Mitchell Blair
On November 2, 2013, Kerry Joseph had tears in his eyes as he slowly walked off the Mosaic Stadium turf. His Edmonton Eskimos had just defeated the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the final regular season game of the season, but for Joseph he thought it was his final game period. On October 9, 2014, one wouldn’t blame Joseph if he had tears in his eyes again as he walked onto the Mosaic Stadium turf again to continue his career as he has been brought on by the Green and White to perhaps salvage a season.
“It’s a good feeling,” Joseph said after finishing his first workout with the franchise he quarterbacked to the 2007 Grey Cup in a season where he was named the league’s Most Outstanding Player. “I’ve got some great memories from being here, it’s a good organization and a good football team, and there are good people here, so it’s great to be back. Getting back in that locker room gives me a burst of energy because I know there are great things happening here.”
With Tino Sunseri and Seth Doege having their shares of ups and downs since taking over for the injured Darian Durant, there are whispers Joseph could be the starting quarterback before the season is over. He said he comes back to Saskatchewan with no promises of even seeing the field.
“I’m just taking it one day at a time,” Joseph said. “They have good guys in place who are getting familiar with how Coach (George) Cortez does things. Whatever they ask me to do is fine, I just want to help this team win.”
Many question what type of shape the 41 year old is in having not played a game in almost a year. He says you don’t need to worry about that.
“The body feels good,” Joseph said. “I’ve been working with some quarterbacks down in Louisiana as I’ve been training them and receivers. I will admit I may not be in game shape, but when you’re in a game you’ll get beat up. I don’t think I’ll be sore tomorrow if that’s what you’re asking.”
He also admits he almost said no and probably would have had it not been the Riders calling.
“It wasn’t easy.” Joseph confessed. “I was celebrating my birthday with my wife when the phone rang and it said Corey Chamblin. It was like it was God on the other end because it was a sign. I wrestled with it for about 48 hours, but it just felt right. If it wasn’t for the fact that I know what’s been established here and what the future holds. That’s why!”
GM Brendan Taman also can’t foresee what immediate role Joseph may have for the football club as the regular season starts to wind down. He says getting someone of Joseph’s caliber was needed though because of the youth at the position with Durant on the disabled list.
“That’s all up to the coaches. Realistically, I think Tino’s going to be the guy this week, although I don’t know that.” Taman said. “Kerry’s not coming in here just to be a guy who stands there and holds a clipboard. He’s here for a reason, so he’ll get thrown into the mix and we’ll see how he does. I think if Tino produces and plays as well as he can, he’ll be the guy.’’
Head Coach Corey Chamblin says he likes what he sees from Joseph after one practice, but as for his expectations.
“My expectations for him is to come in here and get the young guys going and get some stability in the position,” Chamblin said. “He’ll be on the roster Monday. I don’t know where he will slide in or if he will get any time, but he will be in there. I see some excitement in his eyes and I see excitement in the eyes of a lot of the other guys.”
Whether or not Joseph sees the field is up to Tino Sunseri and Seth Doege and their play starting this Monday afternoon in Montreal, but the 41 year old is anxious to show there is still some magic in his feet and his arms. With the team still battling for first place in the West, he could very well be the savior of a season lost. If that happens, it truly would be a storybook ending for someone who already has a special spot in the heart of Rider Nation.
