ATLANTA—Steve Dils is as tough as they come. In fact, you might say he's hard hitting.

Dils serves as principal and managing director of Avison Young's Atlanta office, but he used to be a NFL player. The 25-year commercial real estate veteran oversees Avison's day-to-day operations and the company's expansion across the Southeast US.

Before retiring from the NFL in 1988, he served as a quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, the Los Angeles Rams and the Atlanta Falcons. After retiring, he focused on his real estate career, serving an 11-year tenure as director of leasing and Marketing for PC Associates. He also served with PM Realty Group before moving on to Grubb & Ellis, where he most recently served as executive vice president and managing director of the firm's Atlanta office where he was responsible for all service lines in the Atlanta marketplace, South Florida and the Southeast affiliates. 

GlobeSt.com: How did you get your start in commercial real estate? 

Dils: I'm a graduate of Stanford University and I sought out two alumni in 1980 who were developers. They introduced me to commercial real estate and the opportunities that were available in the industry. 

GlobeSt.com: What have been some of the key turning points in your career? 

Dils: I would say there have been three turning points. The first was an introduction to our industry by the two fellow Stanford alums, while the second was deciding to stay in Atlanta when I retired from the NFL and work in real estate as Atlanta went through a tremendous growth phase.

Finally, I have been extremely fortunate to work with a great leader like Mark Rose.  First when he was CEO at Grubb & Ellis and now in the same role at Avison Young.