A former member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats is looking to finally capture a Grey Cup title after falling short in his two previous attempts. While lifting the trophy is motivation on its own, doing it on the field he once called his home is adding extra juice for Sunday’s game.
“It fuels my fire,” Beverette told 3DownNation during media day on Wednesday. “Things like that put (a chip) on my shoulder.”
Tyrice Beverette spent two seasons with the Ticats in 2019 and 2021 but left for the opportunity to garner a bigger role with the Montreal Alouettes in 2022. Not having the chance to show more in Hamilton has seemingly provided Beverette with that little extra something as we approach Sunday’s big game.
The 28-year-old was an excellent special teams player while with the Ticats, notching 27 special team tackles in 22 games. However, when he wasn’t given the chance to play more on defence, he took his talents to Montreal.
Beverette was named an East Division all-star for the first time this season after registering 89 defensive tackles and 20 special teams tackles. The six-foot, 205-pounder also led all linebackers with seven sacks.
His 2023 statistical explosion didn’t come out of nowhere after he posted respectable numbers during his first season with the Als. Playing in all 18 games for the first time in his career in 2022, Beverette registered 56 defensive tackles, 21 special teams tackles, and corralled his first career interception.
“I have a bigger role. I’m more established on this team,” Beverette said. “I feel I can contribute to it rather than when I was just doing special teams.”
Defensive back Ciante Evans, who has played alongside Beverette in Hamilton and Montreal, sees things a little differently. His motivation comes from another place: failing in his most recent attempt to win a ring.
“I honestly thought we should have won that Grey Cup,” Evans said about losing in 2021 at Tim Hortons Field to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. “It will be a little (extra motivation) for myself.”
Evans played in Hamilton in 2021 and 2022 before signing with the Alouettes this past off-season. Sunday’s game will be Evans’ fifth Grey Cup, having previously played in three with the Calgary Stampeders and one with the Tiger-Cats, winning his lone ring in 2018 when the Stamps defeated the Ottawa Redblacks in Edmonton.
Both Evans and Beverette will get the chance to exact a measure of revenge when the Montreal Alouettes take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 110th Grey Cup on Sunday, Nov. 19 at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton. Kickoff is slated for 6:00 p.m. EST.
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