Steve Cargile is a 2000 graduate of St. Peter Chanel high school. He’s defied odds, which has led to two careers in the NFL - one as an athlete and the other as a scout.
“You can’t take no for an answer,” Cargile said. “You have to know your ability and be confident in your ability and know that you belong.”
Cargile did not received any big-time offers out of high school. As a result, he chose Columbia University, an Ivy League school.
“My mindset was go get this degree and if you are good enough they will find you,” Cargile said.
After playing wide receiver his first three years with the Lions, he switched to safety his final year. He caught the attention of NFL scouts despite the fact that Columbia is not considered an NFL feeder school. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys and went on to have a six year career in the NFL.
“I don’t think I was the smartest guy,” Cargile said. “I don’t think I was the most athletic guy, but I always worked hard in the classroom and I always worked hard on the field.”
When his playing days ended, he still wanted to stay in the game. He is currently a pro scout with the New England Patriots, where he has won two Super Bowl rings.
“I started sending my resume and cover letter to every team in the league, anybody that I knew,” Cargile recalled. “I got a lot of 'no’s.' I got a lot of people that did not respond, but New England was the one team that responded and brought me up for an interview.”
Cargile wants to become a general manager for an NFL team, but for now he is simply enjoying the journey.
“I am proud I can make my parents and my family proud of what I am doing right now,” he said. “They are the reason I am here.”
