Football

Where are they now': Derek Engler

Football

Where are they now': Derek Engler

The legendary 1994 Rose Bowl Championship game produced many notable athletes, including center Derek Engler. Engler was with the UW from 94'-96' then moved on to the NFL as an undrafted free agent picked up by the New York Giants. He surprised coaches and players alike by starting his rookie year and continued his career with the Giants for four year, ending in 2001. A Badger at heart, Engler moved back to Madison and is currently working as a financial advisor. Football remains an active part of his life; he is involved with the UW Badger's football summer internship program and serves as on the board of directors for the NFL Alumni Madison Chapter.

What have you been doing since graduating and where are you living and working now'
I played in the NFL with the N.Y. Giants from 1997-2001 and have been working with Morgan Stanley as a Financial Advisor since 2001.

Is football still a part of your life '
It will always be a part of my life in some manner. I am involved with a summer internship program with the UW Badger football program. I am a board of director for the NFL Alumni Madison Chapter which is our Caring for Kids charity. I also work as a financial advisor with many active and retired NFL players.

How has your academic experience and/or your degree from UW assisted you in your chosen career'
UW Madison prepared me on how to work with people and to carry yourself in a professional manner because your reputation is everything.

Did your experience in athletics influence you in your current vocation'
The competitive nature, teamwork and leadership qualities that you need in athletics have definitely influenced me in the financial industry. If I did not have those qualities I would not be doing what I am today.

What is your fondest memory as a student-athlete '
1994 Rose Bowl

What was your favorite moment on the football field '
Senior Day and being named offensive player of the game that day against Minnesota.

Do you still currently follow UW football' Have you been back to any games'
I stay close to the program at UW and I go to most of the games. I love Madison. I moved back here because of my experience here as a student-athlete and it is one of the greatest cities in the country to raise a family.

What do you miss most about being a UW football player '
I miss my boys. The bonds that I created with my teammates will never escape my memory. I definitely DO NOT miss running the stadium stairs.

What was the best part about being a Badger '
Without a doubt that it would be running out of the tunnel at Camp Randall.

What were your favorite classes at Wisconsin '
Sociology of Sport with Professor Piliavin, Sociology 441 Criminology with Jack Ladinsky, Sociology 475 Classical Sociological Theory, History of Jazz and Blues (Big Bands, Music 205 and 206) with Professor Mike Leckrone

What were your favorite parts of campus '
Lakeshore Drive, Terrace and State Street

What advice would you give current student athletes '
Enjoy every minute of the experience because the real world is much more difficult than balancing school and playing a sport.

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