Lions bring back an ageless warrior
Pass protection specialist and iron man fullback Lumbala inks two-year contract extension
The Shadow Warrior will be back for another two seasons.
The ageless Rolly Lumbala’s twoyear contract extension with the B.C. Lions was announced on Wednesday, a deal keeping him with the team through the 2019 season.
Lumbala, 32, is the longest-tenured player on the roster, with 10 seasons — all with B.C. — under his belt.
“It’s just been so much fun,” Lumbala said from Victoria on Wednesday, where he was speaking to students at Lambrick Park Secondary as part of the Lions’ Be More Than a Bystander campaign.
“It’s crazy how fast time has gone, you know? It went from one, two, five, eight, and now 11. I’m just so thankful for this amazing blessing.”
His role as one of the best pass protecting fullbacks in the league means he generally toils in the shadows, facilitating offence for other players.
In 2017, he had one rush for five yards, two years after an 18-game campaign where he didn’t get a single handoff. His last rushing touchdown came on a one-yard plunge against the Toronto Argonauts in 2012.
He does act as a safety valve in the pass game, pulling in 11 catches for 93 yards last season, but hasn’t caught a touchdown pass since a seven-yarder from Travis Lulay against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2015.
“Rolly is not only an incredibly durable and valuable part of our club, he’s one of the most respected players in our league,” said head coach Wally Buono. “From the day he joined our organization more than 10 years ago, right up to today as he makes one of his countless school appearances, Rolly exemplifies everything we ask of our players both on the field and in the community.”
Lumbala, the team’s nominee for most outstanding Canadian player in 2014, was drafted in the second round, ninth overall, by B.C.
And despite the pounding that comes from taking on edge rushers or making holes for kick returners, Lumbala’s durability has been remarkable. The 6-foot-2, 245-pounder suited up for all 18 games for the past seven-plus seasons, a consecutive games streak of 135 games.
“It’s a big testament to Chris Boyko, our strength coach. He’s been training me my whole career,” he said. “Just preparing the right way, and taking care of my body … and maybe a little sprinkling of luck there.”
He’s won a Grey Cup, he’s seen the team miss the playoffs, and now he’s playing in what is Wally Buono’s final season.
“When you miss the playoffs, things need to change. With what they’re doing right now, I love the guys that they’re bringing in,” said Lumbala. “We’ve got to win games. We’re here to win. I love what we’re building right now. They’re sending a strong message with the type of team that they’re building. It’s going to be exciting. I’m glad to be part of it.
“I feel really good. I feel like I can still play at a high level, and compete, and that’s important to me. I’m just so thankful that they’re giving me the opportunity to play for two more years.”