Jun
Pair of Stampeders retire
Courtesy Vancouver Province:
Late last week, Calgary Stampeders coach and general manager John Hufnagel was putting the finishing touches on his training camp roster.
Then the phone rang. Twice, as a matter of fact.
The result of those phone calls: two out-of-the-blue retirements (possibly temporary, possibly permanent) of players who dressed in last November’s Grey Cup victory in Montreal and some last-minute roster juggling in time for Sunday’s opening session of the Stamps’ 2009 training camp.
Receiver/fullback Teyo Johnson and quarterback Will Proctor are in the midst of filling out retirement papers to pursue business opportunities, Hufnagel confirmed Tuesday.
“There’s some disappointment, but you also feel good because the players have found opportunities outside of football that they feel will be good for their livelihood,” said Hufnagel. “Everyone understands that the Canadian Football League and the way it’s structured is not something that the players can rely on(for long-term financial security). These two gentlemen believe they’ve found life after football. It’s disappointing, but we move on.”
Both players, whose rights will continue to be held by Calgary, were entering their second year with the Stamps.
Johnson, 27, signed last June just after the Stamps’ season opener and brought a unique skill set to the team. He was utilized as a slotback, a tight end and a fullback in various formations, and was a key to the of-fence based both on his size(six foot five, 260 pounds)and Canadian birth certificate. He made 15 catches, two of them for touchdowns last season, including a memorable Hail Mary 53-yard reception just before halftime at McMahon Stadium against the Montreal Alouettes.
But Johnson is vice-chairman of an Arizona-based startup company, Logic Wireless, that produces cell-phones that can project images onto a screen.
“Things are going well right now, so it’s just some-thing I have to do this year. It’s a great opportunity for myself and my family,”said Johnson. “Definitely there are some regrets, but I see no reason why we wouldn’t go win it again without me.
“Oh, it was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make, no question. I had a great time last year; it’s just that I can’t work and get this going down here unless I’m hands on for at least the next six months.”
Johnson, though, made it crystal-clear he doesn’t consider his retirement permanent.
“The coaches were very supportive of my decision, they were very understanding, and they wish me well and hope to see me back soon,” he said. “I’m definitely thinking I’d like to come back next year. It’s more of a leave of absence for this year than anything else.”
Proctor, meanwhile, was the No. 3 quarterback for the Stamps in the playoffs behind Henry Burris and Barrick Nealy.The 25-year-old Floridian attempted just one pass during the regular season and made it count, a 49-yard completion.
Filling the void left by Proctor would likely be easier for the Stamps; they already had reigning Arena league MVP Matt D’Orazio coming to camp, and the team is on the verge of signing former Saskatchewan Roughriders prospect Drew Tate.
Replacing Johnson is another matter, and the Stamps are doing some creative shuffling in hopes of doing
just that. Fernand Kashama, a second-round draft pick last year before completing his NCAA eligibility at Western Michigan, where he played almost exclusively on defence (defensive end and linebacker) and special teams, will get a long look in Johnson’s old spot during training camp.
“He actually went down(to West-ern Michigan) as a receiver, so he’s played on the offensive side of the ball,” said Hufnagel.
Pair Injured
The Stamps haven’t even opened their training camp and two regulars are on the limp and will miss the first few days of practice. Kicker Sandro DeAngelis and offensive guard Jesse Newman both rolled ankles during training sessions, and are receiving treatment for the injuries.
While DeAngelis is out, look for punter Burke Dales to get reps kicking field goals.
Extra Points: The Stamps announced the signings Tuesday of Canadian defensive lineman Osie Ukwuoma, their fifth-round draft pick in last month’s Canadian college draft, free-agent Canadian offensive lineman Chad Cossette, import linebacker robert Killebrew and import defensive back Perry Kyles . . . The Stamps also are expected to add receiver Jackie Chambers to their camp roster.
