Shane Ray has already won one title with a 39-year-old starting quarterback as a teammate.
As a new member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Ray would like history to repeat itself.
The Green and White’s franchise quarterback — No. 7, Trevor Harris — turned 39 on Saturday. Broncos signal-caller Peyton Manning was 39 during Ray’s rookie season, which was capped by an NFL championship-game victory on Feb. 7th, 2016.
Ray, Denver’s first-round NFL Draft choice in 2015, had two tackles and a forced fumble for the Broncos as they defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50. After registering four regular-season sacks as a rookie, he doubled that total in 2016.
“I always love watching quarterbacks, because those are like my arch nemesis,” Ray said in advance of Thursday’s CFL regular-season opener against the visiting Ottawa REDBLACKS. “I always watch them and see what their routines are and how they handle themselves.
“Man, 7’s doing it like he’s supposed to be doing it.”
That is hardly coincidental, considering that Harris has always looked up to Manning and another accomplished NFL passer, Philip Rivers.
Manning and Rivers, both renowned sticklers for preparation, have a disciple in Harris.
“You see him early,” Ray continued. “He’s the first guy in, breaking down film. He’s the first guy in the weight room.
“When we have disruption among the team, he’s the first guy who steps up and tries to gain that control back over the team and set the tone for us.
“That’s what you want as your quarterback. That’s the kind of quarterback who guys love fighting for.
“When you’re backing what you’re saying with your routine and what you’re doing as a player, it’s easy to follow guys like that, so Trev’s great.”
Harris also has an admirer in Roughriders Head Coach Corey Mace, who was introduced to Ray when they were both with the Toronto Argonauts.
Ray made his CFL debut in 2021. The following year, Mace joined the Argonauts as the defensive co-ordinator and defensive line coach.
Mace and Ray both earned a Grey Cup ring when the Argonauts edged the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 24-23 at Mosaic Stadium on Nov. 20th, 2022.
“We were one or two pieces away from a Grey Cup there my first year,” recalled Ray, 32. “The next year, we kind of changed our mental (approach). Mace came in, we had a different mindset, and we were able to do it.
“I think this team is in one of those same type of situations. With where you made it to last year (the Western Final) and where we are today, I think we have an opportunity to win a Grey Cup this year, just with a few changes.
“If it’s just one or two changes to get you over that hump, I think we’re capable of doing that.”
Ray’s capabilities intrigue Mace.
“When Shane’s good and he’s healthy, he’s a problem,” the Roughriders’ chief strategist said. “For him, it’s about staying healthy.
“I know he has changed the way that he trains in the off-season. Obviously, in camp he ended up rolling his ankle, but he’s back out there feeling good.
“It’s just a matter of, ‘Hit the ground running, go full speed, and disrupt,’ like he has done pretty much his whole career.”
Mace describes Ray as a “super-explosive” player who could be likened to All-CFL cover linebacker C.J. Reavis with the way “he’s going to get everybody’s juices up.”
You get a taste of Ray’s energy simply by interviewing him. He speaks with the enthusiasm of a wide-eyed rookie.
“I’m blessed, honestly — blessed and resilient,” he said. “I’ve been able to play a lot of great football in my career over these 11 years. I was able to win a Super Bowl and contribute to an all-time great NFL defence.
“Injuries happened. I worked my way out of that. I came to the CFL, which most guys probably wouldn’t even do, and helped that team win a championship. I just kind of have that effect where I go.
“I’m just hoping to bring good energy and the experience and the leadership that I have and just help this team in any way I possibly can to make it to the pinnacle.”
Ray noted that “most guys probably” wouldn’t exercise the CFL option after having enjoyed success and longevity in the NFL. For those who do venture north, the right mindset is required.
Mace should know. He began his pro football career with Buffalo and spent three years as a defensive tackle with the Bills before being on the Calgary Stampeders’ roster from 2010 to 2015.
“For those guys making that transition from the NFL and coming to the CFL, sometimes it takes a little bit of humility,” Mace said. “I think a lot of guys find themselves in trouble when they come in here thinking that because of where they’ve been in different leagues, that validates the player they’ll be here.
“Having experience with Shane, that’s not the kind of guy that he is. He’s just about straight work. He wants to help the guys around him. He’s extremely bright in defensive line play and he’s not one to keep it a secret. He wants to share the wealth with everybody.
“So all those things are never an issue from my experience with Shane, which is awesome.”
And then there is the pedigree.
Ray is the rare player who has played for a Super Bowl and Grey Cup champion.
“You kind of look back at the whole season and see all the sacrifices and the things that you were able to do as a team,” he reflected. “Being in both of those situations, I’m honestly truly blessed to experience that and have great veterans teach me how to grow and to be better and to give back to these guys.
“It’s a surreal feeling, but you want it again. I want to feel that again and be a three-time champion. That’s the plan.”
