Edmonton Eskimos Justin Sorensen has a simple message for Fort Saskatchewan’s aspiring football players: hit the books and stay active.

The Grey Cup offensive lineman was the guest speaker during a presentation at the Fort Saskatchewan Public Library on July 3. Originally, long snapper Ryan King was supposed to headline the family event but Sorensen stepped up at the last minute to take one for the team. More than 150 registered for the event and there was plenty of green and gold showcased as Sorensen began to tell his story.

The crowd remained mostly on his side until he mentioned he was more of a Vancouver Canucks fan than an Edmonton Oilers fan. He was able to save face a bit by naming his favourite hockey player as Sidney Crosby.

With a career in the CFL spanning a decade, Sorensen primarily focused on his achievements off the field, highlighting his love for reading and self-improvement.

“Get outside, be active,” he told the crowd. “I think one of the bad parts of our world right now is there’s so much technology. Our faces are always stuffed into our phones or iPads and things like that. I encourage all you kids to get outside and go play. On the days that it is raining, pick up a book. You don’t have to be playing video games all day, every day. Pick up a book and read.”

Sorensen also took the opportunity to share some personal highlights. His top two football moments was when he brought his future wife onto the field to propose and the other was in 2015 when the Edmonton Eskimos beat the Ottawa Redblacks 26-20.

“Being out on the field in Winnipeg where we played with the confetti falling down and the Grey Cup over our head that was a pretty special moment as well,” he said.

Sorensen also hinted his plans for when he eventually leaves the CFL with the top priority being starting a family. He did say he planned to take up coach at some level in the Edmonton area.

Following his presentation, Sorensen offered fans a chance to quickly chat with him, pose for a photo and get some merchandise signed.

Jared Cutting and his seven-year-old son Sam were one of the first in line to meet Sorensen. Sam said he was excited to meet the Eskimos player and mentioned he’s a huge team fan.

“I was once on the big screen when they were facing the Roughriders,” Sam said. “It was the first game of the season.”

Jared Cutting said he’s been a fan for years and wanted to pass that onto his son.

“My dad and I have been going to the games for years and I’m trying to introduce my kids to it,” Cutting said. “I don’t think enough kids get out to the games anymore. I think we are losing that fanbase. I’m trying to keep the tradition going. These guys always have good things to say like how he talked about kids trying all different sports, which is what I have been trying to preach to them, as well as reading.”

Hudson Charron, 9, got his jersey signed and said he wanted to come because he really loves the Eskimos.

“They are the closest team that I can go and see,” he added.

Madison Pasay, 10, said she’s a big football fan and enjoys playing with her sister but hopes one day to be able to play in a school league. One of the bigger take away messages she took from Sorensen was staying off electronics.

jlabine@postmedia.com

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