Courtesy Regina Leader Post:

Wes Cates has signed countless autographs since joining the Saskatchewan Roughriders, but one signature in particular stands out.

The 28-year-old tailback has just finished signing a two-year contract — calling for one year plus an option — with the CFL team. The new deal extends through the 2009 season.

“It’s a beautiful feeling, especially coming from where I’ve come from,” Cates said Monday after the Roughriders announced the deal.

“I’ve been playing football for upwards of 20 years, if you count when I was back in Little League. I can honestly say that now is the first time that I really am making a living through it. It’s a dream I’ve been chasing for a long time and to have that security is a weight off your shoulders.

“It definitely feels good to finally be comfortable and in a situation where you know you’re wanted. Everybody’s happy and everybody’s looking forward to moving on with the situation.”

Cates was to become a free agent on Feb. 15, but didn’t even come close to testing the waters. Financial terms of the new contract were not disclosed.

Roughriders general manager Eric Tillman acquired Cates from the Calgary Stampeders at the end of the 2007 preseason. Saskatchewan surrendered non-import centre Rob Lazeo and a conditional pick in the 2009 Canadian college draft.

Cates quickly filled a void that was created when tailback Kenton Keith, who was named the Roughriders’ outstanding player in 2006, signed with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts.

In 14 regular-season games, Cates had a team-high 866 rushing yards, scoring five touchdowns along the ground. He also had 45 receptions for 452 yards.

“Honestly, this offence is built for a running back who can do everything well,” Cates said. “Whereas some guys might have a little bit stronger running game than me or maybe they can block a little better than me or maybe even receive better than me, they can’t do it all better than me. With this offence, I think that’s what Kent (Austin, head coach) and Eric Tillman were looking for.

“When I came into camp and showed them what I can do, they figured I had what they wanted. I just did my best to fill those roles week in and week out. Obviously, it was enough to win a Grey Cup, so I’m proud to be doing my part to help this team to the Grey Cup. It was a good situation for everybody when it was all said and done.”

Cates missed the final three regular-season games, plus the Riders’ first home playoff game since 1988, with a hairline fracture in his left foot. He returned for the West Division final and the Grey Cup, even though it was initially felt that the injury would be season-ending.

“There was a point where I really didn’t think that I could play and I wasn’t going to have an opportunity to help out my team,” said Cates, whose injured foot was numbed by painkillers. “To find out that I did have that opportunity, even though it was going to come with some consequences, those consequences were well worth it.

“It’s something I can always look back on and say I took that extra step. I kind of put my body at risk, but it paid off.”

Cates isn’t taking many extra steps these days. Doctors have prescribed some rest for the injured foot. How was he able to participate in the playoffs with an injury from which he is still recuperating?

“It’s amazing what they can do today with medical health,” Cates marvelled. “Just shoot it up and it’s pretty much numb for a few hours. You just take it from there and deal with the pain afterwards.”

Cates is still in Regina, but will soon return home to Columbus, Ohio. He is already anxiously awaiting his first full training camp with the Roughriders and wants to see what he can accomplish over an entire, uninterrupted season.

“I’m thinking that way. I think Kent Austin is thinking that way. I think the whole organization is thinking that way, because I still missed a lot of games,” Cates said. “Coming into camp and being able to grasp the system right off the top and not really even having to fit in, there will already be a fit for me.

“To be able to hit the ground running is definitely going to play a big factor in the beginning of next season and the whole season.”