Shawn Gore
A Canadian football talent who chose the CFL over the NFL, becoming a reliable target and champion for the BC Lions.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Canadian gridiron football player·Birthday: April 12·Millennials
Biography
Shawn Gore's football journey was defined by a pivotal choice. Drafted by the BC Lions in 2010, he immediately signed with the NFL's Green Bay Packers, testing his skills at the highest level. After his stint stateside, he returned north to the team that drafted him, committing his prime years to the Lions. As a wide receiver, Gore wasn't just a flashy deep threat; he was a model of consistency and precise route-running, becoming a trusted security blanket for quarterbacks like Travis Lulay. His hands and football intelligence were instrumental in the Lions' 2011 Grey Cup victory, a career-defining moment. Gore retired as a player who embodied the quality and heart of the Canadian game, his loyalty to the CFL leaving a lasting mark on the franchise and its fans.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Shawn was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Shawn Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Shawn's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Grey Cup with the BC Lions in 2011.
- Played six seasons for the BC Lions, appearing in 89 regular season games.
- Caught 258 passes for 3,236 yards and 12 touchdowns over his CFL career.
- Was drafted 10th overall by the BC Lions in the 2010 CFL Draft.
- Played college football for the Bishop's Gaiters, earning all-conference honors.
Did You Know?
He signed with the NFL's Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent the day after being selected in the CFL draft.
He played high school football at Newtonbrook Secondary School in Toronto.
In his final CFL season in 2016, he served as a team captain for the BC Lions.
“You have to earn your spot every single day.”
