Where Are They Now? – Max Shortell, QB (2011-2012)
Max Shortell was a Rivals 3-star (5.6) 2010 pro-style QB recruit of Coach Brewster from Bishop Miege High School in Mission, Kansas. Max committed to Brewster during his senior football season, prior to Brewster’s firing in October, 2010. He stuck with his commitment to Minnesota after Jerry Kill was named HC, despite questioning whether he would fit Kill’s run-heavy QB offensive scheme. The 6’6”, 215 lb. QB played 2 seasons at Minnesota, his pure freshman year in 2011 and his 2012 SO season. Many Gopher fans will remember Max as a pure frosh entering the 2011 season/road opener against USC in the 4th quarter, after starter Marquies Gray exited with leg cramps, completing 7/13 for 98 yards and a TD pass, and almost leading Minnesota to a huge upset victory, with the GGs falling short 19-17.
Max played in 14 games in his 2 seasons at Minnesota, with total completions of 91/170 (54%), 1162 yards, 8 TDs, and 7 INTs. With Philip Nelson looming as the heir apparent at QB, Max transferred to Jacksonville State in the Ohio Valley conference for his junior and senior campaigns. He played in 17 games there in 2013-14, finishing with 154/265 completions (58%), 10 TD passes, and 9 INTs.
Questions:
1. From your linkedin page, it appears you have pursued football opportunities after college, in Europe. Can you tell us about that experience? Are you still playing?
My experience playing football in Europe was fantastic. I learned a lot about different cultures and thoroughly enjoyed my journey of football into different countries. While I don’t play currently, I have worked out for teams in the upcoming AAF (Alliance of American Football) League, which is set to take place immediately following this year's Super Bowl.
2. How is your physical health, 4 years removed from your college football career?
My physical health is extremely good. My body is doing great considering I battled injuries in my years after the U.
3. What are your favorite memories of your time at Minnesota?
One of my favorite memories was beating Syracuse under the lights at the Bank to continue the season undefeated. Overall, I loved the traditions of Minnesota football and was proud to wear the colors every time I stepped on the field.
4. What important life lessons would you say you’ve learned from your football experiences?
Trust the process. Each year is long and different from the others. As a player, you can only control what you can control.
5. Did you get your degree from Jacksonville State? What was/is your field of study? After football, what are your career plans?
I received a Liberal Studies degree from Jacksonville State. Life is way different after ball is over! I have recently started a healthcare company.
6. Any family/relationship news you want to share?
Nope!
7. How actively do you follow Gopher football? Have you been back for any games? Are you a member of the MN Rivals site?. Do you keep in touch with any former GG teammates?
I still keep in touch with some of the guys. I'll catch Gopher games a few times a year when they play on ESPN. It is not as enjoyable to watch since all the guys I played with have moved on!
8. Do you have any Gopher tattoos? (Pics if possible)
No tattoos!
9. Are you involved in any post-football sports/physical activities and/or coaching?
I play in a basketball league in the winter and an old man softball league in the summer!
10.Concussions and CTE are on the minds of many sports fans and participants. If/when you have kids, do you think you'll encourage or allow them to play tackle football?
I will encourage my kids to play tackle football. Technology in the helmets and turf have helped reduce concussions, but as players we understand that part of the game.
11.In addition to your European football pursuits, have you done anything exciting/unusual/inspiring since leaving college? (e.g.- travel, volunteering, community activities, learning to play the mandolin, yoga with goats, etc.)
Playing in Europe has allowed me to travel and meet people from all over the world. I went to places I never thought I go!
12. Do you have any message for Gopher fans or the current team?
Good luck this year!
Max Shortell was a Rivals 3-star (5.6) 2010 pro-style QB recruit of Coach Brewster from Bishop Miege High School in Mission, Kansas. Max committed to Brewster during his senior football season, prior to Brewster’s firing in October, 2010. He stuck with his commitment to Minnesota after Jerry Kill was named HC, despite questioning whether he would fit Kill’s run-heavy QB offensive scheme. The 6’6”, 215 lb. QB played 2 seasons at Minnesota, his pure freshman year in 2011 and his 2012 SO season. Many Gopher fans will remember Max as a pure frosh entering the 2011 season/road opener against USC in the 4th quarter, after starter Marquies Gray exited with leg cramps, completing 7/13 for 98 yards and a TD pass, and almost leading Minnesota to a huge upset victory, with the GGs falling short 19-17.
Max played in 14 games in his 2 seasons at Minnesota, with total completions of 91/170 (54%), 1162 yards, 8 TDs, and 7 INTs. With Philip Nelson looming as the heir apparent at QB, Max transferred to Jacksonville State in the Ohio Valley conference for his junior and senior campaigns. He played in 17 games there in 2013-14, finishing with 154/265 completions (58%), 10 TD passes, and 9 INTs.
Questions:
1. From your linkedin page, it appears you have pursued football opportunities after college, in Europe. Can you tell us about that experience? Are you still playing?
My experience playing football in Europe was fantastic. I learned a lot about different cultures and thoroughly enjoyed my journey of football into different countries. While I don’t play currently, I have worked out for teams in the upcoming AAF (Alliance of American Football) League, which is set to take place immediately following this year's Super Bowl.
2. How is your physical health, 4 years removed from your college football career?
My physical health is extremely good. My body is doing great considering I battled injuries in my years after the U.
3. What are your favorite memories of your time at Minnesota?
One of my favorite memories was beating Syracuse under the lights at the Bank to continue the season undefeated. Overall, I loved the traditions of Minnesota football and was proud to wear the colors every time I stepped on the field.
4. What important life lessons would you say you’ve learned from your football experiences?
Trust the process. Each year is long and different from the others. As a player, you can only control what you can control.
5. Did you get your degree from Jacksonville State? What was/is your field of study? After football, what are your career plans?
I received a Liberal Studies degree from Jacksonville State. Life is way different after ball is over! I have recently started a healthcare company.
6. Any family/relationship news you want to share?
Nope!
7. How actively do you follow Gopher football? Have you been back for any games? Are you a member of the MN Rivals site?. Do you keep in touch with any former GG teammates?
I still keep in touch with some of the guys. I'll catch Gopher games a few times a year when they play on ESPN. It is not as enjoyable to watch since all the guys I played with have moved on!
8. Do you have any Gopher tattoos? (Pics if possible)
No tattoos!
9. Are you involved in any post-football sports/physical activities and/or coaching?
I play in a basketball league in the winter and an old man softball league in the summer!
10.Concussions and CTE are on the minds of many sports fans and participants. If/when you have kids, do you think you'll encourage or allow them to play tackle football?
I will encourage my kids to play tackle football. Technology in the helmets and turf have helped reduce concussions, but as players we understand that part of the game.
11.In addition to your European football pursuits, have you done anything exciting/unusual/inspiring since leaving college? (e.g.- travel, volunteering, community activities, learning to play the mandolin, yoga with goats, etc.)
Playing in Europe has allowed me to travel and meet people from all over the world. I went to places I never thought I go!
12. Do you have any message for Gopher fans or the current team?
Good luck this year!
