WINNIPEG — He’s back where it all began.
Chad Rempel has returned to Winnipeg, the same place the Grey Cup champ’s football career kicked off a decade ago.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to play with guys that have been around a long time,” Rempel said. “Wade Miller during my rookie year. Some real special teams demons.”
The only difference – he’s now a long snapper. Rempel made the move from receiver following the 2009 season after he suffered several injuries.
“I still had a passion for the game and wanted to find a way to keep playing,” Rempel said. “I taught myself how to snap.”
It’s a position that requires you to be clutch under pressure. Ice in your veins per se. Luckily Rempel spent some time out in the cold. The Saskatoon product competed in bobsleigh for several years. He even won a national four-man championship in 2009 as part of Lyndon Rush’s team.
“I was actually recruited out of college,” said Rempel. “Things weren’t going well with my football career. I had a lot of injuries so I gave that a try.”
Rempel’s switch to the sled isn’t unique. Former CFL running back Jesse Lumsden also took up bobsleigh and went on to win a world championship silver medal in 2012.
“They like the bigger, faster athletes,” said Rempel. “Naturally they look to football players since there’s an easy transition there.”
Rempel is now hoping for one more change – become a leader with the Bombers.
“He’s going to raise the level of that group,” said head coach Mike O’Shea. “He demands excellence. He’s just bringing that attitude and it’s in a good way.”
A shift Rempel hopes to make in a snap.
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