He gained so much respect for his efforts that teammates and coaches often referred to him as a sixth offensive lineman. And ESPN analyst Merril Hoge in 2000 reportedly called Goodwin the best blocking tight end in the league, saying he could block any defensive end without assistance.

Goodwin’s journey to the NFL began with with Texas A&M-Kingsville. He then walked on to the football team at Texas A&M. He starred there for two years as an All-Southwest Conference offensive tackle. And when Goodwin left, he was on his way toward an agricultural economics degree and a he had earned a shot with the Vikings.

Goodwin attributes his success in the NFL to grit and determination. He’s working just as hard in the decade-plus since he left football behind, establishing himself as a player in the real estate industry and filling his time with several community- and charity-based endeavors. Goodwin recently took some time with Zoneblitz.com to reflect on his football days and give an update on how what he’s been doing since moving on from the game.

Zoneblitz: You’re the president of Oldham Goodwin Group (he along with partner Casey Oldham, another Texas A&M graduate, were co-honored by the Better Business Bureau in 2010 as “boss of the year”). What is your company’s focus and what is your role?

Hunter Goodwin: My company’s focus us summed up in our mission statement: Maximize value creation for all stakeholders by providing integrated commercial real estate services to select market segments.  We have a distinct accessible expertise and connection with our target markets.

Zoneblitz: What post-NFL route took you here and what are your future goals?

Goodwin: The route that led me to my current profession actually happened while I played. I invested in commercial real estate holdings. My future goals are to continue to grow a reputable company in the commercial real estate sector, with a focus on central Texas.

Zoneblitz: You’ve been on the City of College Station Design Review Board – what does that do and why were you interested?

Goodwin: I am very involved day to day with the City and city officials and due to my construction/development knowledge, I was appointed to the position by City Council. My interest revolves around my industry knowledge, which is required to be effective in the capacity of this board’s service.

Zoneblitz: I’ve also read that you are connected to several charitable and volunteer activities, such as Habitat for Humanity, the Special Olympics and the Cystic Fibrosis foundation. Did I miss any? And what is your motivation here?

Goodwin: I am the current Chairman of the Board for the Bryan-College Station Convention and Visitors Bureau. I have served on the general board for many years, but was elected by my fellow board members to chair in 2009. My activity with the CVB is largely motivated by my investment in tourism (owning hotels), and a passion for tourism.

I currently serve on a board for Scotty’s House, which focuses on abused children. I was motivated to join this group and help on their building committee many years ago, once again due to my construction knowledge, contacts within each city (Bryan and College Station) and name recognition to raise awareness, problem solve, and utilize my relationships with both cities for the greater good of our purpose at Scotty’s house.

I believe in our mission and what we do and I think it makes a huge difference in my community, as well as surrounding communities that we serve.

I’m also the current president of the Texas A&M Lettermen’s Association as well for 2012. I was also voted by membership as their president.  My passion for this is my tie back to alumni, former Lettermen and the greatest University in the world, Texas A&M.

I volunteer with Special Olympics. I have a cousin with Cerebral Palsy and he is my motivation. I also do some work with FCA, my motivation there was perpetuating a positive program that had a positive impact on me as a human being.

Zoneblitz: When did you start preparing for your career after football?

Goodwin: I started preparing for my career after football while I was playing.  I worked really hard to make important relationships during my collegiate career. Now many of those contacts have become clients and customers.  Also, I started doing development projects during my playing career and I believe this was critical with respect to successfully transitioning to “life after the game.”

Zoneblitz: You went from a walk-on at Texas A&M to an eight-year NFL career. What made that happen?

Goodwin: Grit, determination and great coaches:  Juan Castillo, Mike Sherman and Jimmy Johnson to name a few. And I had great supportive parents.

Zoneblitz: As a Minnesotan, I remember you from the 1998 Vikings team that broke all sorts of records. What was that season like and what are a couple of your best memories from playing in the NFL?

Goodwin: 1998 was a phenomenal year. It was my favorite of my career. We had great leadership on that team and an honest belief that we could beat anyone. Head Coach Dennis Green did a fantastic job that year. My best memory was beating Green Bay in Green Bay several times and lighting up the Dallas Cowboys in 1998 on Thanksgiving day. They were an old team and we beat the hell out of them at home, pretty fun for a kid from Texas to do that.

Zoneblitz: I know you’ve been involved in calling Texas A&M football games? Do you still do that and do you maintain other connections to football?

Goodwin: Yes, I am part owner of the number one fan site in Aggieland called Texags.com. I do a pre-game radio show for all Texas A&M football games and I also write an article as well.

Zoneblitz: What do you miss about playing football and how were you able to successfully move on from the game?

Goodwin: I miss some of my teammates; I miss the unity and closeness of a locker room. I miss the intoxication of game day. I was successful in my transition largely due to my constant investment going all the way back to college. I did NOT wait for it all to end. I always realized it would end and could end at any time and planned accordingly.

Zoneblitz: What else keeps you busy these days?

Goodwin: I love my kids and enjoy teaching my son how to hunt, fish and have a passion for the outdoors.

Zoneblitz: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Goodwin: I would love to write a book someday about how to successfully transition from the NFL to life after. I have learned some valuable things that I think would benefit others on how this is done. I do NOT feel sorry for those that played in the NFL and lost it all. You are responsible for your choices and I could have told you in 30 seconds or less who would be broke and who would be successful. The NFL is a cherished honor, NOT an entitled right. Those that treat it as an honor do well both during and after, those that treat it as an entitlement exit early and struggle eternally.

Check out our baseball site at BrushBackPitch.com.

*****

In 1983, the Denver Broncos traded quarterback Mark Herrmann, offensive lineman Chris Hinton and a first round pick the following year to the Baltimore Colts for John Elway. The trade turned out to be a highway robbery that helped make the Broncos competitive for years into the future.

But it was not the only steal the team made that year. In the 12th round — a round that does not even exist any more — the club selected Karl Mecklenburg, a linebacker from the University of Minnesota.

Though he was drafted late, Mecklenburg always figured he’d make it. And he did, playing playing 12 years in the NFL, amassing 79 sacks, six Pro Bowls and three First-Team All Pro nominations.

Mecklenburg played in three Super Bowls and has been named to the Broncos Ring of Fame and the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. But his time in the public eye did not end when his NFL career did in 1994. He’s taken on the role of motivational speaker. He helps run a foundation aimed at getting kids to read. And he’s an active member of the Broncos’ alumni.

Mecklenburg shared some thoughts with Zoneblitz this week on his NFL past and his present.

Zoneblitz: You recently wrote a book, Heart of a Student Athlete: All Pro Advice for Competitors and Their Families. What’s in the book and why did you write it?

Mecklenburg: Heart of a Student Athlete is my response to all the coaches, parents, and athletes who have asked me what it takes to get to the next level. I believe that success is overcoming obstacles on the way to your dreams. The book gives the six keys to success that I used to rise from a college walk-on and the 310th pick of the NFL draft to a 12 year NFL career that included 3 Super Bowl and 6 Pro Bowl appearances. Heart of a Student Athlete has won 3 National Literary Awards. For more information go to www.studentathlete.us

Zoneblitz: I see at your bio that you’ve done some other writing for magazines and in books in the past – is being an author part of your current and future plans?

Mecklenburg: My desire as a motivational speaker and author is to inspire long term positive change in teams and individuals. The long term piece is tough as a speaker. The written word allows people to go back and relive the stories and the lessons that they teach. If I’m going to continue to reach people in large numbers for the long term writing will always be a part of my plan.

Zoneblitz: You also have the REACH Foundation. What does this organization support?

Mecklenburg: REACH is an acronym for Rewarding Experiences for All Children. My wife Kathi and I started REACH six years ago in an effort to focus on the challenges young people face today. We have a reading program in the Denver Public Schools elementary schools called Reach for a Book.

We challenge and incentivize the students to read 100 minutes a week outside of class. Saturday we will be holding this year’s Top Readers Luncheon at Invesco Field. The top three readers from each school and their parents as well as the teachers from the top reading classrooms will come to be honored, rewarded, and recognized for their achievements. Nationally 90 percent of high school dropouts quit because they can’t read. The dropout rate in Denver Public Schools is 50 percent. For more info, check out www.karlmecklenburg.net.

Zoneblitz: What else keeps you busy these days?

Mecklenburg: Kathi and I have our 13 year old son Jeff at home so we go to his baseball games and boy scouts, help with homework, and drive him here and there. I try to stay in shape and still love to hunt and fish.

Zoneblitz: At what point during your NFL career did you start preparing for your post-NFL life?

Mecklenburg: I always felt that I needed to give full attention to my NFL job or I wouldn’t have it for long. There was time to figure out what was next once I retired. That said, I believe that many players don’t realize that the most valuable asset they can develop during their NFL career is a solid reputation and the good will of their community.

Zoneblitz: You were a 12th round pick but I read that you felt confident you were going to make it all along. When did you feel you had made it and what allowed you to do so?

Mecklenburg: The first preseason game we played in 1983 was against our division rival Seattle. Due to an injury to my elbow I had just been switched from nose guard to defensive end. Somehow I got to play for a quarter against Seattle’s starting tackle Ron Essink and despite my injury and new position I got two sacks and forced a fumble. Dan Reeves named Elway (1st pick in 1983) as the offensive player of the game and me (310th pick in 1983) as the defensive player of the game.

Zoneblitz: I found you, in part, through the Denver Broncos alumni page on Facebook. Do you stay closely involved in the NFL?

Mecklenburg: I find Facebook and LinkedIn to be a great way to correspond with lots of people all at once. I do follow football and other sports. I will always be a Bronco. When I give my teamwork and leadership presentations it helps to have some up to date examples and there are plenty of them in the NFL.

Zoneblitz: Do you miss the game?

Mecklenburg: I was so fortunate to make a living playing a game I loved to play. The thing I miss most about football is the adrenalin. It took me a long time to find anything that came close to the adrenalin rush of taking the field at Mile High Stadium. Speaking comes close. I take the stage and perform at high level. My game plan changes depending on the client and their needs. When my presentation is over I evaluate and adjust. In many ways speaking is like football without the injuries.

Zoneblitz: Who were some of the opponents you most respected and why?

Mecklenburg: The NFL is full of quality people. More often than not it’s character, perseverance, and courage that allow a person to rise above the crowd and make it in the NFL. Those aren’t the characteristics that make headlines so I think many people have been misled into thinking we are all egomaniacs and criminals. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I had and still have great respect for most of the men I played with and against.

Zoneblitz: We read a lot these days about retired NFL players who are struggling with their health. How are you doing and is this an issue in which you have been involved?

Mecklenburg: I have had 16 football related surgeries and multiple concussions. Some days are better than others. As a player representative for the Broncos I fought with Union Head Gene Upshaw about the health insurance issue for years. He felt that he was responsible for the active players while they were playing and that was all.

I felt that he was responsible for the active players through their lifetime, not just the average 3.5 years of an NFL career. Most retired players are uninsured and uninsurable. Many of the long-term medical effects of an NFL career are just now being studied. There is no reason other than shortsightedness and greed that the NFL doesn’t have health insurance for retired players.

But while his NFL career ended, his life was just beginning. Currently at Oregon State University, he’s become a professor and an author, observing and commenting on many topics, including the National Football League and its status as a part of America’s culture.

His most recent book, Brand NFL: Making & Selling America’s Favorite Sport, discussed the explosive growth and success the league has experienced during its era of labor peace.

Zoneblitz.com recently caught up with Oriard to find out how he got where he is and what plans he has for following up on his writings down the line.

Zoneblitz: What reflections do you have on your time as a playing days and how they led you to where you are today?

Oriard: I was extremely fortunate in my football experiences.  As a walk-on at Notre Dame in 1966, I arrived as a student first, a football player second, and that priority never changed for me.  Football was a wonderful formative experience for me in college, as I worked my way into playing time by the beginning of my junior year, became a starter in the fifth game, and then was offensive captain as a senior.

When I was drafted in the fifth round by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1970, I went into the NFL with the idea that it was secondary to my primary commitment to graduate school in English.  I ended up getting cut by the Chiefs at the end of the players’ strike in 1974, but at that point had only my dissertation to finish at Stanford, and then begin my long-term career as an English professor.  I received much of the best that sports can offer, without suffering from the worst.

Zoneblitz: Did you know then that you were going to be a professor?

Oriard: I started at Notre Dame as a physics major, but as these things happen, the professor who most inspired me as a freshman was my English professor.  In the 1960s, a student could more easily choose a major because he loved it without worrying about the job prospects.  I did not switch my major to English with the intention of teaching some day, but by the time I graduated, it seemed like a good idea.  On top of that, I won a Danforth Fellowship (that paid for my entire graduate education) which was for students intending to go into teaching.

Zoneblitz: What led you to teaching?

Oriard: I seem to be consistently answering the next question each time.  The simplest answer is my love of books, particularly novels.  Being a professor of English was an opportunity to live a life of books and ideas.  Writing was not initially a major motive, but I discovered the pleasures and challenges of writing in the course of becoming an English professor.

Zoneblitz: You’re also an author, having written several books, the latest of which is Brand NFL: Making & Selling America’s Favorite Sport. Same question as before – were you an aspiring author when you were still playing the game?

Oriard: Again, I seem to have anticipated the next question.  No, I did not think about writing about football while I was still playing.  When I was a graduate student at Stanford, my Chaucer professor suggested that I seemed a nature for writing a dissertation about sport literature.  Until he mentioned it, I did not know that such a thing existed.

I wrote my dissertation and then later turned it into a book while I was beginning my teaching career at Oregon State University.  But I was a professor of American literature, and I felt a need to prove that I could write about Melville and Faulkner as well as football and baseball stories.  In addition, sport was not a very respectable academic subject back then.  So, I more or less “ran away” from sports and sports literature while writing a long book dealing with major American authors, but writing that book freed me from my defensiveness, and I turned back to writing about football as an important part of American culture.

Zoneblitz: Sports, particularly football, are heavily represented in your books. Is that because you played the game or is there more to it?

Oriard: Having played the game obviously provided an interest and a deep understanding of the sport at some level, but I was also interested in the relationship between literature and culture, and in American culture beyond literature, so football became a natural subject for me once I got over the sense that it was not a “legitimate” subject for an English professor.

Zoneblitz: You clearly still pay attention to the NFL – you’ve written books about it – what do you think of the game today compared with when you played?

Oriard: The players today are bigger, stronger, and faster.  The very best players of my day are probably as good, but the players overall today are better.  But the biggest change is the money and its impact.  Free agency and huge contracts create enormous differences within a team and increase the importance of individual over team performance more than ever.  I can’t help but think that this has made the experience of playing different today.

Zoneblitz: What do you miss about playing?

Oriard: Nothing really.  I quit playing so long ago (1974) that my memories of the experience are no longer as vivid as they were for the first several years.  My football career is simply part of my past on which I look back with satisfaction.  But I don’t miss it.

Zoneblitz: In Brand NFL and in a discussion we had previously you cited 1993 as the most important year in the development of what is today’s NFL – could you give our readers a sense of why?

Oriard: I singled out 1993 as the year when labor peace was finally achieved, creating stability within the league and removing an irritation for fans.  After 1993 the NFL could turn its attention entirely to generating revenue.

Expansion into Jacksonville and Carolina also took place in 1993.  The next year, Fox launched the NFL into a new realm of TV revenues with a $395 million bid (compared to $217 million paid by NBC)–in the next round, all of the networks were over $500 million.  And the rest of the decade saw the stadium-building and renovating boom.  It was in this period that the NFL became the absolute king of professional sports in the U.S.

Zoneblitz: What else keeps you busy these days?

Oriard: I’m associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Oregon State, working with a great new dean as we try to cope with the economic downturn that hits higher education along with everyone else.  I’m also continuing to write – I have a companion book to Brand NFL called Football Revolutions: The Transformation of the Big-Time College Sport coming out next summer or fall.

One feature Zoneblitz plans to pursue as we get up and running is a periodic “Where are they now” segment aimed at tracking down some former NFL players and updating readers on how they’re getting by in their post-football lives.

We didn’t anticipate starting this feature up quite yet. But we stumbled by accident while doing the day job today onto a guy who never made it to the NFL regular season, but has ultimately done quite well for himself in the aviation industry instead.

John Pincavage played running back for some mid-level teams at the University of Virginia before graduating in 1965 with a degree in . He was good enough to be drafted in 1966 in the 8th round by the NFL’s Detroit Lions and in the 18th round by the AFL’s Boston Patriots.

He chose to sign with the Lions because they were offering more money. After a few weeks in training camp with Detroit, he says the team sent him to the Atlanta Falcons to fulfill a previous obligation. His career with the Falcons was short.

“I got into a couple pre-season games,” Pincavage says with a laugh. “I got wiped out on a punt return. I decided to go back to graduate school.”

In the years since he’s done quite well for himself. He is a chartered financial analyst with years of experience on Wall Street. In 1999 he founded Pincavage & Associates, an aviation consulting firm.

According to various bios published in various documents available on the Web, he previously was executive director of equity research at Warburg Dillon Read from 1995 to 1999 and director at the Transportation Group LLC where he headed research efforts from 1989 to 1995. He’s a member of the New York Society of Security Analysts and has served on numerous boards.

He has no regrets about his short stint in the NFL – nor about going back to school for an MBA, which he also earned at Virginia.

“It was one of the smartest moves I’ve ever made,” he says.