WINNIPEG – It was a nightmare of a rookie season for receiver Addison Richards in 2015.
“It was awful.” said Richards. “Sometimes it’s something I want to forget, but at the same time it’s something that’s motivated me and I don’t think I can get any lower that.”
Injuries were the story of his first pro campaign after the Bombers selected Richards with the 11th overall draft pick. He only appeared in five games in 2015 and made just one catch. After suffering through hamstring and quadriceps injuries, it was hip surgery that ended his rookie season.
“The quad tore and they went in there with an MRI and they noticed that the labrum in the hip was torn.” Richards said. “So decided to get that fixed up and it’s feeling good so far.”
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Even though Richards missed more than 2/3 of the season, it wasn’t a complete waste of a year.
“Just being around, I think he picked up the nuances of the game.” said head coach Mike O’Shea. “And going through a training camp last year with us he understands the level jump from where he came from.”
“You learn something new everyday.” Richards said. “You see things on film. The coaches are always critiquing other players. It doesn’t have to necessarily be yourself on film, you can always pick things up.”
Richards led the Canada West conference in receiving in his final season with the Regina Rams and going through what he did in his first year as a pro has only made him stronger.
“I feel like I’m mentally tougher this year.” said Richards. “I know what to expect and I’m looking forward to getting on the field and proving why I should be here.”
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Much of Richards off-season was spent rehabbing his injured hip instead of working to improve his football skills, but now a week into camp he’s feeling more and more comfortable.
“He’s steadily improving.” said O’Shea. “He did look a little rusty coming in, but he said he felt great and I think over the last bunch of days you’ve seen him feel more comfortable physically.”
“I think I’ve gotten better every day. I’m starting to feel more in the groove, more in the football groove.” said Richards. “I know what to expect so hopefully this year it’s not such a shock once the lights are on.”
The lights come on for the first time on Wednesday with the Bombers’ first pre-season game against the Montreal Alouettes.
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