Finch rediscovers ‘wow’ factor with Stamps

CFL’s premier kick returner was cut loose by Redblacks

When the Ottawa Redblacks picked up running back/kick return specialist Roy Finch in 2014, they talked about his “wow” factor.

The Redblacks snapped up the kid after he was cut by the New England Patriots. He seemed to have magic in his feet, an ability to cut in and out of traffic.

It turns out they were right — but the 26-year-old is now doing his shaking and baking with the Calgary Stampeders, who face the Toronto Argonauts in Sunday’s Grey Cup game.

Finch said he understands why the Redblacks released him following mini-camp in 2015. He bears no ill will toward an Ottawa coaching staff that saw him as a player with the potential to be a differencemaker, then changed their minds.

“We just didn’t feel there was a fit at the time,” said Redblacks GM Marcel Desjardins. “He’s a good football player, no question. At the time, could he have helped us if he did what he’s doing now? Sure.”

While Desjardins wouldn’t get into the specifics of the release, Finch offered this on Thursday: “It was maturity. I know the reason (they released me). I wasn’t (ticked) off. I had to grow up.

“... The first step was accepting it and changing, going home humbled. Everyone needs to be humbled at some point in their life.”

Earlier this season, the CFL suspended Finch for two games on a doping violation. He was caught with D-amphetamine in his system. He accepted responsibility, but said he was using the drug to help with attention deficit disorder.

“We did a bit of research when we signed him,” said Stampeders coach Dave Dickenson. “We weren’t sure why it didn’t work for him in Ottawa, because he has great skill. We met, I liked him. He’s probably not your cookie-cutter type of guy, he’s got things going on. He’s in it for the right reasons. He’s got a great family and football means a lot to him.

“As for as him growing up, maybe it was decision-making. We lost him for a couple of games this year, basically he made a bad decision. There are things he needs to take accountability for. I feel he has. He’s been a great teammate.”

Going home and licking his wounds after being released by the Redblacks was a good slice of humble pie for Finch.

Certainly, he’s been huge for the Stampeders this season. On 73 punt returns, he averaged a whopping 16.9 yards, and scored three touchdowns. On kickoffs, he averaged 26.8 yards per return.

With Jerome Messam carrying the bulk of the load at running back, Finch hasn’t played much there, but he did carry the ball four times for 81 yards in last week’s West final win over Edmonton.

“We don’t use him as much as we could during the regular season because he’s so good at his return game,” said Dickenson.

So how has Finch changed his football mindset during two years with the Stampeders?

“Last year I was a rookie, I was overly excited,” he said. “This year, I’m more settled, more calm and more confident in myself.

“Every time I get the football, I’m looking to make a big play, whether we’re on the one-yard line or whether we’re at midfield. I’m confident in myself.”

His passion for the game is off the charts, they say.

“I don’t play this game for the money,” said Finch. “The money is a byproduct. I play this game because I want to win championships, I want to be known as a great player. The reason why I play is different than some others.

“I ride the train to and from practice. There’s something about riding the train that keeps me humble. I literally go to practice, do what I have to do, and go home. It’s strictly football for me.”