Shawn Gore came into the CFL like a Lion, but is now heading out to the NFL like a Packer.
Drafted 10th overall by the B.C. Lions on May 2, Gore received an unexpected call from Green Bay Packers asking the Newtonbrook SS alumnus to attend their mini-camp.
“There was about 28 of us trying out with two or three spots on the team available, so my chances were pretty low for joining, but that was for everybody,” he said.
After sweating Gold and Green for drills and practices, Cheesehead Nation offered the 6-foot, 200-pound wideout a three-year deal.
“I went in there just focusing on the play book, tried my hardest, really worked in the practices and by the end of the mini-camp they offered me a contract to stay in Green Bay,” he said.
Why the NFL came knocking could be related to Gore’s 4.5 in his 40 during the CFL evaluation camp. But it wasn’t the only reason.
“They asked for game film, all my combine numbers, things like that,” he said. “All that gave me the in. It got me the tryout, but I think what I did once I got to Green Bay got me the contract.”
It doesn’t mean he’s trading BC Place Stadium for Lambeau Field.
“We’ll have to see how things work out in Green Bay first,” Gore said. “(The Lions) are a winning organization, Wally Buono is a winning coach and I want to go out there and win.”
In the meantime, the 23-year-old will be learning the nuances between the Canadian and the American versions of the game. He’s confident he’ll catch on.
“I showed over this mini-camp that I am a quick learner and I picked it up very quickly,” he said. “I think I shouldn’t have a problem adapting.”