Courtesy Calgary Herald:

Randy Chevrier is not exactly a gridiron superstar.

Sure, his fellow Calgary Stampeders appreciate his ability to snap the ball upside down through his legs to punter Burke Dales. And sure, they count on him as a dependable backup on the defensive line.

But, for the next five days, Chevrier is a celebrity of the highest order as his Stampeders take on the Montreal Alouettes Sunday in the 96th Grey Cup at Olympic Stadium

Chevrier grew up in Montreal. He played his college ball at McGill University. And he speaks French.

Let the madness begin.

“Yeah, it can get a little crazy in Montreal,” Chevrier said. “But the main thing is we have a big game to play on Sunday. We’re there for business.

Chevrier is not alone in his (temporary) role as media darling. Fellow Stampeders Marc Calixte, Jabari Arthur, Miguel Robede and Jonathan Lapointe all call Quebec home.

The interview requests — and the family demands — threaten to be exhausting.

“Every time I go back, it’s usually the same thing,” Chevrier said. “I’m cooped up in the hotel room. “If my parents and relatives want to see me, they usually make it down to the hotel It makes it a little easier for them to come to me.”

Calixte had his family waiting for him Tuesday when the Stamps touched down at Pierre Trudeau International Airport.

“I’m just thrilled and happy to be here,” Calixte said. “I’m here with my teammates, and we all get to enjoy my beautiful home town of Montreal.”

A precious supply of game tickets is an issue for every player — not just those from Quebec. But Chevrier and Co. certainly feel the heat from family members and friends angling for a chance to watch the spectacle live.

“It’s a challenge” Chevrier said. “It’s a mad scramble. We get two each, so, for me, my tickets go to my wife and son.”

Robede has already struck several deals with teammates for their unused ducats.

“We make trades,” he said. “They give me tickets. I give them French quotations.”

French quotations?

“Nah, I’m just kidding,” he said. “We trade tickets for different games as the year goes on. Of other kinds of things.”

Born in the mining community of Val d’Or, Robede reverts to his mother tongue whenever Calixte, Chevrier, Arthur or Lapointe are around in the Stampeders clubhouse.

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