Alumnus signs with 49ers

(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Jan. 21) California Lutheran University alumnus Eric Rogers (’13) signed a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League, the organization announced today.

The deal includes a $125,000 signing bonus, $100,000 guaranteed in base salary and $75,000 in bonuses.

It has been a long three years full of challenges, dedication and improvement, but persistence paid off for the Duarte native. He remained focused on his football abilities, which took him to the Arena League and Canadian Football League (CFL) before he claimed the ultimate dream of a professional contract.

“It feels good to get the opportunity,” Rogers said. “A lot of players don’t continue on that route and I worked hard and stuck with it.”

At the conclusion of his standout Cal Lutheran career, Rogers got his first taste of professional football with the Dallas Cowboys, participating in their 2013 training camp in Oxnard as an undrafted free agent.

Although that did not work out, Rogers quickly made a name for himself, first in the Arena League with the Portland Thunder and most recently with the Calgary Stampeders, helping the CFL team to a Grey Cup title.

When the season came to a close, a number of NFL teams were calling, but Rogers had no idea how big it would get.

After a couple of weeks off, he began filling his schedule with workouts across the country.

“It started with about six teams and they just kept coming. I went to all (16) of them,” Rogers said.

His time in Philadelphia stood apart from the rest. Chip Kelly, a former offensive coordinator, and Rogers hit it off from the start and spent a lot of time together when he was working out for the Eagles.

“We built a relationship off the bat and a few hours after he was hired by the 49ers he called me,” Rogers said.

That along with interest that the 49ers organization had already shown prior to Kelly's hiring helped turn the possibility into a reality. Although he had multiple offers on the table, he decided on the West Coast team. The signing was Kelly’s first as the new head coach of the Niners.

Rogers has his shot. He believes that his experiences to date will help him in the future.

“Playing against the high quality opponents that I did in Canada gives me confidence that I can play with anyone,” he said. “I am not the best player I can be just yet. I have room for improvement, but I know what to expect, what things I can work on and that I can contribute to the team and find my way into the end zone.”