By Police1 Staff
LANSING, Mich. — A former New England Patriots linebacker is starting a new career and joining the Michigan State Police.
Cam Gordon, 25, told The Detroit News that after he was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs, he realized he wasn’t playing at his full potential.
“I said, ‘What is another career that will allow me to have an impact, have influence on younger kids and also leave behind a positive legacy?’ Instantly, state trooper — law enforcement — jumped into my mind,” Gordon said.
Last week, the agency approached Gordon with a conditional job offer, securing his place in the next recruiting school.
His offer comes as nearly 250 troopers are set to retire between June 2018 and September 2020, the publication reported. Spokeswoman Shanon Banner said the graduates from six large recruiting classes are set to reach the threshold that gives them full state benefits after retirement.
Police officials asked for an additional $9.2 million in 2018 to train 100 new troopers, which would bring the total number of state police to the highest point since 2003.