Just the Latest Addition to Shawn Gore’s Resumé
If you saw the games firsthand, you witnessed the speed and explosiveness. If you encountered him at the Bishop’s gym, you witnessed the undeniable dedication and focus. If you viewed his YouTube highlights, you were likely dazzled by the tantalizing playmaking abilities. So where has all of this gotten former Bishop’s wide receiver, Shawn Gore? Only an incredible three-year contract, signing with the NFL’s Green Bay Packers.
Where does Gore set his sights at this time, now that he’s already accomplished such a feat? “My goals are simple”, says Gore, “improve as a football player and earn a spot on the team’s game-day roster.”
Thanks to his impeccable work ethic and strong play, Shawn Gore will now have that opportunity with the Green Bay Packers, whose training camp begins at the end of July.
“I’m now doing Organized Team Activities”, explained Gore, who stressed the importance of maintaining a high level of play, day in and day out. At the highest level now with the Green Bay Packers, it is definitely a tall order. Earning a spot in the roster meant Gore was one of three, of a possible 28 candidates during tryouts. Now that he has the spot, retaining it is the challenge. “I can be released at any time,” Gore said, fully understanding of the level of competitiveness that surrounds him.
So how did he get to where he is today?
A native of Toronto, Shawn Gore began impacting the Gaiters upon arrival, with stellar numbers and play. Things like a 21-game catch streak exemplify mere pieces of the wide receiver’s gifts on the field. With this said, the stage where Gore had to prove himself the most, he excelled. This was at the CFL Combine in March. Gore ran a fierce 4.50 second time in the 40 yard dash, then followed it with a 43.5 inch vertical leap.
Couple those numbers with eye popping stats throughout his ’09 campaign, and the Packers went calling, dialing him in just 20 minutes after the NFL draft. Furthermore, CFL’s B.C. Lions were quick to snatch him up, taking him as their 10th pick in the second round of the draft.
As Bishop’s University’s reigning Male Athlete of the Year, Gore further padded his numbers in 2009, only making his resume more appealing. In his fourth season, he posted five touchdowns while hauling in 32 catches for 496 yards. Translating CIS successes to the NFL will be his biggest challenge of all, and Gore knows it.
“My mindset each day is to do better than the day before; my performance has to continuously improve. Meaning the mistakes I make should never be repeated and the plays that I didn’t make the next day should be. I believe if I do that I will be successful wherever I play.”
Playing for a team with as rich a history as the Green Bay Packers is surely a dream of many aspiring football athletes. The team owns the NFL record for most championships for a franchise with 12, and occupies the historic Lambeau Field. Now one of Bishop’s finest athletes has a chance to join the history. Like many other football athletes for Bishop’s have done, Gore praises Coach Leroy Blugh for so much of his success.
“Leroy Blugh has played 15 years of professional football and he has put all that experience into his coaching. Our players learn to play with a very high level of discipline and dedication on the field and in the weight room which transfers straight to our performance, allowing many of us to play professionally.”
This early in his career, there is no telling what can become of Shawn Gore. He will rely on his work ethic, drive, and focus to keep his three year contract with the Packers, and try to embark on something special.
“I would like to say that I was one of the focal points on, not just a championship winning team, but a team that will go into the history books as a great dynasty,” Gore said, when asked what he strived for 10 years from now. Hard work has gotten him this far – why can’t it be possible?
