The team wastes no time getting Harris back in there.
I like the move and I like that they didn’t mess around. Pull the Band-Aid off fast instead of slow.
Burris says all the right things. I know there are still some that will swear up and down that there’s a quarterback controversy just about to explode but I think the coaching staff has handled it as well as they could, and circumstances (injuries, poor play) worked out as favourably as bad things can, if that makes sense.
“In the back of my mind, I kind of knew something was going to happen,? said the 41-year-old Burris, who missed four games with a broken pinky finger and returned for a 23-20 loss to the Toronto Argos July 31. “You always feel like you can get out there and get it done. Each week, I felt I was getting better at throwing the ball crisper. There were some areas I could have improved, I missed some throws that I wish I could have back. Things you go your way sometimes and sometimes they don’t.
“You get more praise and you get the blame sometimes, but that goes with the position. It’s a disappointment that I won’t get back out there with the guys, but I know Trevor’s going to do one heckuva job and I’m going to make sure I’m his biggest cheerleader on the sideline. We have the best quarterback room in football. We support each other. We all want to see each other succeed.?
Explained Campbell: “Any decision we make, we’re trying to give the Ottawa Redblacks a chance to win games. We went back and looked at everything, Trevor was playing at such a high level when he was in there — that was the decision that was made.?
When asked how Burris took the news, Campbell said: “Just like I thought he would … very professional. I know he cares deeply for this team, he’s the type of guy you want around here. He just wants what best for this football team.?
The 30-year-old Harris is excited for the opportunity, but piled praise on Burris.
“We’re just focused on trying to get wins. In terms of who’s playing, who’s getting all the spotlight, we don’t worry about that,? he said. “The thing about Hank is you can put just anybody you want in a room and say, ‘Who in here’s thrown for 65,000 yards, won two MOPs, two Grey Cups, turned around teams, got shuffled around but kept a great attitude and became a better person through it all? There would be one guy raising his hand and it would be Henry Burris. I couldn’t have more respect for a human than I do for Hank. He’s done nothing but encourage and help me. He’s forever going to be one of my favourite teammates.
“When I first talked (to the Redblacks) in free agency, I asked, ‘How does Henry feel about this?’ They said, ‘Henry’s great about it, he wants to help tutor you, show you some things.’ I was like, ‘Man, that’s a no-brainer for me.’ Learn from one of the legends in the league. He’s going to add to the team no matter what role he’s in. He’s a Hall of Fame player, he’s a Hall of Fame person as well.?
Burris said his finger is about 85-90% healed and he’ll do whatever he’s asked.
“This gives me time to get healthier,? he said. “Of course, I want to be out there with my team helping us put up W’s. It’s a call I don’t make, I just have to make sure if I’m needed down the road, I’m ready to go.?
A little off topic to this thread, but with guys starting to return from injury, I’m glad the team
and fans didn’t use those as an excuse.