Signing marks homecoming for former Renegades standout Hebert
For Kyries Hebert, it was the perfect fit, a return to a place where he started his Canadian Football League career 14 years ago and an opportunity to again work with a defensive co-ordinator who gave him a chance to do what he does: wreak havoc on the field.
The geography also made sense. His wife, Annette, will be close to home.
Yes, Hebert will turn 38 in 2018. Still, the Ottawa Redblacks, who signed Hebert on Friday, are banking on the stellar linebacker being a big part of their defence. In 2017, he was an all-star in 2017 and the East Division nominee for the outstanding defensive player award.
It’s like he’s reached Henry Burris status: an ageless superhuman.
“I work really hard,” said Hebert, whose trainer Heather McCurdy is nicknamed The McCurdinator. “I think I just have freakishly good genes. My energy level and love for the game keep me going. The past three years, my performance has been going up. I’m going to need to be better than I was last year.”
Earlier on Friday, Hebert was released by the Montreal Alouettes. He had 110 tackles, an interception and a sack for them in 2017. Over the past six seasons, he had 391 defensive tackles and 21 sacks in 92 games. The Alouettes had given permission for other teams to talk to Hebert, who no longer fit into their plans under new defensive co-ordinator Kahlil Carter.
Said Hebert: “I sent out on social media (Thursday) that I’ve never needed extra motivation to be great. I’ve always wanted to be great. But, whenever somebody doesn’t believe in you, if you’re a true competitor, that means something … like, ‘OK, now I have to show you.’
“I didn’t fit into what they were trying to do. I’ve started at five positions in the CFL, I was an all-star at two of them. With my skill set, I would think most D co-ordinators would be like, ‘OK, this guy can play four different positions every game. He’s going to be one of my guys.’”
Joining the Redblacks made a lot of sense for Hebert, who will reunite with former Alouettes defensive co-ordinator Noel Thorpe, hired by Ottawa two months ago.
However, his signing also means that Taylor Reed, a starter with the Redblacks for the past two seasons, will not be back.
“When choosing a team to be with, I need to choose a co-ordinator that actually wants me to be a part of what they’re doing and wants to take advantage of my skill set,” Hebert said.
“It was a no-brainer. There are a lot of things that just made sense. When it came down to (was) who I’d want to be with if and when the release happened. It was Ottawa.”
Redblacks general manager Marcel Desjardins said Hebert “brings a physical presence, he brings leadership and he brings familiarity with the defence. His familiarity with what Noel does ... He’s going to be able to help other guys get on the same page quicker. That’s a big part of this equation.”
Hebert knows Ottawa well. He played for the Renegades in 200405. In 2004, he had 55 defensive tackles and 25 more on special teams. In 2005, he had 63 tackles with 32 more on special teams.
Said Hebert: “Fourteen years? I didn’t realize it’s been that long. It’s a bittersweet day, I have a lot of memories in Montreal and the things I was able to accomplish for the team and in the community. But, as fast as that bitter moment happened, it was a sweet moment to be with a team where I’m familiar with the city, the coaching staff and some of the guys on the team.”
COMING AND GOING: Former Redblacks receiver Juron Criner and tailback Travon Van both signed with the Edmonton Eskimos Friday. It was announced late Thursday that defensive back Keelan Johnson, who led the league with 29 special-teams tackles in 2017, had signed with the B.C. Lions.