Former CFL Wide Receiver Speaks at University Convocation

Arjei Franklin, who played six seasons as a wide receiver for the Blue Bombers and Stampeders and now teaches at the Windsor Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School spoke for University Convocation, Tuesday, January 13.  Franklin used anecdotes from his career to illustrate the opportunities and challenges one faces if he chooses to honour God in his profession.

Dr. Haynal shared the following information about Mr. Franklin as he introduced him:

"Arjei is a graduate of the University of Windsor where he earned a Bachelor of Human Kinetics and a Bachelor of Education.  While there he played football brilliantly and set records for the Lancers.

"In 2006 Arjei was drafted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers where he was a wide receiver for four-and-a-half seasons before being traded to the Calgary Stampeders.  Check out this video of his first touchdown catch as a professional football player.

"While Arjei was a skilled player on the field, he was also a man of integrity and kindness off the field.  When he retired, Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel said, 'Arjei always carried himself with class and dignity.  He was a tremendously respected teammate and a pillar of the community.'

"Arjei told the Calgary Sun when he retired in 2011 that he couldn’t bear to be away from his wife and son any longer. 

"Reflecting on his career, Arjei told the Sun reporter, 'I wish I had won a Grey Cup ring, but I think my son would rather remember me as a dad that was around than one who had a giant ring on his finger.'

"Some of you are Blue Bomber fans.  Some of you are Stampeder fans.  But, I know we are all fans of the team Arjei now plays for.  Arjei is now on Canada’s most important team, its team of elementary school teachers.

"The catches he now makes are of wobbly passes thrown to him by his young students. 

"Instead of scoring touchdowns he now scores the homework his students turn in.

"Nobody has tried to tackle him recently, but every day students run up and give him a hug.

"For you see, Arjei teaches the lower grades, the youngest students, at the Adventist elementary school in Windsor, Ontario.  He says his mission now is to inspire his students to realize their full potential, and instill in them a love for others, themselves, and most importantly, Jesus Christ.

"Please join me in giving our guest speaker, Arjei Franklin, a warm CUC welcome.