Mitchell Berger has seen it all and basically done it all when it comes to being a professional athlete. One of the most well-known Canadians to step foot on the American gridiron, Berger carved out a fourteen-year career as an NFL punter. From a small Canadian city to the biggest stage in the NFL, Berger’s journey was full of both trials and triumphs.
Early Life
Born on June 24, 1972, in Kamloops, British Columbia, Mitch is one of Don and Evelyn Berger’s five children. Whereas many youngsters in Canada tend to navigate towards hockey, Mitch favored football and basketball in high school becoming a star in both sports while playing at North Delta Secondary. As a member of the Huskies, Berger played the role of kicker, punter, and quarterback, drawing the attention of several local schools and a small number of American programs.
College Years
Earning a scholarship to play for the Tyler Apaches, a junior college in Texas, Berge became the team’s starting kicker, punter and kickoff specialist on day one. As an All-American and First Team All-Conference punter and kicker, Berger drew the attention of a number of big time NCAA programs, including the University of Colorado. Berger’s ability to launch kick-offs and punts deep into enemy territory made him a target for the 1984 NFL Draft.
NFL Career
Selected twelfth by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL Draft in March, Berger knew he was capable of playing at a higher level. One month later the Philadelphia Eagles nabbed Berger with the 193rd pick in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. Unfortunately, Berger’s time in Philadelphia would be limited to just five games before being let go.
After bouncing around the league as a practice squad member for four different teams, Berger found himself without an NFL contract and ended up back in North Delta working at a local gas station. Not one to give up, Berger and his father continued to put in work on the field after his shift pumping gas and would reach out to all 30 NFL teams looking for an opportunity. The Minnesota Vikings would give him one last chance, which was all Berger needed.
Beating out six other players, three punters and three filed goal kickers, Berger not only won the role of kicker, but punter as well. Not only would the Canadian win over his team with his booming and accurate punts, but he would also endear himself to the Vikings faithful and Canadian fans thanks to his unique superstition of munching on a Snickers bar that was tucked away in his extra pair of runners on the team bench after each kick. Sportsbook bonuses in Canada would also see an increase in popularity thanks to Berger’s hometown fans, who continued to follow his NFL journey.
“The Snickers Kicker” would become one of the league’s elite players, earning Second Team All-Pro honors in 1999. As a reward, the Vikings signed Berger to the biggest contract (at the time) for a kicker, paying him $6 million over five seasons.
After six seasons in Minnesota, Berger would make a one year stop in St. Louis before heading to New Orleans to play three seasons with the Saints, where he would earn First Team All- Pro honors in 2004.
Unfortunately, a series of injuries, including a torn lower abdominal, groin, hip flexor and pubic bone shelfed Berger for over a year, leaving the Saints to let his contract run out. Fourteen months later Berger would be given a short five game stint in Arizona, which would be followed by one season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2008. It was here that Berger would help the club to there sixth Super Bowl championship.
Post-NFL Career
Berger would hang up his cleats following the 2009 season and head into a career in business and broadcasting. With his charisma, good natured humor and knowledge of the game, he became a valuable member of both Canadian and American sports shows.
Away from the game, Berger would become known for owning a number of nightclubs and restaurants throughout the Lower Mainland of British Columbia and his adopted hometown of Arizona.
Personal Life
In 2013, Berger would appear on “Millionarie Matchmaker” a reality dating show, where he would meet swimsuit model Bambi Lashell. Just months later, the couple would tie the knot. A short time after having their son MJ, the couple would find themselves headed for divorce.
