CFL players are finding all kinds of ways to keep busy during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the case of defensive end Frank Beltre, he’s competing on a reality TV show.
‘Exatlón’ is a Spanish language program filmed in the Dominican Republic that pits athletes and celebrities against members of the general public. Contestants face one another in a series of challenges that test their strength, intelligence, and courage.
Beltre, who was born and raised in the Dominican Republic until age eleven, is introduced as a member of the ‘Famosos’ (translation: the famous people). He speaks about his work as a professional football player while a clip of him tackling B.C. Lions’ quarterback Mike Reilly is played.
He then competes in an obstacle course that involves swimming, transferring weights, running over a burning car, and a ring toss. We won’t spoil who wins in case you want to watch Beltre complete the course on YouTube (below).
The six-foot-two, 245-pound defensive end has played five seasons in the CFL as a member of the Calgary Stampeders (2014-16) and Toronto Argonauts (2018-19). He has recorded 110 total tackles, five sacks, and three forced fumbles over 57 career games, including a league-leading 27 special teams tackles in 2019.
Beltre has also spent time with the San Diego Chargers (2013), Oakland Raiders (2014), and New York Jets (2017) but has never dressed for a regular season NFL game.
