The “Mayor of Commonwealth” is looking for recruits

The ‘Mayor of Commonwealth’ is looking for recruits.

Odell Willis one of many popular EE alumni who remains tied to the Edmonton community, having become a Canadian citizen and laying down roots in the city. He wrapped up his CFL career back in 2021 with 101 career sacks and helped bring the 2015 Grey Cup Trophy here to the capital city.

In retirement, he is now focused on the next generation of Canadian football players through his gym Athletes Compound.

Willis is looking to share his expertise as a former recruited college and pro athlete by hosting a High School Football Showcase on March 23, with the intent of helping connect Canadian high school players with scouts from NCAA colleges.

“The showcase came about because I opened my own gym, Athletes Compound, and I’m just seeing a lot of kids with a lot of talent that could play down south, but they’re not really being pushed or being exposed to how to really get down there,” Willis said. “So I’m like, you know what, why not let me step in and do what I do?”