"I never let my adversities get in the way of proving to the world why I am the best..." The Inspiring Story of Antonio Alfano Journey to the CFL

The Early Years: A Foundation Built in Rahway, New Jersey

Antonio Alfano’s football story begins long before the bright lights of the CFL or even his collegiate days. It starts in Rahway, New Jersey, a tight-knit community where family and football were pillars of his upbringing. Growing up in Rahway, Antonio was surrounded by a supportive family who instilled in him the values of hard work, perseverance and faith. His parents played an integral role in shaping his character, emphasizing the importance of integrity and dedication in all aspects of life.

"Rahway was home, man," Antonio said. "It’s where I learned everything—how to be tough, how to work hard, and how to love this game. My family was always there for me. My dad pushed me to be better every day, not just in football but in everything."

From a young age, Antonio showed promise as an athlete, but it was the backyard games with friends and the Friday night lights at Rahway High School that cemented his love for football. "Playing in Rahway was special. You’d have the whole community out there cheering for you," he reminisced. "It was more than just a sport—it was family."

Antonio’s natural talent and determination on the field quickly set him apart. By the time he reached high school, he had become a standout player, earning the attention of recruiters from across the country. Yet, even as the accolades rolled in, Antonio remained grounded. "My parents always told me to stay humble," he said. "No matter how good you think you are, there’s always more work to be done."

The Challenge of Epilepsy

In the midst of his rise as a football player, Antonio faced an unexpected challenge: a diagnosis of epilepsy at the age of 19. For any athlete, such a condition would have been a daunting obstacle. But for Antonio, it became another opportunity to showcase his resilience.

"Football is a very physical sport, and you know, your head gets attacked quite a bit," Antonio shared. "But it wasn’t about confidence—I always had that. It was about understanding my body and trusting that I could still play at a high level. When it came to football, it was kind of therapeutic. I felt calm out there."

Despite the potential risks, Antonio never let epilepsy deter him from pursuing his dreams. "I’ve never gotten hit and felt like I was ever going to have a seizure," he explained. "If that had happened, I might have been worried. But it didn’t, so I just kept going."

Alfano’s journey with epilepsy required adjustments, but it never diminished his drive. He worked closely with medical professionals to manage his condition, ensuring he could continue to compete at the highest level. Reflecting on how he navigated those early days, he said, “I’d say, if anything, I’m better now than I was before. When my epilepsy started, I was still a very young football player and didn’t really have as much control over my body as I do now.”

His resilience became a defining characteristic, not just in football but in life. “Regardless of what happens in your life, as many times as you get knocked down, if you keep pursuing what you love and believe in yourself, eventually you’ll get there,” he said.

That self-assured mindset carried him through high school, where he became one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation. His dominant performances on the defensive line earned him offers from top college programs, culminating in his decision to join the powerhouse football program at the University of Alabama.

Alabama: A Learning Experience

Arriving at Alabama was both a dream realized and a crucible of growth for Alfano. Immersed in a program renowned for its intensity and discipline, he embraced the challenges head-on. “Alabama overall was just a great experience,” he reflected. “I was able to build relationships with a lot of really, really cool young men. A lot of teammates I had on the team, I’m now able to pursue their dreams and play on Sundays and Monday nights. That’s really what it’s all about—the relationships you build.”

Though his time in Tuscaloosa was short-lived, it laid the groundwork for what would come next. Alfano’s journey took an unexpected turn, one that would test his resolve and reshape his perspective.

Rebuilding at Lackawanna College

After leaving Alabama, Alfano sought a fresh start at Lackawanna College, a junior college program with a reputation for developing top-tier talent. It was here that he began to rebuild his career, guided by the mentorship of Coach Mark Duda, a former NFL defensive lineman.

“At Lackawanna, I was coached by an NFL defensive lineman who played eight years in the league,” Alfano said. “Coach Duda was really behind me when it came to getting me to where I wanted to go, whether that was playing Power Five football again or pursuing a pro career. All in all, he got me both.”

Under Duda’s guidance, Alfano flourished. He transformed his body, regained his confidence, and climbed back to the top of the junior college rankings. “I worked my butt off,” he said. “I got back up to 300 pounds, and with coaching from him, I became the number one JUCO player in the country. I had offers from LSU, Georgia, Florida—you name it. I could pretty much choose where I wanted to go.”

Faced with a pivotal decision, Alfano chose to bet on himself. Rather than returning to the Power Five level, he declared for the NFL Draft, a bold move that underscored his belief in his abilities. “I know I’m the best at what I do,” he said. “If I had to start from the ground up, just like I did at JUCO, I was ready to do that.”

The Path to the CFL: A New Opportunity

Alfano’s decision to declare for the draft marked the beginning of a new chapter. Though the NFL didn’t come calling immediately, his talent didn’t go unnoticed. The Edmonton Elks of the CFL saw his potential and made him their first pick in the Supplemental Draft.

“When the Supplemental Draft happened, the Elks were the first ones to call me,” he said. “That was when the show got on the road, and I was here the very next day. Lackawanna definitely held up to their promise for me, and Coach Duda helped me get to where I wanted to be.”

Joining the Elks was a dream come true for Alfano, but it also came with its own set of challenges. Alfano’s first season was cut short by an ACL injury, a setback that tested his resilience once again. “Unfortunately, I got hurt in game five and wasn’t able to continue the season,” he said. “But I’m very much looking forward to the 2025 season and giving the Elks everything I’ve got. I believe with all the moves that we have done, this team has what it takes to win a Grey Cup.”

Embracing the Challenges of Professional Football

Alfano’s journey with the Elks hasn’t been without its hurdles. From a midseason coaching change to seeing teammates released, he’s had to adapt to the realities of professional football. “The coaching change midseason was new for me,” he said. “And seeing guys I had built relationships with get cut and leave was tough. But the real hurdle was tearing my ACL. Now, I’m recovering and doing much better—back to jogging and getting stronger every day.”

Despite these challenges, Alfano remains focused on the bigger picture. For him, football is about more than individual accolades; it’s about being part of something greater. “Being able to celebrate with my team, practicing the same play over and over and seeing it work on the field—that’s the joy,” he said. “It’s about being a part of something special.”

Faith and Confidence: The Foundation of His Journey

For Alfano, faith has always been a source of strength. A devout Christian, he draws confidence from his belief in God’s plan. “I’m a very religious person, and I think through the word of God, I’ve found my confidence,” he said. “One thing I always refer to is, ‘What can flesh do to me?’ The only thing that can do anything to me is God.”

This faith fuels his approach to competition. “Whenever I think about stepping on the line and going up against another man, it’s like, ‘You can bleed just like I bleed.’ I don’t care if you’re Trent Williams, a 10-time Pro Bowler. You have a heart just like I have a heart. Fear no man but God—that’s how I live.”

The Moral of Alfano’s Story: Never Give Up

As Alfano reflects on his journey, he shared with me that he hopes his story will inspire others facing their own challenges. “The moral of my story? Regardless of how many times you get knocked down, if you keep pursuing your dream and believe in yourself, eventually you’ll get there,” he said.

Antonio Alfano’s path to professional football is a testament to resilience, faith, and an unyielding passion for the game. Through every setback and triumph, he has remained true to himself, proving that with determination and belief, anything is possible.

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