Colin Cole: The former Packer showing how it's done off the field

Alongside his wife, Kaye, Cole runs the Cole Group, for which he's the CEO. Drawing on his experience of playing in the NFL, Cole recognized the need for aspiring athletes to always have a second career to fall back on. The Cole Group also isn't afraid to challenge the status quo, actively promoting positive thinking with a focus on paradigm shifts.

In addition, Cole has maintained a keen interest in the NHL since his retirement, becoming a popular media figure within the game. When he's not working with the Cole Group, Colin can be found hosting match previews on his YouTube channel, named 'The Cole Experience'. On top of this, he is an active member of the Legends of Kinnick Podcasts.

Colin Cole not only teaches about the benefits of having a second career, but he actually practices what he preaches. His success off the field of play is a great example of how to carve out a successful career after retiring from playing.

Colin Cole - the early years

Colin Cole was born in 1980 and originates from Ontario in Canada. His breakthrough into the NFL was with the Green Bay Packers. Though he started off with the practice squads of the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions, it was with the Green Bay Packers that Cole really established himself. Despite having its own CFL league in Canada, the NFL is still a hugely popular sports north of the border.

Unlike other sports such as ice hockey, there are no Canadian sides in the NFL. This is why it was so significant when a Canadian like Cole broke into the league. The result? An increased interest in Canadians following the team, including betting on that player’s team and a lot more. Cole's move to the US undoubtedly increased the popularity of NFL betting in Canada, and the large number of betting platforms with NFL markets listed at 

 suggests that Canada's interest in NFL betting is still strong.

He was at Lambeau Field from 2004 to 2008. During his time at the Packers, Cole was a regular during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. In total, he played 57 times for the Packers in his five seasons. During that time he made 84 solo tackles in his role as a crucial member of the defensive line.

As a result of this, Cole has always been welcomed back at Lambeau Field. This was never better highlighted than when was invited back to serve as honorary captain for the Packers game against the 

 in November 2019.

Cole signs for the Seattle Seahawks

If further proof of Cole’s popularity were needed, he is also a well-liked and respected figure at the Seattle Seahawks, the franchise Cole signed for in 2009. Thanks to his performances with the Packers, Cole was well rewarded with a lucrative contract when he joined the Seahawks.

After his spell at the Seahawks ended in 2011, Cole had a couple of years out of the 

. Eventually, he signed with the Carolina Panthers in 2013, he left there in 2015, and that was the end of his career in American football.

In truth, his career highs were with the Packers and the Seahawks, with his latter career less successful. But in general, Cole had a good career in the NFL.

He will go down in history as a good solid ex-footballer, who is well-respected by both fans and peers alike. And better still, he made plans for after football, and in a time where the struggles of some ex-players are played out in the public eye, Cole is a shining example of what can be achieved.