Veteran Neufeld looking forward to CFL/CFLPA joint venture
Offensive lineman to join mentorship program post-play
He’s preparing for a 12th CFL season, but Pat Neufeld is also looking ahead to when he’s no longer a football player.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ offensive lineman will be among six players who will participate in the CFL mentorship program. The joint venture between the league and CFL Players’ Association exposes participants to pro football’s business side.
Upon retirement, the six-footfive, 290-pound Neufeld would like to remain in the game working in football operations, either with the CFL or a club.
“I was involved with the CFLPA for about four, five years and went through a couple of intense collective bargaining agreements,” Neufeld said. “It’s an interesting side of sport not many people get to experience where you get to go into the league side and experience the business aspect from their end.
“I think it is a great way of furthering my knowledge of this business. A football career is something I’ve been passionate about and dedicated my life to … and I think this is a great way of when I’m done playing to segue into that next part of my career that’s hopefully somehow involved with the CFL.”
Montreal Alouettes running back Jeshrun Antwi, Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker Larry Dean, Ottawa Redblacks receiver Shaq Evans, Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive lineman Anthony Federico and free-agent receiver Kamar Jorden will also take part.
Starting next Tuesday, participants will work with league officials in football operations, marketing and communications, finance and data analysis while also going behind the scenes of “CFL On TSN” broadcasts.
On March 3, they’ll attend the CFL invitational combine at the University of Waterloo.
“Throughout their careers, players spend all their time and effort training, practising, engaging with the community and so much more,” CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie, himself a former player, said in a statement. “However, there is life beyond the football field to consider.
“This program offers participants the opportunity to explore what their futures may hold.”
Added CFLPA executive director Brian Ramsay: “As a union, it’s our duty to not only protect our members’ rights on the field, but also support their transition to life after football. Through the CFLPA Academy, we’re committed to providing members with the education, skills, and resources necessary to thrive in their post-football careers and lead fulfilling lives beyond their time on the playing field.”
Neufeld, 34, of Regina, is a twotime league all-star (2019, 2021) and has helped Winnipeg reach three straight Grey Cups (2019, 2021-22), winning the first two.
But Neufeld has been traded (2013 from Saskatchewan to Winnipeg) and since the ‘19 Grey Cup win has negotiated his own contracts.
“After the 2019 season, I knew I didn’t want to play anywhere else,” Neufeld said. “I felt like I was comfortable enough to talk with (Bombers GM) Kyle Walters and the relationship we have would allow me to speak freely about where I thought I was at.