Comments on: CFL legend Russ Jackson says Canadian QB ‘long overdue’

By: Eddy Rayner

Eddy Rayner — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 12:43:32 +0000

I say add one roster spot available only to a Canadian qb and their salary won’t count against the salary cap.

By: Edward Leslie

Edward Leslie — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 11:25:44 +0000

I know of three Canadians who were starters from Jackson’s era (the 1960s): Don Getty (Edmonton), Pete Ohler (B.C.) and Frank Cosentino (Hamilton & Edmonton).
Four guys who could’ve been starters, but never got the opportunity were: Jesse Palmer, Brad Sinopoli, Kyle Quinlan and
Chris Flynn.

By: B

Wed, 28 Jun 2017 07:29:34 +0000

Yes, it’s unfortunate everyone always forgets Datillio, who was a legit starter for a bit. Moreover, we talk about “since” Russ Jackson, but there were not many really strong Canadian starters before him either. As we all know, Lancaster eventually qualified as Canadian, but was born and bred American.

By: BC Dave

BC Dave — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 05:02:31 +0000

Above btw, is why I do not have a problem with two Riders. Sask and Ottawa both spelled it differently and they had different origins. One was Rough Riders and the other Roughriders.

By: BC Dave

BC Dave — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 04:59:26 +0000

You old-timer Sask fans should remember Al Ford. He was your version of our Bret Anderson. Al Ford may have been even more versatile. Wanna say he wore #21 ???

It’s funny, back the, player movement was a huge thing. It was from page news (well front of sports section) when we traded Jim Evenson to Ottawa for Barry Ardern. I can name more Als and Riders from those days than today. Wally was one of those Als !!

By: BC Dave

BC Dave — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 04:54:40 +0000

Greg Vavra also played for BC and Don Matthews gave him a real shot. If I recall, he was our #2 guy ahead of Guilio Carravata ?? Kind of fuzzy on the details now. Can’t remember if Guilio was also backing up kicker or not. I know Bret Anderson was a very versatile player. Played slot, could punt, kick and Emerg QB but Vavra was a decent QB and I felt pretty confident when he did have to play.

Getting old and the memory is starting to go but I do remember those were good days when we first moved into BC Place and Don Matthews became our Head Coach. Speaking of which, was nice to see Rick Klassen honoured last game too.

By: Chill

Chill — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 02:44:06 +0000

Great point I had completely forgotten about Gerry Datillio

By: Edward Leslie

Edward Leslie — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 02:28:37 +0000

In reply to Jim. I agree, Jim. It's never been explained why every position in the team is included in the ratio... except for quarterback. It's a stupid rule that needs to be changed.

By: Chill

Chill — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 02:27:41 +0000

I have always wondered if Jessie Palmer would have had success in the cfl.

By: Edward Leslie

Edward Leslie — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 02:25:22 +0000

The story makes it sound like no Canadians have been first string starters since Russ Jackson retired. Gerry Datillio was starter for Montreal. In fact he was the east nominee as M.O.P. in 1980. Greg Vavra was starter with Calgary in the mid-80s too. Also Calgary born Mark Rypien was a starter with Washington and other teams on the NFL in more recent times.

I think Bridge and Buckley have the talent to become starters. I hope they get they get a genuine opportunity.