John Kalin was born in Calgary, and played college football for the University of Calgary, so it was onlyh appropriate that he was drafted in the first round of the 1994 CFL college draft by the Calgary Stampeders.  The hometown boy, however, was released by the Stampeders on July 1, and ended up going North to play for the arch rival Edmonton Eskimos. Kalin played two signs for Edmonton (1994-95), playing mainly on special teams in his rookie season, but seeing more time at defensive back in his second season with 21 defensive tackles and a pair of interceptions.

When the American teams folded after the 1995 season, Baltamore relocated in Montreal and Kalin was selected by the new Alouettes to restock the team's Canadian talent. Kalin played all of 1996 for the Als and started 1997 with them  On July 27, Kalin was traded to his hometown Stampeders for linebacker Ray Bernard. Kalin had his best season defensively with Calgary that year with 26 defensive tackles and another interception. The Stamps released Kalin before the season started in 1998 and he was signed later in July by Winnpeg for his final season. Kalin got his only career touchdown wsith the Bombers on a fumble recovery.

John Kalin on fanbase.com