The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW? East-West Shrine Game following a Rose Bowl loss to USC and spent three years in the NFL on practice squads in Atlanta and Detroit, playing in two NFL games with the Lions in 2006, primarily on special teams. It was a dream come true in the sense that he reached the highest level in his chosen sport, Pearson said, but he also did his part to set himself up for life after football. Then-Michigan athletics director Bill Martin steered Pearson toward Michigan alum and booster Stephen Ross, head of The Related Companies. Ross met with him and told him he'd help him meet people in New York City once Pearson's football career was over. Pearson made such an impression that it never got that far. He started as an analyst at Related and is now in charge of all the company's acquisitions of affordable housing throughout the country as Senior Vice President of Affordable Development, residing in New York City. "It's been really great. I love my job," he said. "I came in not really knowing anything about the business, put my nose down, had some good mentors and just learned it. I took advantage of my opportunities." It's something he's made a habit of throughout his life. He and his wife, Caitlin — owner of Malt and Mold, a successful beer and cheese bar — are both thriving, in fact. They are parents to a 2-year-old daughter, Elle, with another baby due in July. He and Caitlin met at Michigan, the university that's still a gift that keeps on giving to Pearson, starting with his addition to the team in 1999. "I learned from Tom Brady, Steve Hutchinson, Rob Renes," he said of former Wolverines greats. "You can't have better players to emulate. That's the fantastic thing about Michigan … the tradition just sort of keeps on continuing." He's more than done his part to uphold it, both on and off the field. ❏ Michigan Accomplishments: Two-year starter at center, 2002-03 … Four- year Academic All-Big Ten selection … Shared the Hugh H. Rader Award, presented annually to the team's top offensive lineman, with David Baas and Tony Pape in 2003 … Earned second-team All-Big Ten honors from the media and honorable mention from the coaches in 2003 … Named Scholar-Athlete of the Year in Division I football by the Michigan chapter of the National Football Hall of Fame in 2003 … Helped lead Michigan to its last undisputed Big Ten title in 2003, starting all 13 games for a 10-3 team that finished No. 6 nationally … Started all 13 games in 2002 for a team that finished 10-3 and ranked No. 9 nationally after beating Florida in the Outback Bowl. Professional Accomplishments: Spent three years in the NFL, primarily on practice squads … Signed with Atlanta out of Michigan and played on their practice squad, was cut in 2006 and picked up by Detroit … Played both center The Dave Pearson File