SEATTLE — The next chapter of former Seahawk Cliff Avril's life began in earnest while playing in the National Football League (NFL).
Avril, a defensive end for the Seahawks for five seasons, had won a Super Bowl and made it to another Super Bowl. He recorded 74 sacks over a 10-year career, earning him a nod on the 2016 Pro Bowl team.
And, yet, Avril was still thinking about life after football. It was perhaps this foresight that put Avril in an opportune position for a successful post-football career.
"I just knew I didn't have that many years left in me," said Avril, who started taking financial, real estate and accounting courses while he was in the NFL to map out his future.
Now Avril is a part of the Seahawks analyst group this season, joining former stars Michael Robinson and Michael Bennett on the team. Robinson and Bennett are returning for their third seasons as Seahawks analysts.
Avril's debut on the broadcast was last Saturday in the Seahawks' 16-3 preseason victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Seahawks preseason games on Aug. 17 and Aug. 24 will be broadcast on KING 5, the official television partner of the team.
"I'm blessed and fortunate to have played 10 years, have gotten to see every side of the NFL," Avril said. "Lost games, won a Super Bowl, lost a Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, franchise player. I've seen every side of the NFL. What could I be mad at?"
But Avril's plan for his post-retirement life has several levers to pull from aside from football.
The former Seahawk also owns a construction and real estate company that builds luxurious homes on the east side of Seattle, along with buying distressed multi-family units.
Avril said he was drawn to real estate because of many discussions with successful Seattle area people that recommended he pursue the career once he was done playing football.
The lessons from his 10 years in the NFL still endure in his new profession.
"Real estate is the ultimate team sport where you need everyone to put this thing together," Avril said.