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Recent Transactions I get the phone call that Cortez is going to Buffalo, and while I had figured for some time that he was leaving, I had no idea that it was to the NFL. I have learned alot from Cortez over the past 3 years. He is a very smart man, and one of the best coaching minds in all of football. Wanting to become a coach after my career is over; it is good getting to be around coaches like Cortez. I have gathered knowledge from him on many aspects of football. Then the Cope trade, I will talk about that last. Sandro has just signed with Hamilton, and I have known for a while that he would do that. I just didn't know if it was going to be Hamilton or Toronto, but knowing Sandro he chose the one that he thought would be better. He loves to win games, and up until the Grey Cup him and I were pretty cool with each other. Last year was different, everyone knows success brings change, but the degree of change always depends on the person. I wish him success where ever he goes, because he is still Automatic, and he is a great kicker. Now the Cope trade, I really couldn't believe this when I read it. I was at a funeral and I felt my phone vibrate but I didn't check it, then about 2 minutes later I feel it vibrate again, so I know somebody is trying to get a hold of me. I check it and notice a text from Cope and then I read it. It was like I was at 2 funerals. Cope has made a big difference in the way I play the game. He has had a impact on my life that I wouldn't be able to explain. I remember when I heard about us picking up Cope from free agency back in 05. The team had cut my friend Sulecio Sanford during training camp and he was a starter at the time. We were Roommates my rookie year. I was in the locker room and I was really upset and we had our night meetings still. Cope was in the training room, and I walked in and said that I wasn't going to the meeting because of the crap that just happened. He looked at me and told me that I was apart of the reason he came to Calgary and asked me not to leave him by himself. It changed my whole attitude because I knew I had someone that I could look up to and learn from. I also remember before our first game I walked up to him and told him that this was his team and I was ready to follow his lead. I didn't want to butt heads because I knew how great of a player he was. I was the only skill player from the year before (I don't count Jof because he only played 5 games) and I could have said I want to be #1, but I wanted to win and I knew if we were friends and respected each other then we wouldn't complain about each other. Well, it really worked because we won 12 games that year. I had my best year to date, with almost 1400 yards, and finished #2 in the league. Cope took all the attention and I just did my thang on the other side and it started something huge. We went on to win a Grey Cup in 2008 and it was so much better being able to do it with a group that had struggled in the playoffs for 3 years. He was my Road Roommate for the whole 5 years, and I think that I only missed 1 or 2 road trips in that span, and I don't think he missed any. I know I am one of his biggest fans and I know how much I and the fans will miss him when the Stamps take the field this year, but now its time for me to use what he has taught me. He was the leader of our recieving core, and I know the struggles he had when times were rough with not getting the ball, to losing games we should have won. I watched him in times of greatness and in times were nobody wanted him. I know what I have to do to keep this ship floating and to get back to the Grey Cup. I have been wondering why this trade happened, but now I am realizing that it is my turn to take the reigns. Its time for the student to step up and show that over the last 5 years I learned how to take charge. My role changes and I am accepting that role, I want to win and I want to win now. I just wanted to say thank you to Cope for taking the time to guide me and not letting me fall victim to my ego or attitude. It was a great 5 years and now 699 Catches, 11,013 yards, and 73 Touchdowns later; its time this duo leads seperate teams. Its going to feel really wierd watching him take the field without me on July 1st, but he will still be Showtime, and I will still be Lew Lew. My Thoughts, Your TIme, Thanks For Reading.. NiK L.
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Previous Blogs: Seasons Greetings/Season End Video Blogs Check out Nik's blog on Stampeders.com |
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