As we reflect on gratitude this November, football player Alex Pihlstrom shares his own appreciation for the support and opportunities that have shaped his career. From youth football with the Glen Ellyn Golden Eagles to signing with the San Antonio Brahmas, Pihlstrom is thankful for his journey and inspired for the future as he continues to pursue his dreams both on the field and as a coach. Here he reflects on his past experience and his future goals.

Nickname: Pihls 

Current UFL team: San Antonio Brahmas 

Former NFL team: New Orleans Saints 

College Football: University of Illinois 

High School: Glenbard West 

Youth football: Glen Ellyn Golden Eagles 

Weight: 310

Position: Offensive Line

The first time I played football was in 2nd grade with Golden Eagles.   I had to play up on the third grade team because I was a bigger kid for my age so I got to know some of the kids older than me. 

My earliest memory when I knew football was my game comes from a play that I stripped the ball away from the running back and ran for a touchdown. It was a moment, I was very happy and just remember celebrating with my teammates and having a good time playing football. 

I signed a new contract with San Antonio for the UFL league which is now in its second year. I had a brief stint with them last year when they needed a player at my position due to an injury. This season, I am excited to be there for the whole time. For now, I have been staying in shape working out several days a week and coaching Glenbard West’s varsity football team.  It’s been a rewarding experience sharing the skillset I’ve learned as a player ans now as part of a coaching staff where I graduated high school from.  It’s great to work alongside the coaches that shaped me as a football player along with evaluating coaching as a possible career path option in the future. 

The diversity of the team’s members is what made me love football the most. There are guys with so many different backgrounds and so many different experiences, but what makes it cool that we all come together for a common goal to win as one team. I’ve met so many amazing people, players and coaches who have taught me so much about the game of football and life itself. Whether it’s on the field, in the locker room, or grabbing a bite to eat, I like the relationships you can make with a large football team and make new friends on the regular. As seniors graduate and new classes of freshman start those relationships are never lost especially post college play and all the rookies and veterans players who are there to welcome and guide you.

My biggest accomplishment in football is making Second Team All Big Ten, which I was very proud of.  I worked extremely hard to get the opportunity to play football, and it was nice to be recognized by the other coaches in the Big Ten. My other major accomplishment was to sign a contact with the New Orleans Saints because my lifelong goal is to play in the NFL. 

My favorite memory was going down to The Reliaquest Bowl in Tampa Bay in 2023. We finished the season 8-4 and it was a really great way to celebrate the season with an extra game in a warm climate to boot. The festivities surrounding the Reliaquest  Bowl made a lasting impact on me and the relationships I solidified for life from that experience.  It was one of the last times I played with several of those teammates, so it was even better to have a week to celebrate all that we had accomplished.  

What do you do in your free time and what does typical training day look like for you now? 

My weekdays are consumed with hitting my workouts and coaching high school football.  The free time I get on the weekends after wrapping up Saturday gameday is spent hanging out with friends which usually means sitting by a fire, playing music, or various games like darts. I have also been going to a lot of concerts recently, I just saw Mt. Joy at the Salt Shed. Music is a huge part of my training and keeps me motivated. 

A typical training day for me is weights Monday, Wednesday, Friday with cardio Tuesday, Thursday.  I like to get in a field workout in order to stay fresh with my football skills. Nutrition is extremely important for me so I like to plan out my meals ahead of time and batch prep.  I usually eat five or six times a day planning ahead is a necessity trying to get to my macro goal of 6,000 calories a day. I also like to do some type of mobility every day whether that is a stretching routine on a certain body part each day or going through some breathing exercises, to clear my mind and slow down my heartbeat for rest because this is extremely important. It is important to know that it is good to push your body, but it does need rest in order to stay at an elite level. 

My family and friends have always supported me by discussing my schedule and asking how practice is, what my thoughts on the game coming up, etc.  My family always came to my games at Illinois and most of the away games. It was always a happy moment when I would see friends who were close enough to travel to away games or attended opposing schools I was playing against but still supported me. I am so grateful to have a big support system.  It is a long season, but always better when you have family and friends by your side. I also have a great team that I work with every week, Jordan and Christian Westerkamp of Major Sports Performance that help with strength and conditioning during the week, Julie Mackey who helps with my mental performance and breathwork, as well as Ashley Gomes who helps with my nutrition. 

The excitement surrounding my future is that the door isn’t shut and I’m still learning things. I still believe that my best football is in front of me. I get to engage with people who have been playing and coaching football for a long time at the professional level and their advice helping me succeed has meant a lot to me. It keeps me inspired and motivated to continue.  I’m also very excited to prove myself this upcoming UFL season. My belief system has strengthen my desire to know I belong back in the NFL.  This upcoming opportunity will give me a greater chance to  showcase my talents for those teams in the league who may not have seen those strengths in me before. 

One thing I’ve always strive for that pertains to directly football, but also for life is I want be happy and proud of where I am, the amount of work I have done and in that it becomes noticed. I make sure I’m my best in everything I do whether it be with the relationships with my friends, family, football or work.  I want to make sure people know that they can trust me and that they can always count on me. 

What has been the best piece of advice you received and why has it been so impactful to you?

The best piece of advice I have ever received is from my coach at Illinois, Bret Bielema and he said to “just be yourself and to be the best you”. He said that because he doesn’t need all of the same guys to do the same job, but he needs me and the rest of my teammates to do what we need to do to the best of our ability. Things usually get taken care of when you work hard and you give it your all. I continue to take Bret’s advice and to be the real me without ever trying to fake who I am in life and in football. 

I would say to my 16-year-old self trust where you are at, never be too harsh on yourself and don’t compare yourself to other people. Everyone has strength and weaknesses and it’s just important to continue to better yourself every day that leads to becoming a better person overall, as well as an athlete. I would reassure my 16 -year -old self “You’re on the right path, have confidence and not worry so much about if  people respect you but worry about how hard you work and what you do will have a lasting impact on people.” 

My advice I’d share with a youth football player  wanting to play in college is to make yourself a better athlete overall. You will learn different skills playing different sports as well as the coordination it takes to try different skill sets.  Playing other sports really helps with your main sport.   Sometimes you do need a rest from your main sport in order to amplify the drive and motivation that makes yourself a better player. I would also mention your competition is also working hard every day.  So figure out what your differentiator is to make yourself better because your opponent is training just as hard as you. Keep believing in yourself and keep doing the tiny habits that help you stand out to players, coaches, and fans to make yourself special.