mustangs, where he was headed for University.  However, through some connections he made it to a camp where he excelled and was eventually offered a full scholarship to attend Central Michigan University.  While there he enjoyed huge success winning 3 Mid American Conference titles with the Chippewas.  He became a 1st round of the Stampeders in the 2009 CFL draft.  He was hoping to be selected by his home town Lions, however he would get his chance to play for his home team at the end of his career.  He tried a few jobs during the off-season while he was playing but didn’t enjoy any of them until he tried flying.  After that, he knew what career path he would be headed on.  He is now working as a commercial pilot and hopes to one day fly for one of the major airlines.  To follow Eric you can check out his twitter page, which may have a few pics from the air!twitter: https://twitter.com/efraser007?lang=en (www.twitter.com/efraser007)Resourceshttps://www.atgridiron.com (www.atgridiron.com)http://www.symfonies.ca (www.symfonies.ca)https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Free-Trial-Digital-Membership/dp/B00NB86OYE/?ref_=assoc_tag_ph_1485906643682&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=pf4&tag=gridiron-20&linkId=66d68bff364d9d0d09064e459c476170 (www.audible.com)

https://atgridiron.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/ATG-Kerry.png ()Kerry enjoyed a 3 year NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins.  He then went on to play another 5 seasons with the Montreal Alouettes.  It wasn’t until he left the carribbean till he started playing football.  He quickly fell in love with the game, but always had a fondness for volleyball.  After being heavily recruited he chose the University of Stanford due to their great football program, academic prowess, and mother’s wishes.  He excelled quickly at Stanford, becoming a starter as a freshman.  His hard work later earned him a spot on the Seahawks, however an injury ended his time in the NFL while with the Redskins.  From there he played for the Alouettes where he won 2 Grey Cups, in 2009 & 2010.  After football he was drawn to the marketing world starting businesses in that field.  He is now with Atavus, a company that provides information and training to help football programs inprove tackling.  For more information please go to the website.website: https://www.atavus.com/ (www.atavus.com)twitter: https://twitter.com/atavusfootball?lang=en (www.twitter.com/atavus)Resourceshttps://www.atgridiron.com (www.atgridiron.com)http://www.symfonies.ca (www.symfonies.ca)https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Free-Trial-Digital-Membership/dp/B00NB86OYE/?ref_=assoc_tag_ph_1485906643682&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=pf4&tag=gridiron-20&linkId=66d68bff364d9d0d09064e459c476170 (www.audible.com)

https://atgridiron.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/ATG-Dennis.png ()Dennis enjoyed a 5 year career in the NFL, playing for the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions.  Started playing football at a young age along with other sports, including figure skating.  His mother was a world class figure skater which led his participation in the sport.  He states that it helped him with his football career.  He attended the storied football program at the Univerisity of Michigan after being recruited by many schools.  His position change from linebacker to offensive line was tough on him, but he ended up thriving at his new position.  He made the NFL as an undrafted player through hard work and determination.  He was even voted as a captain for his team, displaying his leadership abilities.  His transition out of football wasn’t smooth, finding it dificult to land a job that was comperable to playing professionally.  He eventually got into some business ventures that panned out well for him.  He now does speaking engagements across the country and has also written a book, The Last Laugh: Vision to Victory.  Please check out his website for more information. Website: https://dennisfranks.com/ (www.dennisfranks.com)Buy his book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Eh4NcX (https://amzn.to/2Eh4NcX)twitter: https://twitter.com/dennisjfranks?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor (www.twitter.com/dennisjfranks)instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dennisjfranks/?hl=en (www.instagram.com/dennisjfranks)Resourseshttps://www.atgridiron.com (www.atgridiron.com)http://www.symfonies.ca (www.symfonies.ca)https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Free-Trial-Digital-Membership/dp/B00NB86OYE/?ref_=assoc_tag_ph_1485906643682&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=pf4&tag=gridiron-20&linkId=66d68bff364d9d0d09064e459c476170 (www.audible.com)

https://atgridiron.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/ATG-Moreale.png ()Mike enjoyed a 12 year career playing in the CFL with the Toronto Argos and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.  His early years were spent playing mostly soccer which he credits for a lot of his success in football.  He went to University at his hometown school, McMaster, where he developed into an outstanding player.  He won a Grey Cup in his home town of Hamilton, with the Toronto Argos in 1996 and for his hometown team 3 years later.  He won the Top Pate award in 2000 for his work in the community which was instilled in him by his parents to be kind and generous to others.  After his playing days, he spent time with the CLFPA working in Marketing and later as the head of the CFLPA.  He is now the CEO of the new Canadian Elite Basketball League which is scheduled to begin in May of 2019.  Please check out the league website for information about the league, teams and tickets for the games.website: https://www.cebl.ca/ (www.cebl.ca)facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CEBLeague/ (www.facbook.com/CEBL)twitter: https://twitter.com/cebleague?lang=en (www.twitter.com/CEBL)instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cebleague/?hl=en (www.instagram.com/CEBL)Resourceshttps://www.atgridiron.com (www.atgridiron.com)http://www.symfonies.ca (Symfonies.ca)

https://atgridiron.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/ATG-JJ.png ()JJ enjoyed a 9 year NFL career and discussed how he ended up in football more so to prove he could play than for any other reason.  He was a track guy and thought that would be what he ended up pursuing.  However his desire to show he could excel in football led him to start playing in highschool.  He went on to play at the University of Oregon and talked about how he ended up playing for the football team even though he was there on a track scholarship.  As an 8th round pick of the Cleveland Browns, his entry into the NFL was quite adventurous to say the least.  However he persevered and went on to enjoy a long career.  After his career he transitioned into the business world.  He is now associated with a nutritional company Isagenix, and also does speaking engagements around the country.  He also wrote a book, and is planning to have another one published in the new year.  Please check out his website and social media links to access his content.website: https://www.jjbirden.com (www.jjbirden.com)link to buy book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ShixY8 (https://amzn.to/2ShixY8)twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jjbirden (www.twitter.com/jjbirden)instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jjbirden/?hl=en (www.instagram.com/jjbirden)Resourceshttp://www.atgridiron.com (www.atgridiron.com)http://www.symfonies.ca (www.Symfonies.ca)https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Free-Trial-Digital-Membership/dp/B00NB86OYE/?ref_=assoc_tag_ph_1485906643682&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=pf4&tag=gridiron-20&linkId=66d68bff364d9d0d09064e459c476170 (www.Audible.com)