After hanging up their cleats, life after football varies for every player. The “Life After Football” series, presented by Pro Football Retired Players Association (PFRPA), is dedicated to highlighting the diverse stories of retired NFL players and their lives after the game. Regardless of when or how long they played, football has taught every player valuable lessons and shaped their careers beyond the playing field.
Retired NFL Player and PFRPA Member Ilia Jarostchuk played six seasons as a linebacker with the Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots from 1987 to 1992. Jarostchuk’s parents immigrated to the United States from the Soviet Union in 1958, before he and his siblings were born. Ilia played on the defensive line at the University of New Hampshire alongside his brothers, Alex and Basil, and were collectively nicknamed the “Russian Front.”
Following his playing career, Jarostchuk worked in medical sales and served as Vice President of the New England Patriots Alumni Club for 12 years. Today, Jarostchuk works as a Championship Ring Specialist. Within his role, he connects with championship teams from all over the world, including the collegiate and professional levels, to help organizations design and deliver commemorative awards to recognize their achievements. In this installment of “Life After Football,” Jarostchuk reflects on his professional career; shares his commitment to serving his community through the Patriots Charitable Foundation; talks about the role that his brother Alex played in helping him transition to life after football; and stresses the importance of family as a husband and father.
Watch the video below to hear more about Ilia’s journey throughout his life after football.
