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As Mark Cohon makes his way down the Rogers Centre field moments before the 100th Grey Cup championship flag is revealed, a fan decked out in a jersey and spirited face paint leans over the 200-level balcony and yells a heartfelt congratulation. Cohon breaks into a grin and waves back at the fan. He’s the commissioner of the CFL and he’s in his element.

"It's beyond academics; it really is about being well-rounded, really about getting involved in the community.

For Cohon, being appointed CFL commissioner is a culmination of events. Starting at Upper Canada College (UCC) in Grade 9 and enjoying all the myriad activities UCC had to offer helped prepare Cohon for a job that, at times, requires business finesse and, at others, the imagination to lead the league in a modern direction.

"It's beyond academics; it really is about being well-rounded, really about getting involved in the community. It’s about pursuing things that you’re passionate about and I think UCC afforded me that opportunity," says Cohon, whose passion for football started on the UCC oval.

At UCC, Cohon also developed leadership skills and a community focus. Not only was he one of the captains of the football team, he was also on the board of stewards which helps run the school and organize events such as the Battalion Ball. Cohon has had an impressive career even though, as he admits, he wasn’t an A student at UCC. He encourages students to look beyond test scores.

You really have to think holistically about the community service you want to do, the sports you want to be involved with, the debate club or the chess club...it's not just about one thing," says Cohon.

Mark Cohon is the current Commissioner for the Canadian Football League, and former business President and CEO.