By DJ Harding
Calvin Bundage has had quite the journey with football from high school to where he is now with the Massachusetts Pirates on his second stint.
“It’s been a great experience, smooth sailing. They know I just want to play ball and do the right things.” Bundage told me talking about his time in Massachusetts
Bundage long before arriving in Massachusetts was born in Oklahoma.
“Growing up my childhood was basically competing with my older brother whether it was wrestling or football. Being a younger sibling it taught me how to think and it was a big accomplishment when I beat him.” Bundage told me.
Bundage didn’t play Football in Middle School and went from a defensive tackle at 300 pounds to a 190 pound safety.
“My junior year in high school I met Clay Mack in Edmond and he taught me how to be a Defensive Back and 3 months later I had a ton of offers.” Bundage said.
Bundage ultimately chose to stay in his home state and went to Oklahoma State University.
“I thought about going to Oregon or Michigan but I wanted to stay home and I didn’t choose Oklahoma University because I wanted to be an underdog.” Bundage remarked.
After college Bundage would go undrafted before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League.
“My NFL experience was great but stressful. I learned a lot from how important sleep is to learning how you need to improve everyday and get better.” Bundage said.
Bundage after the NFL took a stop in the Canadian Football League with the BC Lions. Bundage then made his way to the IFL playing for the Massachusetts Pirates before getting traded to the Green Bay Blizzards are the IFL and then returned to Massachusetts where he is now.
“There’s not much difference in the leagues that I’ve played in because at the end of the day it’s football and everyone is working to get better.” Bundage told me.
Bundage’s Football journey was almost cut short to a back injury that almost had him never play football again.
“I’m really grateful to be able to play this game. In college I at one point wasn’t sure I loved the game. After the injury it gave me the confidence to fight through adversity and it made me realize that I love the game and my relationship with football really started. I knew then playing football was what I wanted to do and why I’m so hungry now.” Bundage told me.
Bundage and the Massachusetts Pirates play their final regular season game on Saturday against the Sioux Falls Storm at 8:05 PM EST.