New Elite Football League of India Hires Brandon Chillar

[RajputWarrior]

The newly forming Elite Football League of India, which is introducing American-style football to India, has named the National Football League’s Brandon Chillar executive vice president of coaching and game development, according to an EFLI press release.

Chillar is an Indian American player in the NFL who won a Super Bowl ring last season playing linebacker for the champion Green Bay Packers.

The inaugural season of the EFLI is scheduled to run from November 2012 to February 2013 at a custom-built stadium in Pune. The league will feature eight teams from Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Delhi, Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Punjab and Pune.

Chillar’s NFL career received a setback several weeks ago when the Packers cut him from their team after he suffered an injury. Because the injury occurred during the recently ended NFL lockout, the remainder of his contract was voided and he will not receive the typical injury protection that veteran players usually receive.

There is speculation that the Packers might have released him anyway because of several shoulder injuries he has suffered in the past. Chillar has received about $10 million of a $19-million deal he signed in 2009.

Chillar told ESPNMilwaukee.com that he knew his career with the Packers was over when he heard his hamstring pop during a private workout. He said he had no hard feelings. “As a pro, you have to be real careful on how you train. And I was. It was just a freak accident.”

In the EFLI press release, Chillar said, “I am looking forward to the full support of the Indian government and India’s top broadcasting company to bring forth the perfect game of football for the country, its people and the TV…audience.”

“Without doubt, this is relatively a fundamentally simple game to perfect and I am fully committed to champion (it) to fruition. It wasn’t until my recent visit to India that I realized the real opportunity that exists here as well as its wide-open availability. I have wanted to coach since I first started playing football as a boy.”

Chillar is forming a team of coaches and will go to India in the next few weeks to attend orientations and player practices, the press release said.

In August, EFLI said Chillar would be among the primary investors and advisers for the league. Other U.S. backers include former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka, former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski and former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin. U.S. marketing consultant Sunday Zeller is a major founder.

Chiller’s father, Ram Chillar, was quoted in the press release saying, “When I was first introduced to this concept, I thought it was a great idea, but being a very conservative businessman and of Indian descent, I initially delayed.”

“However, after witnessing a year of hyper development, I am more than convinced that this is an idea (whose) time has come. I experienced the gift of football first hand and how it affected my son’s life through scholarships, education, athletic prowess and career. I am delighted to partner in bringing this opportunity to the children of my homeland.”

Brandon Chillar is one of four Indian Americans to ever play in the National Football League.

The other three are Fiji-born Bobby Singh, a guard who won a Super Bowl ring while on the practice roster for the LA Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV; Sanjay Beach, a wide receiver who played for the Packers and the New York Jets and the San Francisco 49ers; and John Singh Gill, a defensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts.

Born in Los Angeles, Chillar played college football for UCLA. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft and played for the Rams from 2004-07.

Contacted by India-West, Stacy Jensen, president of Elite Sports & Public Relations, which represents Chillar, expressed complete surprise at the EFLI announcement.

“He’s going to India? Where did you hear that? I just talked to him and he said nothing about it.” Jensen broke off the call and did not return further e-mails requesting comment.

Welcome to IndiaWest.com

 

[RajputWarrior]

EFLI ropes in Indian-American as Executive VP


MUMBAI: The nascent Elite Football League of India (EFLI), a body formed to promote gridiron football, has roped in Brandon Chillar as Executive Vice President of Coaching and Game Development.

Chillar is one of the four players of Indian-American descent to ever play in America's top sport - National Football League ( NFL).

Chillar's involvement in EFLI would bridge the international gap that lies between India and the United States for the first ever, professional American-style football league in India, a media release from ELFI said.

Chillar was an outstanding athlete in both college at the University of California and as a professional player and member of the 2011 Superbowl champions, the Green Bay Packers.

"Mr Chillar's financial investment solidifies his commitment," EFLI said in its release.

"I am very excited about this opportunity. I am looking forward to the full support of the Indian government and India's top broadcasting company to bring forth the perfect game of football for the country, its people and the TV viewers," Chillar said.

The inaugural season of the EFLI would be held from November, 2012 to February, 2013 at a custom-built stadium in Pune featuring eight teams from Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Delhi, Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Punjab and hosts Pune.

"Without a doubt, this is relatively a fundamentally simple game to perfect and I am fully committed to champion to fruition. It wasn't until my recent visit to India that I realised the real opportunity that exists," he added.

EFLI ropes in Indian-American as Executive VP - Economic Times

 

[Water Car Engineer]

Ya, good luck.

 

[Veeru]

I want to play for India: Odafe

NEW DELHI: Mohun Bagan's latest star acquisition, Okolie Odafe, has revealed his desire to play for the Indian national football team, and he is willing to surrender his Nigerian passport provided his family approves of the decision. "I have been part of this magnificent country for so many years now. If I fall into the scheme of things for the national football team, I would be very much interested in representing India at the international stage," said Odafe.

"For that, I need to surrender my Nigerian passport which I don't mind. But I need to discuss it at length with my family," the 26-year old striker added.

The record Rs 1.7-crore player has been impressed with the improved scenario in Indian football. "The attitude of the players, the fitness level and off-the-ball play have improved immensely. There are so many good players around; there's competition among them. Most importantly, the physique of the players is bound to strike you. From the administrative part, there are positive developments taking place. Indian football is looking ahead," the man they call 'King Cobra,' said.

While the huge price Bagan paid for luring the striker from Churchill Brothers would have brought with it loads of pressure, he doesn't feel the burden. "Every professional is burdened with pressure. I want to play my normal game. I want to score as many as possible for Mohun Bagan," he said, matter-of-factly.

Odafe has had difficult times with Mohammedan Sporting, playing as a defender for a season in 2001-02, but he returns to the city with renewed vigour. "It's a new challenge. I was happy with Churchill but one needs to move on. I would lie if I say I don't miss Churchill. There's a fear of losing respect if one stays at a certain place for long. Maybe, I'll go back one day," he said.

I want to play for India: Odafe - The Times of India

 

[fiza200]

How is performance of him?