WINNIPEG — Just a few months ago, University of Manitoba Bisons linebacker DJ Lalama was settling into life with the CFL’s Edmonton Eskimos. Now, he’s back in his home province pursuing his two biggest passions: business and football.
Thinking about life after the gridiron, the 2016 CFL draft pick will be pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree at the U of M’s Asper School of Business – a program that’s ranked as one of the best in Western Canada.
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“I’m gracious that the Bisons let me come back, but it was a school-based decision and a life-based decision,” Lalama said.
“To have a chance to get your masters paid for, while playing football, not a lot of people can say they got that opportunity, so for me it was a no-brainer. You realize very quickly that football doesn’t last forever and you need something to fall back on. “
On the football side of things, Lalama has been grateful for the support he’s received both from his coaches and teammates after what some may have considered a difficult choice to return.
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“It was a tough decision to come back at first, but being back in the fold now, and having camp and being with the guys, it’s a great decision, you know, get the schooling done and I couldn’t be happier and they were supporting me the whole way, so it’s great.”