Spring Hill, Tenn.—From his home near Seattle, Washington, retired NFL defensive lineman Joe Tafoya travels cross-country to central Florida where wild hogs, massive ‘gators and saltwater bow fishing make up the sportsman’s thrilling Florida Trifecta this week on an episode of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s Brotherhood Outdoors TV series.

After seven seasons in the NFL, where he played defensive end for the Buccaneers, Bears, Seahawks and Cardinals, Tafoya now takes an active role in his local chapter of the NFL Players Association. He lives with his family on a homestead in the Pacific Northwest where they raise chickens, turkeys, goats and horses in pursuit of a natural, self-sustaining lifestyle.

The former pro athlete also enjoys pursuing mule deer and elk with his hunting partners each year, but chasing alligators and hogs in Florida’s backcountry has long been on his wish list.

“I’m a West Coast guy through and through, and all of my outdoors activities and hunting experiences are from the western United States,” he said. “I looked forward to this trip because it was a chance to do something out of my comfort zone and learn about how they do it in the South!”

Tafoya, along with USA Executive Director Scott Vance, begins his adventure with a stalk on a sounder of wild hogs and finds that success requires precise shooting. Then it is on to the swamplands where prehistoric reptiles test Tafoya’s marksmanship. Finally, the pair head to the mangroves to chase saltwater monsters with archery tackle.

In just a few days, the hunters build a lasting bond as Tafoya experiences completely new hunting styles.

“One of the things I miss most about playing football is the camaraderie,” Tafoya added. “The USA gives all unions, including the NFLPA, an opportunity to build new friendships and community spirit through outdoor activities and conservation projects.”

Catch all the action during Tafoya’s unforgettable Florida trifecta when Brotherhood Outdoors airs on the Sportsman Channel on Tuesday, June 29 at 4 p.m. Eastern with re-airings on Friday at 11:30 a.m., Saturday at 1:30 a.m. and Sunday, July 4 at 11 a.m.

For a complete list of upcoming episodes, visit www.brotherhoodoutdoors.tv. To watch episodes from past seasons, visit www.myoutdoortv.com.

Brotherhood Outdoors is sponsored by the following unions, contractors and corporate partners: Carhartt; International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers; International Brotherhood of Boilermakers; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; National Electrical Contractors Association; Thorogood; and United Association/International Training Fund’s Veterans in Piping Program.

Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA): The USA is a union-dedicated, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose members hunt, fish, shoot and volunteer their skills for conservation. The USA is uniting the union community through conservation to preserve North America’s outdoor heritage. For more information, visit www.unionsportsmen.org or connect on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Sportsman Channel: Launched in 2003, Sportsman Channel/Sportsman HD is a television and digital media company fully devoted to honoring a lifestyle that is celebrated by millions of Americans. A division of Outdoor Sportsman Group, Sportsman Channel delivers entertaining and informative programming that showcases outdoor adventure, hunting and fishing, and illustrates it through unique and authentic storytelling. Stay connected to Sportsman Channel online at thesportsmanchannel.com.