Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicker Sergio Castillo is used to being in the spotlight, but this week he was on the other side of the camera. As part of the CFL Mentorship Program, Castillo and other players visited TSN headquarters in Toronto and met with broadcasting stars like Kate Beirness and Rod Smith. For Castillo, it was a dose of inspiration and excitement as he moves towards life after football.
What is the CFL Mentorship Program?
The CFL Mentorship Program, now in its 4th year, is a partnership between the CFL and the CFLPA. It provides players with professional development opportunities and a behind the scenes look at the business of football. This year’s participants were Castillo, Theo Grant (Montreal Alouettes), Jovan Santos-Knox (Ottawa Redblacks), Micah Teitz (Calgary Stampeders), and retired players Charlie Power and Elliott Brown.
The program includes workshops, networking and hands on experience, such as assisting with the CFL Invitational Combine. It’s designed to help players transition into post football careers.
Castillo’s Starstruck Moment at TSN
For Castillo, the highlight of the program was TSN, where he met Kate Beirness and Rod Smith.
“I got to meet Kate, which I was starstruck,” Castillo said. “And then I met Rod Smith as well. They were amazing. They answered all our questions.”
Castillo, who is working on his Master’s in sports management, is looking at broadcasting, social media or partnerships after football. He’s a natural for roles that keep him close to the game.
Theo Grant’s Two Passions: Football and Engineering
While Castillo is nearing the end of his career, Theo Grant, 24, offensive lineman for the Montreal Alouettes, is just getting started. But Grant is already planning for the future.
A biomechanical engineer by trade, Grant works for Spring Loaded Technology, a company that designs knee braces. He sees the mentorship program as a way to explore how his engineering background can intersect with sports administration and player safety.
“It gives me an opportunity to see where there might be an overlap in my biomechanical and engineering background and the world of sport and administration,” Grant said.
Why the Mentorship Program Matters?
Football careers are short and players need to prepare for life after the game. The CFL Mentorship Program helps athletes like Castillo and Grant explore new career paths, build connections and get skills.
“Football is a young man’s game,” Castillo said. “At some point or another we’re gonna be told, ‘Hey you’re not playing anymore.’ So I think the fact that they’re doing this, it’s cool. It’s opening other doors.”
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