QB Will Arndt: From The CFL to Hollywood Sets and Back to the Field With the Toros

San Antonio football fans, get ready to meet one of the key players who’s set to lead the Toros charge this season. In the latest episode of Toros Talk, we sat down with quarterback Will Arndt for an in-depth chat about his winding career path, leadership philosophy, coaching stints, and even his surprising forays into acting. At 32, Arndt brings a wealth of experience to the Continental Football League (CoFL) squad, and he’s fired up about building something special in the Alamo City.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Arndt is no stranger to relocation for the love of the game. “I now live in Austin, Texas, as of last year,” he shared. “I’ve been in pro ball, playing and coaching a little bit, for the last 10 years. It’s been awesome, and I’m super psyched about San Antonio.” After spending most of his life in the Northeast, football has taken him across borders and leagues, and now he’s embracing his inner Texan roots as a fellow Lone Star State resident.

A Career Shaped by Adversity and Resilience

Arndt’s journey hasn’t been a straight line from college to the pros. He’s navigated the highs and lows of professional football, including stints in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with teams like the BC Lions and Edmonton Elks. Released in 2021 amid COVID-19 chaos—think two-week quarantines and roster cuts—he pivoted to coaching to stay in the game. “That was a way to stay in the country, and if somebody got hurt, they could slide me in,” he explained. But coaching wasn’t a retirement plan; it was a detour born from passion.

Reflecting on how these experiences have molded him as a quarterback, Arndt emphasized the unique demands of the position. “The quarterback position is definitely unique in terms of when someone peaks or how they progress,” he said. “From an experiential standpoint, from an emotional standpoint, from a leadership standpoint… I’ve had a chance to grow and cultivate knowledge.” Losses, bad teams, and time away from the field have all contributed to his growth, making him a valuable asset for the Toros—especially with the league’s quirky fourth-quarter rules, where his CFL background could shine.

Despite the setbacks, Arndt’s dedication never wavered. He even missed his brother’s wedding to chase opportunities. “I’m fully invested in this, and I don’t do it for any other reason because I love it,” he asserted. Now back on the field, he’s clear: “I feel like my best football is right now. I’m 32 years old and in great shape. I just did a 65-inch box jump the other day.”

Leadership: Guiding the Next Generation of Pros

As a veteran, Arndt sees himself as more than just a signal-caller, he’s a leader ready to mentor the Toros’ younger talent. Many players are fresh out of college, entering the professional ranks for the first time. “This is professional football, and a lot of these guys, it’s just different,” he noted. “The details are a little bit more important, the speed is a little bit more… Hopefully, I can demonstrate on how to prepare and time management.”

From organizing team activities to fostering camaraderie, Arndt’s leadership style is hands-on and evolving. He’s been a team captain in various environments, and that experience has taught him the importance of being a “good example” on and off the field. For a new franchise like the Toros, under Coach Bedwell, this veteran presence could be the glue that holds the team together.

Behind the Curtain: Coaching and a Fresh Perspective

Arndt’s two-year coaching stint wasn’t just a placeholder—it gave him invaluable insights. “I’ve got a chance to see behind the curtain and have it taken away from me,” he said. “To be able to go back, I feel like a lot of people would understand… ‘Man, if I could just go do it again.'” Transitioning from player to coach and back sharpened his game IQ, helping him anticipate plays and understand coaching decisions from both sides.

He addressed the stigma head-on: “Once I got into it, it was like I kind of got shunned from the league a little bit because… you can’t play and then coach and then go back to playing in the same league.” But Arndt has nothing but praise for the CFL: “I’ve got nothing but awesome things to say about the CFL and my time there.”

Lights, Camera, Touchdowns: Arndt’s Acting Adventures

Football isn’t Arndt’s only passion—he’s dipped his toes into Hollywood, blending his gridiron expertise with on-screen roles. Since 2017, he’s worked on projects like HBO’s Paterno, where he served as a football double, and American Underdog, the biopic about Kurt Warner. “Everything football you see in that movie, that’s your boy,” he quipped.

His credits include the show Ballers and even a commercial with Matthew Stafford. Currently, he’s on set for a prominent TV show (details under wraps), acting as quarterback coach and sports coordinator. “It’s been a really cool intersection of the things that I’ve learned… with football,” he said. This side gig highlights his contagious energy and authenticity, qualities he plans to bring to the Toros locker room.

Looking Ahead: Football Forever

When asked about his future, Arndt kept it real—and ambitious. “The delusional version of me would play football until I was 40,” he laughed. More realistically, he sees himself staying “in and around football,” whether playing, coaching, or working in film. He’s even wrapping up his MBA this spring, proving he’s no “total blockhead.”

For now, the focus is on San Antonio. “Can’t tell you how cool it is to be able to play in San Antonio for me,” he said. With the Toros gearing up for their inaugural season, Arndt’s blend of experience, resilience, and enthusiasm could be the spark this team needs.

Toros fans, the countdown to kickoff is on. Let’s rally behind Will Arndt and the squad as they build something special. Vamos Toros!

To watch the full interview follow this link: