SASKATOON – The Saskatchewan Roughriders got an extra defensive boost just before the beginning of training camp in Saskatoon.
“I’m just back where I’m having fun, I love doing what I’m doing, I’m back with some guys who I know and love.” said a smiling John Chick after the morning practice on Sunday.
Not a lot has changed about Chick since his departure from the Riders in 2009. He still exhibits the same high energy, no quit style of play that made him famous around these parts a few years ago.
The only noticeable difference can be found on Chick’s face, as he’s sporting an impressive beard these days.
The now 30-year-old defensive end was cut loose from the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars after spending the past two seasons with the franchise. Instead of waiting for several months to potentially get picked up by another squad, Chick made the decision to come back to the Canadian Football league (CFL).
“It wasn’t just me, but my wife too,” said Chick. “She was all for the Rider deal, so I said, man, let’s just do it.”
When asked if the NFL was out of his system, Chick’s response inspired confidence to all in Riderville, that number 97 is here to stay.
“I’m not even thinking about that,” Chick would later add. “I don’t expect to go back to the NFL, that is not my plan at all.”
This is great news for the Riders since improving the pass rush was a priority this off-season after choosing not to re-sign Odell Willis and loosing Brent Hawkins to an early retirement.
But with the additions of John Chick, Ricky Foley, and Jermaine McElveen, the Green and White should create some headaches for opposing CFL quarterbacks this season.
The Riders have resumed training camp today.
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