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Bret Engemann (center) stands with Jared Overton and Curt Dowsett at the Xocai Convention in June. After leaving the Raiders football team, Engemann has been involved in various areas of the community including Xocai Healthy Chocolate and their humanitarian endeavor called Xo-Love. Courtesy photo

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BYU quarterback Bret Engemann runs the ball while looking for an open receiver in the 4th quarter against UNLV, Saturday night 10/19/02. Photo Matt Smith

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Bret Engemann (center) stands with Jared Overton and Curt Dowsett at the Xocai Convention in June. After leaving the Raiders football team, Engemann has been involved in various areas of the community including Xocai Healthy Chocolate and their humanitarian endeavor called Xo-Love. Courtesy photo

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It’s been six years since Bret Engemann, a resident of Provo and a Timpview High alumnus, left his position as the quarterback of the Oakland Raiders, but football is still a large part of his life.

After playing for the Raiders, Engemann signed with NFL Europe’s Berlin Thunder and the Rhein Fire. When he returned to the states, Engemann tried a stint in real estate. Then last February, he signed with the Utah Blaze. Although Engemann is no longer on the active Blaze roster, he says the Blaze is a “great organization with great people.”

A few years ago, Engemann’s brother Paul, former lead vocal of 80s pop band Animotion, introduced him to network marketing and Xocai Healthy Chocolate. Engemann rose quickly in the business and is now an executive in the company.

But Engemann’s favorite pastime is spending time with family. He loves being a dad to his two sons, Rome, 6, and Cole, 3, and although Engemann has been divorced for more than a year, he sees his boys regularly.

“We go to the park every other day,” Engemann said. “They have batting and football practice, but I don’t push them too much. I let them quit when they want to quit.”

Engemann supports his boys in T-ball, martial arts and football. Recently one son received his yellow belt in karate.

Setting an example of service for his boys, Engemann volunteers his time giving coaching sessions to neighborhood kids, and occasionally, when a die-hard BYU fan requests, Engemann coaches on throwing mechanics.

Engemann is also involved in Xocai’s humanitarian endeavor called Xo-Love. One effort impacted a village deep within a Mexican jungle. After a fundraiser, volunteers visited the remote village with donations for the 12 families occupying it. Donations included blankets, clothing and shoes, hygienic items, toys for the children and food. He and the Utah Xo-Love team are working on finding the next worthy cause for this year’s humanitarian effort.

Engemann’s mantra about life supports his generous nature. “Be kinder than necessary,” Engemann said. “Because everybody has their own set of problems. You never know what people are dealing with.”