As National Football League (NFL) football fans gear up for Super Bowl 60, one former offensive lineman is celebrating his first season in industrial technology.
“If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it,” says Phil Saleh about how professional football in the United States and Canada pivoted to technical sales and process support at Dove Equipment, part of ICAFe Companies.
As Saleh tackled many transitions, his commitment to discipline, teamwork, and doing the hard work that leads to results hasn’t changed.
All-American to Canadian Football and Back
Playing five seasons for Fordham University, Saleh led the Patriot League in total offensive yards per game and earned All-American honors.
In May 2022, Saleh graduated from Fordham and joined an intensive program for NFL draft hopefuls. He trained daily to strengthen speed, strength and agility, securing a guest tryout.
Although he didn’t hear back from the NFL, the Canadian Football League (CFL) noticed Saleh. In early May 2024, the Saskatchewan Roughriders signed him on as an offensive lineman.
Three different flights took over 12 hours to get from his hometown of Chicago to Saskatoon.
“Fields everywhere,” says Saleh about the western Canadian city known for agriculture and outdoor spaces.
The CFL playing field varied from what he knew in the United States.
“The NFL has a 50-yard line. The CFL midfield is 55 yards,” explains Saleh. “That five-yard difference can really change how you move.”
Saleh moved to more familiar play in February 2024, when he signed on as an offensive lineman with the United Football League (UFL).
Turning Setbacks into Strengths
Saleh trained with the UFL’s Michigan Panthers but got cut before their first game of the season. Despite the disappointment, Saleh appreciates his time in professional football.
“It was hard work, but I am glad I did it,” he says.
After football, Saleh tried flipping houses with a private contractor. “Four months of demo and dust” motivated him to pursue a job lead with Dove Equipment.
A New Playbook, Same Fundamentals
Like pro football, Saleh realizes that identifying, integrating and supporting industrial equipment solutions requires:
- disciplined preparation
- continuous improvement
- trust in your team
“It’s good to have a team you can go to for help,” he says. “It’s the best part of my job.”
Engineering Industrial Solutions
Saleh’s technical sales role makes him a liaison between industrial engineers and manufacturers with unique requirements.
“When people open our brochure, they are amazed at our diversity,” he says about capabilities throughout ICAFe Companies.
To learn more, visit icafecompanies.com/engineering.
References: The Sports Geek, CFL vs. NFL Differences – What Rules are Different?; Saskatchewan Roughriders, Riders Sign American Offensive Lineman Phil Saleh; United Football League (UFO), Michigan Panthers Set Their Training Camp Roster to 58: Pro Football Newsroom (PFN), USFL Free Agency Moves: Multiple Offensive Linemen Signed; Phil Saleh – Football – Fordham University Athletics
