CJAD Alouettes Football
TEAM PROUDFOOT
http://www.sla-quebec.ca/en/inspired_mosaic.php
Sports Contacts and Blogs:
ED PHILION'S BLOG
Email Ed at: ephilion@oxycair.com
TONY PROUDFOOT'S BLOG
Email Tony at: mailto:tonyproud24@hotmail.com
RICK MOFFAT'S BLOG
Email Rick at: rick.moffat@cjad.com
ROB MARTIER'S BLOG
Email Rob at: http://edit2.cjad.com/rob.martier@cjad.com
"WIN THE DAY": ALS MOTTO KICKING OFF IN CALGARY GREY CUP REMATCH/PREVIEW ON CANADA DAY ---HEAR IT LIVE WITH THE COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF AT 9:30 P.M. ON CJAD 800 AND CJAD.COM)
The Als arrived in Calgary with little Emotional Baggage and a rookie feeling the first sting of competition with his teammates. Head coach Marc Trestman insists there is no grudge match or revenge factor at work, just a team trying to win the day and get better throughout the six month march to CFL playoffs.
As for rookie Ivan Brown, he won the Worst Dressed Man award with Dishonourable Mention to Als veteran reciever Kerry Watkins. The laughs at their teammates expense come as the Als check into their team hotel, a routine started last season under Trestman.
The players didn't even bother to check out McMahon Stadium in Calgary but went right to the hotel and faced an evening of more meetings.
The second wave of Alouettes cuts leaving Training Camp Fort St. Jean behind hit some veterans hard, as predicted by CJAD Allstar blogger Tony Proudfoot and CJAD analyst Ed Philion. Reggie Hunt from the defense and Brad Banks from the offense were released as the Als get set for practise week aimed at the defending Grey Cup champs in Calgary on Canada Day.
Hunt is the 2nd of 3 starting linebackers to be let go. Banks became expendable with the composure of Chris Leak, the former US college champ and the ongoing learning curve of Ricky Santos, who's likely to start the year on the practise roster.
The biggest winner as a result of the cuts is Shea Emry, the 2nd-year Alouette who will be the new "monster in the middle". The Alouettes have not had a dominant Canadian MLB since their return in 1996. Emry is a warrior on special teams who may get to back off that aspect of his game and open up opportunities for some of the other Als rookies.
CALVILLO BITE WORSE THAN HIS BARK?
DONOVAN MCNAB HELPS ALOUETTES PROSPECT
"WIN THE DAY" --ALS' NEW COACHING THEME
If the Alouettes make a surprise change in the backfield, NFL star quarterback Donovan McNab will have had a hand in it. The slimmed down "AC Lite" could be handing off to Chris Jennings in the backfield, and Jennings credits the Eagles' star QB with focusing his pro football desire. Jennings was a late arrival to Training Camp Fort St. Jean a year ago, but has made a quick impression with more than 120 yards rushing and a touchdown in his '09 pre-season debut. Jennings says he knows he's fighting for a backup job behind Avon Cobourne, but with Mike Imoh missing pre-season Game 2 because of personal reasons, Jennings will have another chance to impress.
If Calvillo looks more relaxed in the pocket this season, he won't have McNab to thank but he may thank a new mouth-guard. Calvillo has been talking with a mouthpeice maker who has research showing that a clenched jaw can dimish performance.
Calvillo is going to experiment with a teeth-guard that is formed to his relaxed jaw, on the theory that a happy mouth leads to no happy-feet while trying to throw the football.
Calvillo tells CJAD "If it can lead to even a 1-% improvement in performance it will be worth it."
FROM REALITY TV TO ALS CAMP---NFL COWBOYS PROSPECT
ARRIVES AT FORT ST. JEAN
The Montreal Alouettes have never shied about from prospects with unique career paths. Andrew Hawkins is just more unique than most. The former Toledo Rocket at the college level is fresh off starring in the Dallas Cowboys' and Spike TV's "4th & Long" reality tv series.
Michael Irvin stars on the show that promises 1 of 12 tryout players an NFL training camp invite in Texas this fall. How does Hawkins do in the show? What's he doing here with the Als if he's rubbing shoulders with the Cowboys' crowd? Find out:
Listen
MARCUS BRADY ROOKIE AGAIN
AVON COBOURNE ADMITS HE'S NOT IN GAME SHAPE YET, BUT VOWS HE CAN HIT YEAR 2-K
ALS ROOKIE HOPEFUL GETS MENTORING FROM FORMER EXPOS OUTFIELDER
Former Als quarterback Marcus Brady says he's adjusting well to being a rookie again. The backup quarterback is now Als' receiver coach. So can he teach Ben Cahoon how to have blazing speed? "I have a great relationship with the reciever corps and Coach Trestman," smiles Brady, who welcomed a new addition to the family over the offseason.
Avon Cobourne admits he could not do his usual running regimen in the offseason and he's not content with where his fitness level is right now. But Cobourne predicts he's still aiming for 1,000 yards on the ground AND through the air---that would be a CFL first. Cobourne got married in Jamaica last month.
Jay Staggs of the Als says he's already got a list of eateries to hit in Montreal suggested by his cousin Ryan, an outfielder formerly with the Expos, Nationals and then the Mets. Staggs says Ryan Church has been like a mentor for him. Staggs, a former Chicago Bears' tryout is hoping to win a job as a linebacker with the Als.
FORMER NOTRE DAME CAPTAIN MAKES BIG IMPRESSION
PROULX CONFESSES: HE'D LOVE TO TACKLE SOME OF HIS OFF-SEASON LEGAL ADVERSARIES
DUVAL: KICKING COMPETITION COULD COME FROM 2-1/2 YEAR OLD SON
Als Camp Day 3: Darrell Campbell continues to draw attention for his solid work at the defensive tackle spot. He's bulked up from 295 to 320 or so and is still moving well. The former Notre Dame captain will have to keep it up to join forces with CFL veterans like Keron Williams and Jerome Heywood.
Mathieu Proulx says he's thrilled to put the legal briefs behind him and go back to "x's and o's" for a while. Proulx has been promised a job again after this season by the firm of Brassard-Melancon-Forget. Proulx confesses to CJAD he would have loved to try the "Office Linebacker" approach to law and tackle some of his opponents ("stay away from the judges," jokes Proulx).
Damon Duval revealing more of his weight loss secrets as the Als' biggest loser (13 pounds leaner this season) says he's thankful Rob Bironas of the Titans shared his workout advice---Duval stole his job back in their college days at Auburn! Duval says he's used to flying solo without another kicker around at camp but points out his 2-1/2 year old son is showing a natural aptitude for the kicking tee.
ALS CAMP: PLAYERS WARNED BY TRESTMAN---THIS CAMP WILL BE TOUGHER THAN THE LAST
CAHOON: 'CALVILLO WILL PLAY LONGER THAN ME'
HEYWOOD'S REMARKABLE OFF-SEASON INSPIRATION
LESS IS MORE, UNLESS MORE IS MORE
PROUDFOOT IN DEEP
They huffed and puffed through a very public Day 1 with adoring fans cheering them on through what veterans said was the toughest first Training Camp opener they'd ever been through. Then on Day 2 Marc Trestman had the players braced for contact with shoulder pads and another intense two-a-day practise session. Trestman shows every indication of living up to his words of warning to his players...this camp will be tougher than last years.
Alouettes players confirmed to CJAD they recieved letters a few weeks ago with forewarning that last year's gruelling introduction to the Trestman Way was just a beginning. The letter stated this camp would be tougher. And the consensus after just 2 days is...Trestman backs up his words.
Trestman drilled the theme "EVERYTHING MATTERS" into the players' helmets in 2008. This year, the mantra from the former NFL veteran coaching guru is "WIN THE DAY". And Adrian McPherson appears to be doing that--throwing the ball extremely well and in the battle for practise time, seems to have solidified his hold as #2 QB
*BEN CAHOON says he intensified some things in his off-season workout program that he hopes will give him better bursts on pass routes and help him push off the jamming moves from defensive backs.
Cahoon continues to claim he'll be retired before Anthony Calvillo, but we all know they'll be saying that at the age of 45.
*Defensive tackle Jerome Heywood is back for his 2nd tour of duty as an Alouette and went back to his 2nd-career in the offseason for inspiration. In San Diego, Heywood works with "at risk" youth. That means "high-risk" young offenders. Heywood tells CJAD he identifies with many of the kids he's working with: "I just never got caught with some of the things I've done...I had good guidance that 'you might not want to do that' and listened when some people close to me suggested I stop."
*Is Less more or is More more? Joel Wright's bulked up with 8 pounds of extra muscle to compete for a linebacker job and special teams grunt work. Anthony Calvillo and Jermaine McElveen have slimmed down about 10 pounds each. But the Als' "BIGGEST LOSER" could be Damon Duval who has shed 13 pounds on a program recommended by his buddy Rob Bironas, the kicker for the NFL'S Tennessee Titans.
Former Grey Cup hero Tony Proudfoot, back blogging for another season on CJAD.com, is back
as a coaching consultant for Marc Trestman for the 2nd straight season. On Day 2 Trestman says Proudfoot, robbed of his voice by Lou Gehrig's Disease, is still communicating with the other coaches and having valuable input.
ALS SACK-MASTER TO ASSUME THE LOTUS POSITION?
"I left sacks out there on the field," Stewart says of the 2008 campaign that ended in heartache on the field at Olympic Stadium in the Grey Cup loss to the Stampeders.
"I haven't even looked at the tapes of that game," admits the veteran defensive end. Stewart has looked over other game footage and believes his yoga regimen will boost his quarterback-hunting.
FIND OUT WHICH OTHER ALOUETTES ARE WORKING ON THEIR LOTUS POSITION ON THE RIC PETERSON SHOW!
ALS GO WITH CALGARY PRODUCT AS FIRST PICK IN CFL DRAFT
The Montreal Alouettes selected offensive lineman Dylan Steenbergen of the University of Calgary Dinos with their first pick in the first round, seventh overall, of the 2009 CFL Canadian Draft.
AC COMING BACK FOR '09
2009 Schedule puts Als right back on the horse!
It's a Grey Cup rematch
Alouettes at Calgary, July 1st
The Alouettes will look for revenge Canada Day when they head to Calgary July 1st to kick off the 2009 CFL schedule. The Grey Cup rematch will be followed up by the regular season Home Opener July 9 against the Edmonton Eskimos.
HEAR EVERY GAME LIVE ON CJAD: COMPLETE ALS 2009 SKED: http://en.montrealalouettes.com/schedule/year/2009/9
The Alouettes lost the 96th Grey Cup 22-14 to the Stampeders at Olympic stadium. Certainly a win over Calgary to open the season would be nice, but the sting of the Grey Cup loss still lingers among the players and fans.
The Alouettes have re-signed Mike Imoh, their determined little super-sub of a reserve running back. Imoh has suffered injuries each of his first two seasons with the Als but subbed in for Avon Cobourne effectively in 2008.
Imoh was second on the team behind Avon Cobourne with 62 carries for 398 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught 12 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown. He is only 24 despite heading to Training Camp Fort St. Jean for the 3rd time.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats released Michael Botterill recently and CFL sources suggest he could be interested in returning to Montreal. The Als could need a special-teams hitter, especially a Canadian kamikazee, with Walter Spencer and Shawn Gallant leaving as free agents.
Richardson back for three years plus option!
AC'S PRIME TARGET AND BLIND-SIDE BLOCKER RE-SIGN LONGTERM DEALS
Alouettes return to CJAD 800 this Summer and Fall of 2009 for Game Action on the Road to Grey Cup in Calgary come November.
ALS SIGN FORMER REDSKINS DRAFT PICK
ARTIST, MUSICIAN HOPES TO MAKE ENDZONE PERFORMANCE ART WITH A.C. IN '09
Darnerian McCants is not your usual football player. Then again, as a late round draft pick of the Redskins back in 2001 he proved to be not your usual reciever. He's got size...6'3", 215. And he's got creativity...an artist and a musician. Now he's bringing it all to Training Camp Fort St. Jean in May.
McCants was a training camp cut of the Baltimore Ravens in 2008. He spent several seasons with the Skins, Eagles and Ravens before trying the CFL in 2007 with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
CHECK OUT DARNERIAN'S ART AT HIS WEBSITE:
http://darnerian.com
POPP ALSO TELLS CJAD that the suspension of the Arena Football League has prompted several agents to call him looking for jobs for their players. Popp already has his eyes on a top reciever from the AFL but has been told by the CFL to lay low for a while until the league figures out if Arena veterans are legally still under contract to their teams.
The Als arrived in Calgary with little Emotional Baggage and a rookie feeling the first sting of competition with his teammates. Head coach Marc Trestman insists there is no grudge match or revenge factor at work, just a team trying to win the day and get better throughout the six month march to CFL playoffs.
As for rookie Ivan Brown, he won the Worst Dressed Man award with Dishonourable Mention to Als veteran reciever Kerry Watkins. The laughs at their teammates expense come as the Als check into their team hotel, a routine started last season under Trestman.
The players didn't even bother to check out McMahon Stadium in Calgary but went right to the hotel and faced an evening of more meetings.
The second wave of Alouettes cuts leaving Training Camp Fort St. Jean behind hit some veterans hard, as predicted by CJAD Allstar blogger Tony Proudfoot and CJAD analyst Ed Philion. Reggie Hunt from the defense and Brad Banks from the offense were released as the Als get set for practise week aimed at the defending Grey Cup champs in Calgary on Canada Day.
Hunt is the 2nd of 3 starting linebackers to be let go. Banks became expendable with the composure of Chris Leak, the former US college champ and the ongoing learning curve of Ricky Santos, who's likely to start the year on the practise roster.
The biggest winner as a result of the cuts is Shea Emry, the 2nd-year Alouette who will be the new "monster in the middle". The Alouettes have not had a dominant Canadian MLB since their return in 1996. Emry is a warrior on special teams who may get to back off that aspect of his game and open up opportunities for some of the other Als rookies.
CALVILLO BITE WORSE THAN HIS BARK?
DONOVAN MCNAB HELPS ALOUETTES PROSPECT
"WIN THE DAY" --ALS' NEW COACHING THEME
If the Alouettes make a surprise change in the backfield, NFL star quarterback Donovan McNab will have had a hand in it. The slimmed down "AC Lite" could be handing off to Chris Jennings in the backfield, and Jennings credits the Eagles' star QB with focusing his pro football desire. Jennings was a late arrival to Training Camp Fort St. Jean a year ago, but has made a quick impression with more than 120 yards rushing and a touchdown in his '09 pre-season debut. Jennings says he knows he's fighting for a backup job behind Avon Cobourne, but with Mike Imoh missing pre-season Game 2 because of personal reasons, Jennings will have another chance to impress.
If Calvillo looks more relaxed in the pocket this season, he won't have McNab to thank but he may thank a new mouth-guard. Calvillo has been talking with a mouthpeice maker who has research showing that a clenched jaw can dimish performance.
Calvillo is going to experiment with a teeth-guard that is formed to his relaxed jaw, on the theory that a happy mouth leads to no happy-feet while trying to throw the football.
Calvillo tells CJAD "If it can lead to even a 1-% improvement in performance it will be worth it."
FROM REALITY TV TO ALS CAMP---NFL COWBOYS PROSPECT
ARRIVES AT FORT ST. JEAN
The Montreal Alouettes have never shied about from prospects with unique career paths. Andrew Hawkins is just more unique than most. The former Toledo Rocket at the college level is fresh off starring in the Dallas Cowboys' and Spike TV's "4th & Long" reality tv series.
Michael Irvin stars on the show that promises 1 of 12 tryout players an NFL training camp invite in Texas this fall. How does Hawkins do in the show? What's he doing here with the Als if he's rubbing shoulders with the Cowboys' crowd? Find out:
Listen
MARCUS BRADY ROOKIE AGAIN
AVON COBOURNE ADMITS HE'S NOT IN GAME SHAPE YET, BUT VOWS HE CAN HIT YEAR 2-K
ALS ROOKIE HOPEFUL GETS MENTORING FROM FORMER EXPOS OUTFIELDER
Former Als quarterback Marcus Brady says he's adjusting well to being a rookie again. The backup quarterback is now Als' receiver coach. So can he teach Ben Cahoon how to have blazing speed? "I have a great relationship with the reciever corps and Coach Trestman," smiles Brady, who welcomed a new addition to the family over the offseason.
Avon Cobourne admits he could not do his usual running regimen in the offseason and he's not content with where his fitness level is right now. But Cobourne predicts he's still aiming for 1,000 yards on the ground AND through the air---that would be a CFL first. Cobourne got married in Jamaica last month.
Jay Staggs of the Als says he's already got a list of eateries to hit in Montreal suggested by his cousin Ryan, an outfielder formerly with the Expos, Nationals and then the Mets. Staggs says Ryan Church has been like a mentor for him. Staggs, a former Chicago Bears' tryout is hoping to win a job as a linebacker with the Als.
FORMER NOTRE DAME CAPTAIN MAKES BIG IMPRESSION
PROULX CONFESSES: HE'D LOVE TO TACKLE SOME OF HIS OFF-SEASON LEGAL ADVERSARIES
DUVAL: KICKING COMPETITION COULD COME FROM 2-1/2 YEAR OLD SON
Als Camp Day 3: Darrell Campbell continues to draw attention for his solid work at the defensive tackle spot. He's bulked up from 295 to 320 or so and is still moving well. The former Notre Dame captain will have to keep it up to join forces with CFL veterans like Keron Williams and Jerome Heywood.
Mathieu Proulx says he's thrilled to put the legal briefs behind him and go back to "x's and o's" for a while. Proulx has been promised a job again after this season by the firm of Brassard-Melancon-Forget. Proulx confesses to CJAD he would have loved to try the "Office Linebacker" approach to law and tackle some of his opponents ("stay away from the judges," jokes Proulx).
Damon Duval revealing more of his weight loss secrets as the Als' biggest loser (13 pounds leaner this season) says he's thankful Rob Bironas of the Titans shared his workout advice---Duval stole his job back in their college days at Auburn! Duval says he's used to flying solo without another kicker around at camp but points out his 2-1/2 year old son is showing a natural aptitude for the kicking tee.
ALS CAMP: PLAYERS WARNED BY TRESTMAN---THIS CAMP WILL BE TOUGHER THAN THE LAST
CAHOON: 'CALVILLO WILL PLAY LONGER THAN ME'
HEYWOOD'S REMARKABLE OFF-SEASON INSPIRATION
LESS IS MORE, UNLESS MORE IS MORE
PROUDFOOT IN DEEP
They huffed and puffed through a very public Day 1 with adoring fans cheering them on through what veterans said was the toughest first Training Camp opener they'd ever been through. Then on Day 2 Marc Trestman had the players braced for contact with shoulder pads and another intense two-a-day practise session. Trestman shows every indication of living up to his words of warning to his players...this camp will be tougher than last years.
Alouettes players confirmed to CJAD they recieved letters a few weeks ago with forewarning that last year's gruelling introduction to the Trestman Way was just a beginning. The letter stated this camp would be tougher. And the consensus after just 2 days is...Trestman backs up his words.
Trestman drilled the theme "EVERYTHING MATTERS" into the players' helmets in 2008. This year, the mantra from the former NFL veteran coaching guru is "WIN THE DAY". And Adrian McPherson appears to be doing that--throwing the ball extremely well and in the battle for practise time, seems to have solidified his hold as #2 QB
*BEN CAHOON says he intensified some things in his off-season workout program that he hopes will give him better bursts on pass routes and help him push off the jamming moves from defensive backs.
Cahoon continues to claim he'll be retired before Anthony Calvillo, but we all know they'll be saying that at the age of 45.
*Defensive tackle Jerome Heywood is back for his 2nd tour of duty as an Alouette and went back to his 2nd-career in the offseason for inspiration. In San Diego, Heywood works with "at risk" youth. That means "high-risk" young offenders. Heywood tells CJAD he identifies with many of the kids he's working with: "I just never got caught with some of the things I've done...I had good guidance that 'you might not want to do that' and listened when some people close to me suggested I stop."
*Is Less more or is More more? Joel Wright's bulked up with 8 pounds of extra muscle to compete for a linebacker job and special teams grunt work. Anthony Calvillo and Jermaine McElveen have slimmed down about 10 pounds each. But the Als' "BIGGEST LOSER" could be Damon Duval who has shed 13 pounds on a program recommended by his buddy Rob Bironas, the kicker for the NFL'S Tennessee Titans.
Former Grey Cup hero Tony Proudfoot, back blogging for another season on CJAD.com, is back
as a coaching consultant for Marc Trestman for the 2nd straight season. On Day 2 Trestman says Proudfoot, robbed of his voice by Lou Gehrig's Disease, is still communicating with the other coaches and having valuable input.
ALS SACK-MASTER TO ASSUME THE LOTUS POSITION?
Alouettes defensive star Anwar Stewart has bulked up with more muscle but added a unique zen approach to his off-season training. With less than a month to go to Alouettes Training Camp, Stewart is raving about adding 6 more pounds of muscle and improved flexibility and balance because of a yoga workout routine.
"I left sacks out there on the field," Stewart says of the 2008 campaign that ended in heartache on the field at Olympic Stadium in the Grey Cup loss to the Stampeders.
"I haven't even looked at the tapes of that game," admits the veteran defensive end. Stewart has looked over other game footage and believes his yoga regimen will boost his quarterback-hunting.
FIND OUT WHICH OTHER ALOUETTES ARE WORKING ON THEIR LOTUS POSITION ON THE RIC PETERSON SHOW!
ALS GO WITH CALGARY PRODUCT AS FIRST PICK IN CFL DRAFT
The Montreal Alouettes selected offensive lineman Dylan Steenbergen of the University of Calgary Dinos with their first pick in the first round, seventh overall, of the 2009 CFL Canadian Draft.
The Alouettes followed up their opening pick with long-snapper Martin Bédard of the Connecticut Huskies, making him the first of three Québécois players chosen by the team this year.
"We are very happy with our choices, especially to get a quality player like Steenbergen with our first pick. We've added depth across the board, and we're especially happy to be able to add three Quebec-born talents to our roster," said Vice President and GM Jim Popp following the draft.Alouettes' 2009 draft:
2009 Draft Round (tot) Name Pos Age Height Weight Uni Place of birth 1 (7) Dylan Steenbergen OL 21 6'5" 285 Calgary Lethbridge, AB 2 (14) Martin Bédard LS 25 6'3" 239 Connecticut Laval, QC 2 (15) Matt Singer OL 24 6'2" 327 Manitoba Medicine Hat, AB 3 (23) Nickolas Morin-Soucy DL 24 6'2" 241 Montréal Gaspé, QC 4 (25) Stan Van Sichem DL 21 6'2" 229 Regina Amsterdam 4 (31) Ivan Brown DL 24 6'2" 240 Saskatchewan Regina, SK 5 (39) Benoît Boulanger FB 24 6'2" 240 Sherbrooke Sherbrooke, QC 6 (47) Ryan Mousseau OL 22 6'3" 275 Ottawa Ottawa, ON
STALA LEAVING MONTREAL AFTER 6 YEARS
HEADED HOME TO HAMILTON
Former Alouette 1,000-yard reciever Dave Stala is headed to his hometown team after 6 seasons with the Als. Stala will confirm a 2-year deal with the Tiger-Cats tomorrow, according to CJAD's CFL sources.
The former 6th round draft pick in 2003 scored a career high 5 td's in 2005, and scored another in the '05 Grey Cup game against the Eskimos. Ironically, Stala seriously considered an offer from the Esks over the last 48 hours.
ALS HOLD 3 OF TOP 15 DRAFT PICKS THIS WEEKEND
ALOUETTES GREAT GOES TO THE HALL
FUZZY SAYS HE SHARES IT WITH TEAMMATE JUDGES
HEADED HOME TO HAMILTON
Former Alouette 1,000-yard reciever Dave Stala is headed to his hometown team after 6 seasons with the Als. Stala will confirm a 2-year deal with the Tiger-Cats tomorrow, according to CJAD's CFL sources.
The former 6th round draft pick in 2003 scored a career high 5 td's in 2005, and scored another in the '05 Grey Cup game against the Eskimos. Ironically, Stala seriously considered an offer from the Esks over the last 48 hours.
ALS HOLD 3 OF TOP 15 DRAFT PICKS THIS WEEKEND
CFL Draft Weekend could be very good to the Alouettes. While they only pick 7th overall in the 1st Round, GM Jim Popp and his talent scouting department also hold the 14th and 15th picks overall.
Jamall Lee in a CJAD exclusive admits he'd be thrilled to be selected by the Als. The Bishops University runningback has signed a free agent deal with the Carolina Panthers but could have Kerry Carter possibilities---spend a year or 2 in the NFL on special teams if not on offense, and then return to Canada.
Lee is the son of former CFL RB Orville Lee and calls Vancouver home now. The BC Lions hold 3 of the 1st 6 picks overall. Lee tells CJAD he'd also welcome being selected by the Argos because his mother lives there.
Bishops Coach Leroy Blugh tells CJAD that Lee is a cross between "Dickerson and Adrian Peterson" in his running style. Lee laughed when CJAD told him that, saying "Wow...Peterson is my favorite NFL player."
Jamall Lee in a CJAD exclusive admits he'd be thrilled to be selected by the Als. The Bishops University runningback has signed a free agent deal with the Carolina Panthers but could have Kerry Carter possibilities---spend a year or 2 in the NFL on special teams if not on offense, and then return to Canada.
Lee is the son of former CFL RB Orville Lee and calls Vancouver home now. The BC Lions hold 3 of the 1st 6 picks overall. Lee tells CJAD he'd also welcome being selected by the Argos because his mother lives there.
Bishops Coach Leroy Blugh tells CJAD that Lee is a cross between "Dickerson and Adrian Peterson" in his running style. Lee laughed when CJAD told him that, saying "Wow...Peterson is my favorite NFL player."
ALOUETTES GREAT GOES TO THE HALL
FUZZY SAYS HE SHARES IT WITH TEAMMATE JUDGES
Longtime Alouettes defensive tackle Gordie "Fuzzy" Weir will be inducted to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame class of 2009. An Alouette from 1972-84, Weir dominated in the trenches throughout the Levy Era and beyond. He was a Grey Cup Champion in 74 and 77, and honoured as Outstanding Defensive Player in the '77 game, the infamous Staple Game.
Weir says he shares the honour with his longtime teammate in the trenches Gordie Judges and they remain good friends to this day.
Weir is also pleased that "I have a 3rd ring now for my 3rd daughter." With 2 Grey Cup rings and 3 daughters, now they each can lay claim to a precious heirloom of their father's career.
Weir tells CJAD in a 1-on-1 exclusive that his rookie pay in '72 with the Als was just $6,000. But at the height of the late 70's he earned the respect of the CFL to become the best-paid defensive tackle in the league ($125,000)..."That was for about 2 days...then they signed some guy from Toronto who was gone in a year," chuckles Weir.
The burly, wild-haired behemoth suggests that he and Judges probably hold the CFL alltime sack record but their stats were never kept. Weir does hold the alltime Alouettes record for games played in regular season, a record Bryan Chiu can break this summer when Alouette Football returns to CJAD for the 2009 season.
Weir says he shares the honour with his longtime teammate in the trenches Gordie Judges and they remain good friends to this day.
Weir is also pleased that "I have a 3rd ring now for my 3rd daughter." With 2 Grey Cup rings and 3 daughters, now they each can lay claim to a precious heirloom of their father's career.
Weir tells CJAD in a 1-on-1 exclusive that his rookie pay in '72 with the Als was just $6,000. But at the height of the late 70's he earned the respect of the CFL to become the best-paid defensive tackle in the league ($125,000)..."That was for about 2 days...then they signed some guy from Toronto who was gone in a year," chuckles Weir.
The burly, wild-haired behemoth suggests that he and Judges probably hold the CFL alltime sack record but their stats were never kept. Weir does hold the alltime Alouettes record for games played in regular season, a record Bryan Chiu can break this summer when Alouette Football returns to CJAD for the 2009 season.
ANTHONY AND ALEXIA THRILLED: CALVILLO FAMILY ROOM UNVEILED
CJAD Sports was proud to help launch MUHC's Calvillo Family Room at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Anthony and Alexia Calvillo have teamed up with CJAD 800 and the Cedars Cancer Institute (cedars.ca) to refurbish the 7th Floor Family Room. Families fighting cancer now have a comforting place for kids and parents. Your donation is always welcome.
CALVILLO NOW CONFIRMED FOR THE MAB-MACKAY FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT MAY 27TH. Rick Moffat will be Honorary Duffer for the day at Laval-sur-le Lac to benefit programs for disabled youth and programs supporting Montreal-area visually impaired.
AC COMING BACK FOR '09
Anthony Calvillo has confirmed what sources have already suggested to CJAD...the CFL MVP is coming back for the Quest for the Cup in 2009, after signing for 1 year plus an option.
The news Alexia and Anthony have been praying for has been recieved...a pet-scan last week has confirmed Alexia is "clear of cancer" and in remission.
Calvillo could have become a free agent in a week but there was no way he'd leave Montreal.
Here are Anthony and Alexia, with daughters Athena and Olivia in the background, in conversation with CJAD's Abe Hefter following today's announcement.
ListenThe news Alexia and Anthony have been praying for has been recieved...a pet-scan last week has confirmed Alexia is "clear of cancer" and in remission.
Calvillo could have become a free agent in a week but there was no way he'd leave Montreal.
Here are Anthony and Alexia, with daughters Athena and Olivia in the background, in conversation with CJAD's Abe Hefter following today's announcement.
It's a Grey Cup rematch
Alouettes at Calgary, July 1st
The Alouettes will look for revenge Canada Day when they head to Calgary July 1st to kick off the 2009 CFL schedule. The Grey Cup rematch will be followed up by the regular season Home Opener July 9 against the Edmonton Eskimos.
HEAR EVERY GAME LIVE ON CJAD: COMPLETE ALS 2009 SKED: http://en.montrealalouettes.com/schedule/year/2009/9
The Alouettes lost the 96th Grey Cup 22-14 to the Stampeders at Olympic stadium. Certainly a win over Calgary to open the season would be nice, but the sting of the Grey Cup loss still lingers among the players and fans.
ALS RE-SIGN IMOH
FORMER ALS SPECIAL T HITTER INTERESTED IN RETURN?
FORMER ALS SPECIAL T HITTER INTERESTED IN RETURN?
The Alouettes have re-signed Mike Imoh, their determined little super-sub of a reserve running back. Imoh has suffered injuries each of his first two seasons with the Als but subbed in for Avon Cobourne effectively in 2008.
Imoh was second on the team behind Avon Cobourne with 62 carries for 398 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught 12 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown. He is only 24 despite heading to Training Camp Fort St. Jean for the 3rd time.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats released Michael Botterill recently and CFL sources suggest he could be interested in returning to Montreal. The Als could need a special-teams hitter, especially a Canadian kamikazee, with Walter Spencer and Shawn Gallant leaving as free agents.
VANIER QB STAR WINS CANADIAN FIRST
FOR US COLLEGE
Myles Gibbon of the Vanier Cheetahs is now a Jaguar and treading in unprecedented territory for a Canadian QB. He'll be a freshman starter for the fledgling NCAA University of Southern Alabama program, CJAD Sports has learned.
Gibbon and his father John (longtime North Shore Mustangs and Laval Liberty High coach) returned home Super Bowl Sunday from Mobile, Alabama with the commitment. Gibbon becomes the first Canadian QB ever to win starting status as a freshman at a US university, surpassing even Jesse Palmer at Florida.
Gibbon is a former Alouettes Bursary award-winner and by coincidence the grandson of June McConnell, whose company JM Transcriptions provides CJAD listeners with written or audio transcripts of CJAD Radio Shows.
FOR US COLLEGE
Myles Gibbon of the Vanier Cheetahs is now a Jaguar and treading in unprecedented territory for a Canadian QB. He'll be a freshman starter for the fledgling NCAA University of Southern Alabama program, CJAD Sports has learned.
Gibbon and his father John (longtime North Shore Mustangs and Laval Liberty High coach) returned home Super Bowl Sunday from Mobile, Alabama with the commitment. Gibbon becomes the first Canadian QB ever to win starting status as a freshman at a US university, surpassing even Jesse Palmer at Florida.
Gibbon is a former Alouettes Bursary award-winner and by coincidence the grandson of June McConnell, whose company JM Transcriptions provides CJAD listeners with written or audio transcripts of CJAD Radio Shows.
The Alouettes have kept the arsenal ready for Anthony Calvillo. The team announced that Jamel Richardson will return for three years plus an option.
The big bodied receiver turned down an offer from the Minnesota Vikings-due to lack of up front money-and will return to the Alouettes.
Richardson caught 98 passes for 16 touchdowns and over 12-hundred yards receiving in 2008.
The big bodied receiver turned down an offer from the Minnesota Vikings-due to lack of up front money-and will return to the Alouettes.
Richardson caught 98 passes for 16 touchdowns and over 12-hundred yards receiving in 2008.
AC'S PRIME TARGET AND BLIND-SIDE BLOCKER RE-SIGN LONGTERM DEALS
When Alouettes GM Jim Popp broke the news on CJAD Sports just before Christmas that he wanted Jamal Richardson to consider a longterm contract extension even as NFL possibilities were being explored, he clearly was intent on living up to his word. The Als and Richardson have signed a 4-year deal...the kind of length rarely seen in the CFL and even more rarely with the Als. It is the kind of contract CFL star quarterbacks may get but it is a rare offer to a rare talent---Richardson set the Alouettes record for most touchdowns by a reciever in a single season.
Alouettes return to CJAD 800 this Summer and Fall of 2009 for Game Action on the Road to Grey Cup in Calgary come November.
ARTIST, MUSICIAN HOPES TO MAKE ENDZONE PERFORMANCE ART WITH A.C. IN '09
Darnerian McCants is not your usual football player. Then again, as a late round draft pick of the Redskins back in 2001 he proved to be not your usual reciever. He's got size...6'3", 215. And he's got creativity...an artist and a musician. Now he's bringing it all to Training Camp Fort St. Jean in May.
McCants was a training camp cut of the Baltimore Ravens in 2008. He spent several seasons with the Skins, Eagles and Ravens before trying the CFL in 2007 with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
CHECK OUT DARNERIAN'S ART AT HIS WEBSITE:
http://darnerian.com
POPP ALSO TELLS CJAD that the suspension of the Arena Football League has prompted several agents to call him looking for jobs for their players. Popp already has his eyes on a top reciever from the AFL but has been told by the CFL to lay low for a while until the league figures out if Arena veterans are legally still under contract to their teams.
CHIU BACK FOR ONE MORE YEAR, ONE MORE RING?!
Alouettes allstar centre Bryan Chiu was hoping to ride off into the football sunset with one more Grey Cup ring but after the bitter disappointment of losing in November on home turf, Chiu has decided to come back for one more season. BRYAN IN HIS OWN WORDS: Listen
ALS GM JIM POPP ON CHIU'S RETURN:Listen
Etienne Boulay re-signs for three years
Montreal Alouettes’ Vice President and General Manager Jim Popp is pleased to announce that free safety Étienne Boulay has signed a new three-year contract with the team.
“I am very excited to continue my career in my hometown, Montreal,” Boulay said. “We just had an excellent season and I sincerely believe 2008 was only the beginning of something special."
Named the East Division’s top rookie in 2006, Boulay was also named Gibson’s Finest Canadian Player in 2007. He attended training camp with the NFL New York Jets in 2008 before returning to the Alouettes in early August. In eight games played including four starts in 2008, he made 17 defensive tackles, five special teams tackles and added one interception. He is 25.
“Étienne is part of the new generation of young leaders with the Alouettes,” Popp said. “He will have the opportunity to express his leadership on the field and in the locker room for years to come. We are thrilled to keep him with us for a long time.”
CALGARY STAMPEDERS RIDE OFF INTO THE SUNSET WITH A 22-14 GREY CUP VICTORY
Anthony Calvillo has accomplished some great things over his distinguished career with the Montreal Alouettes, but his 1-5 record in Grey Cup games risks putting a damper on his legacy.
But his longtime centre Bryan Chiu said after Sunday's 22-14 loss to the Calgary Stampeders that isn't a fair assessment for a quarterback who is likely headed to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame one day.
``There's no one I would rather have back there behind me,'' said Chiu, his voice trembling and tears still in his eyes after emerging from the shower. ``Some people may say he can't win the big game, but it's a team game. It takes 42 guys to win.''
Despite the loss, it was a record setting night for Calvillo. The Montreal QB completed his 124th career pass, surpassing the previous record of 108 held by Doug Flutie.
For guys like Chiu, Calvillo, receiver Ben Cahoon and others who have made up the core of the Alouettes this decade, losing the CFL's penultimate contest five times in six tries since 2000 means they know how to deal with this disappointment.
But first year head coach Mark Trestman was going through the experience of losing the Grey Cup for the first time, and he refuses to allow one game to destroy what his team accomplished this year.
``I would never let three hours force me to lose my self-dignity as a person or a coach,'' Trestman said. ``I would hope (the players) don't either.''
Though Chiu came to his defence, Calvillo was willing to take the responsibility for the loss, saying his two fourth quarter interceptions ``came back to kill us.''
Here's CJAD's Rick Moffat with AC when this one was over.Listen
Calvillo had hinted this week that Sunday's game may have been his last, especially had he been able to go out a winner in front of his fans at Olympic Stadium.
Chiu also wanted to make the feeling of winning in front of his home fans his final one ever on a football field, and is now no longer willing to walk away.
CJAD's Rick Moffat with Brian Chiu in the Als locker room. Listen
``This is a great group of guys,'' Richardson said. ``I love the coaches, my teammates, the organization. We had a blast this season. It makes me want to just stay here and take another go around with them.''
Though a lot will be made of Calvillo's two late interceptions, the Alouettes had two first half drives stall within the Calgary 15-yard-line and had to settle for field goals. The Stampeders got a touchdown before the end of the half and it set the stage for their second half takeover of the game.
``We said it in the first half that we can't beat Calgary with field goals,'' Richardson said. ``As an offence, when we get down there we've got to score. You've got to score touchdowns to win a championship game. We had a chance to shut the door on them, and we kept them around.''
But his longtime centre Bryan Chiu said after Sunday's 22-14 loss to the Calgary Stampeders that isn't a fair assessment for a quarterback who is likely headed to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame one day.
``There's no one I would rather have back there behind me,'' said Chiu, his voice trembling and tears still in his eyes after emerging from the shower. ``Some people may say he can't win the big game, but it's a team game. It takes 42 guys to win.''
Despite the loss, it was a record setting night for Calvillo. The Montreal QB completed his 124th career pass, surpassing the previous record of 108 held by Doug Flutie.
For guys like Chiu, Calvillo, receiver Ben Cahoon and others who have made up the core of the Alouettes this decade, losing the CFL's penultimate contest five times in six tries since 2000 means they know how to deal with this disappointment.
But first year head coach Mark Trestman was going through the experience of losing the Grey Cup for the first time, and he refuses to allow one game to destroy what his team accomplished this year.
``I would never let three hours force me to lose my self-dignity as a person or a coach,'' Trestman said. ``I would hope (the players) don't either.''
Though Chiu came to his defence, Calvillo was willing to take the responsibility for the loss, saying his two fourth quarter interceptions ``came back to kill us.''
Here's CJAD's Rick Moffat with AC when this one was over.Listen
Calvillo had hinted this week that Sunday's game may have been his last, especially had he been able to go out a winner in front of his fans at Olympic Stadium.
Chiu also wanted to make the feeling of winning in front of his home fans his final one ever on a football field, and is now no longer willing to walk away.
CJAD's Rick Moffat with Brian Chiu in the Als locker room. Listen
``This is a great group of guys,'' Richardson said. ``I love the coaches, my teammates, the organization. We had a blast this season. It makes me want to just stay here and take another go around with them.''
Though a lot will be made of Calvillo's two late interceptions, the Alouettes had two first half drives stall within the Calgary 15-yard-line and had to settle for field goals. The Stampeders got a touchdown before the end of the half and it set the stage for their second half takeover of the game.
``We said it in the first half that we can't beat Calgary with field goals,'' Richardson said. ``As an offence, when we get down there we've got to score. You've got to score touchdowns to win a championship game. We had a chance to shut the door on them, and we kept them around.''
PRINCE HAL AND THE RIFLE REUNITED
ALS WRAP UP FINAL PRACTISE AT BIG OWE
The Als completed their final day of on-field workouts at Olympic Stadium while President Larry Smith and GM Jim Popp were on hand at the CFL Legends Breakfast to retire the jersey #75 for "Prince Hal" Patterson. It was moving ceremony that brought tears to the eyes of the hero of the 1950's.
QB star Sam Etchevery says Patterson, who's survived numerous health problems lately, could have been an NFL player but loved Montreal.
The Rifle, as Sam was known, is battling his own health troubles, bracing for one more chemo treatment in a battle against cancer that has knocked 40 pounds off the Canadian Football Hall of Fame legend.
QB star Sam Etchevery says Patterson, who's survived numerous health problems lately, could have been an NFL player but loved Montreal.
The Rifle, as Sam was known, is battling his own health troubles, bracing for one more chemo treatment in a battle against cancer that has knocked 40 pounds off the Canadian Football Hall of Fame legend.
Former Alouette Allstar and longtime CJAD 800 Sports Broadcaster/Blogger Tony Proudfoot wants you to help him tackle Lou Gehrig's disease (A.L.S.)
THANK YOU FOR JOINING Tony, CJAD, and the Als at the 2008 ALS Walkathon on September 20th--TOGETHER YOU'VE RAISED ANOTHER RECORD-SETTING TOTAL OF $116,000 FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST A.L.S. IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO JOIN TEAM PROUDFOOT:
http://www.sla-quebec.ca/en/events/events.php
Please make a donation to the Tony Proudfoot Fund today: http://sla-quebec.ca/english/
TRUE HEROES:
ANTHONY AND ALEXIA CALVILLO INVITE YOU TO JOIN THE CJAD TOUCHDOWN CLUB.
HELP 'AC' AND ALEXIA SUPPORT THE CALVILLO FAMILY ROOM AT THE CEDARS CANCER INSTITUTE AT THE MUHC.
WITH EVERY TOUCHDOWN PASS HE THROWS, ANTHONY DONATES $100.00 MATCHED BY THE CJAD KINDS FUND. NOW YOUR COMPANY, GROUP OR YOU CAN TEAM UP WITH ANTHONY AND ALEXIA. MAKE THE CALVILLO FAMILY ROOM A COMFORTING PLACE WHERE FAMILIES FIGHTING CANCER CAN WIN THEIR BATTLES TOO!
http://www.cedars.ca/cedars/en/news_and_events/events#event_279
ANTHONY AND ALEXIA CALVILLO INVITE YOU TO JOIN THE CJAD TOUCHDOWN CLUB.
HELP 'AC' AND ALEXIA SUPPORT THE CALVILLO FAMILY ROOM AT THE CEDARS CANCER INSTITUTE AT THE MUHC.
WITH EVERY TOUCHDOWN PASS HE THROWS, ANTHONY DONATES $100.00 MATCHED BY THE CJAD KINDS FUND. NOW YOUR COMPANY, GROUP OR YOU CAN TEAM UP WITH ANTHONY AND ALEXIA. MAKE THE CALVILLO FAMILY ROOM A COMFORTING PLACE WHERE FAMILIES FIGHTING CANCER CAN WIN THEIR BATTLES TOO!
http://www.cedars.ca/cedars/en/news_and_events/events#event_279
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