FROM KAEPERNICK TO FAJARDO, JOHN BENDER’S BLOCKED FOR THE GREATS
By: Stephen Lylyk, RP Show Intern
20th century sportscaster Mel Allen put it best when he once said “I was in the right place at the right time.”
This quote is relatable to many others whose chance moment put them on a path towards a rewarding future.
One of these people is NCAA & CFL Alum John Bender, whose big moment led him from his hometown of Three Hills Alberta, to Nevada University, ending with a CFL draft selection.
Bender appeared on the Rod Pedersen Show at Grey Eagle Resort & Casino in Calgary to reminisce about his life journey.
“I started playing football at Cochrane High School in grade 11,” said Bender. “We had a game at McMahon stadium. Jim Barker, (then Stampeders GM), watched me play, He had connections at the University of Nevada. He reached out to coach Chris Ault, [saying] ‘we got a kid up here who’s 6’8 320. You might wanna take a look at him. From there I eventually ended with a scholarship offer at the University of Nevada.”
Bender’s five-year tenure overlapped with many notable figures in the football landscape, from Colin Kaepernick (former SanFrancisco 49er Quarterback), to Cody Fajardo (former Saskatchewan Roughrider quarterback).
Kaepernick – known for starting the anthem kneeling controversy protesting racial injustice and ultimately has been barred from the NFL, developed a good relationship with Bender. Bender had this to say regarding Kaepernick.
“I think what he’s trying to do and show is that there are some things that he thinks America needs to change,” explained Bender. “People were saying he was disrespecting the military. I don’t think that’s his message at all, that’s not what he’s trying to get across. Unfortunately the NFL decided they no longer want him in the league.”
Bender also shared fond memories of his interactions with Fajardo.
“We used to always joke with our defense that [Cody] would tear them up at practice. We’d say ‘don’t make us send Cody after you guys.’ Little things like that.”
It was not a good 2022 for Fajardo, as the Riders finished their campaign with a 6-12 record. The image of Fajardo watching the last two games of the season symbolized this teams’ failures.
“I don’t know if the organization is using that as an opportunity to move on from Cody,” said Bender. “I know alot of people felt like they weren’t doing everything they could to make the playoffs. Especially playing backup [Mason Fine] while a playoff spot was still open.”
While Bender’s next career step saw him reach the euphoric high of becoming a CFL draft pick, his career, was a self-defined disappointment due to a variety of factors.
“2010 CFL draft, I was one of the top rated draft picks. I go to the Stampeders and day 3 of week 1 end up with a staph infection. I sat out most of the season due to the staph infection. I came back in 2012, feeling I could contribute. Unfortunately got released with a numbers squeeze close to the end of training camp.”
Through being released Bender faed a moment which would take him on the next chapter of his life.
“When other teams in the CFL were interested in signing me it was league minimum for 3 years. I was like, ‘you know what I got a degree, can make similar money doing something else, not as hard on my body.’ So I ended up starting a financial planning practice and a decade into the business I’m really enjoying where that’s at.”
Fast Forward to 2022 and Bender uses his financial knowledge to help current day professional athletes, while appearing as a football analyst on Sportsnet 960 The Fan Radio.
“I usually drop by the Calgary Stampeder locker room once a year and give them a rundown of things that life will hit you with over the next few years. We go through the ins and outs of financial planning.”
All in all Bender says that as of today he is satisfied with where he is currently positioned in life.
“Life is good and it’s been a good fit all around.”
(The Rod Pedersen Show airs daily at 12 pm ET on Game+ TV and WQEE Radio. Call your cable provider to subscribe. You can also watch on YouTube Live or listen 24/7 at RodPedersen.com/ListenLive)
