SUNSERI STARTING
Coverage of the Riders’ plans for Ti-Cats.
Family is close to Tino Sunseri’s heart.
The bond is so tight that the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ newest starting quarterback has famiglia — which is Italian for “family” — tattooed on the left side of his chest. Sunseri’s brother and two sisters have similar tattoos.
“Them, God and football are three most important things — and not necessarily in any particular order, but mostly God first,’’ Sunseri said Wednesday after leading the Riders in his first official practice as the CFL team’s No. 1 quarterback. “They are important to me and I want to make sure they know that.’’
Football is also an important part of Sunseri’s life.
His father, Sal, was an All-American linebacker with the University of Pittsburgh Panthers and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, but had his professional career derailed by a knee injury.
Sal began coaching with the Panthers in 1985 and has had stints with NCAA powers such as LSU, Michigan State and Alabama. Sal is currently the defensive ends coach with the Florida State Seminoles.
Tino’s mother, Roxann, was a gymnast at Pittsburgh. Sal and Roxann have four children — Jaclyn (27), Tino (25), Vinnie (who turns 21 on Sept. 27) and Ashlyn (20).
Vinnie is a rookie safety with the NFL’s New Orleans Saints and shared in NCAA football championships in 2011 and 2012 with the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. Ashlyn is a member of the women’s volleyball team at the University of Alabama-Birmingham.
Roxann planned to make the trip to Hamilton from the family’s home in Tallahassee, Fla., to see the Riders play the Tiger-Cats even before Tino was named the starter. Roxann, who talks to Tino daily, will watch her son’s first CFL start — in place of the injured Darian Durant — with bittersweet feelings.
“I’m so excited for him, but he’s really hurting for Darian,’’ said Roxann, who will be accompanied by Jaclyn in Hamilton. “He’s excited to play and that’s the same for any player. You have to be content to sometimes stand on the sidelines and spend your time there. You always want to play or you wouldn’t be out there. He loves the sport and the opportunity to be in Canada.’’
Tino appreciates the sacrifices his mother makes to see her children play.
“My brother played his first game in the NFL last week and my dad was there because Florida was on their bye week,’’ said the 6-foot, 206-pound Sunseri, who was a three-year starter at Pittsburgh.
“It’s always hectic for my mother and that’s who I feel bad for. Whether it’s at Florida State or seeing my brother playing, she’s being pulled in all kinds of different directions.
She always makes sure that her phone is charged to make sure she can keep updated on everything that is going on.’’
Roxann’s attention will be divided Sunday because the Saints will be in Cleveland to play the Browns. Roxann said some family members from Pittsburgh will be in Cleveland to watch Vinnie while she’s in Hamilton.
“I always feel it’s good to have someone in the stands when they are playing,’’ Roxann said. “I have a feeling that I’ll be making a lot more reservations to Canada for the rest of the season.’’
Tino said the family’s closeness is a product of their father’s coaching profession. Roxann said the family has moved 12 times due to Sal’s coaching jobs. When the Sunseri children were younger, they were often their only friends while settling into a new college town. The children all decided to add the tattoos to acknowledge their family ties.
“I make sure that I keep in contact with them and make sure things are going smooth, so it’s not always about football,’’ Tino said. “It’s just seeing how their day is going and letting them know that I’m always there for them even though I’m all the way out west.’’
Sunseri is now the leader, at least in terms of his position with the Riders, of his extended football family. He was promoted to starting quarterback Tuesday when the Riders announced that Durant would be sidelined for the remainder of the CFL regular season and likely the playoffs with a torn tendon in his right elbow.
Durant suffered the injury in Sunday’s 30-24 win over the host Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Sunseri replaced Durant after the thirdquarter injury. Durant’s injury means that Sunseri will start on Sunday in Hamilton against the Tiger-Cats, and for the foreseeable future.
To start is an opportunity Sunseri hoped would happen when he joined the Riders. He’s not happy about the circumstances that led to his promotion.
“(Darian) was someone who I looked up to and someone I went to for advice because he had been in my shoes before, being fresh out of college,’’ Sunseri said. “My heart sank and I would never want anyone to get hurt, especially him. I told him if there was anything I could do for him, I would. I would run food over to his house just to make sure that he was comfortable. Whenever he’s healthy and able to be around, I always want his input.’’
Durant is to undergo surgery this week and then return to his Atlanta home to recover. Durant is expected to be back with the Riders this season and to return as the starting quarterback in 2015. Until then, Sunseri will be the starting quarterback.
“I’m making sure that I’m doing everything I possibly can to put our team in position to win,’’ Sunseri said. “I’m going to make sure that I’m studying as much as I possibly can and putting in the extra work. I’m making sure that everyone has the faith in me that when we go out on the field, we’re going to be competitive and our offence will put points on the board.’’
Sunseri’s rise to starter has taken place relatively quickly. He joined the Riders in May of 2013 after attending a rookie camp with the Baltimore Ravens. He opened the Riders’ training camp at fourth on the depth chart, before beating out Levi Brown for the No. 3 spot. Sunseri spent the 2013 season behind Durant and second-stringer Drew Willy.
Sunseri saw limited playing time in 2013 and has dressed for all 10 games this season. He guided the Riders to a 20-16, come-from-behind win over the B.C. Lions on Aug. 24 when Durant was sidelined for the second half with a hand injury. On Sunday, Sunseri took over in the second half after Durant was injured.
Sunseri’s experience, although limited, has helped his confidence heading into Sunday’s game.
“It’s a different scenario in that I’m starting the game rather than coming in certain situations,’’ said Sunseri, who has served as the quarterback in short-yardage situations. “There is a different feel to it. You just have to keep putting in the same preparation through the week, making sure that you’re making all of the checks, making sure you’re talking to your receivers and that everyone is on the same page.’’