I am passionate about football and I'm lucky enough to get to play in my hometown.

Last year Don said I could miss a practice or leave early if I needed to, but I want to be there 100 per cent. It's a matter of respect for my teammates.

When (head coach) Don Matthews announced he was coming back and with all the guys we've signed, we'll have a great team. I want a chance to win another Grey Cup.

I'm here to play football.

Understanding why we are here, what we are supposed to be doing, relationships, and striving to do more other than play football - when you get understanding like that and apply it, it works wonders.

Often there are players who have only football as a way of expressing themselves and never develop other interests. And when they no longer play football, they no longer do anything; they no longer exist, or rather they have the sensation of no longer existing.