The Redblacks get their names on the Cup
Plaque attached with names of 44 members of Ottawa’s memorable Grey Cup run
Brad Sinopoli was the first Ottawa Redblacks player to see his name etched onto a plaque on the Grey Cup.
When he got that initial peek Tuesday, he made sure he got an extra close look.
“I had to make sure the spelling of my name was right,” the Redblacks receiver said with a laugh. “My number was messed up on my Grey Cup ring,” from 2014 with the Calgary Stampeders.
“To see my name on the Cup, it was very exciting, it was cool. I took a picture of it. I guess winning the Grey Cup … it’s official now.”
The new plaque containing names of 44 players who dressed for the Redblacks in the Grey Cup game against the Stampeders and four administrators on Nov. 27 wasn’t there when the team had possession of the trophy through December, January and February, but was added after it was returned to its custodians at the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
Soon enough, it’ll be back to business for Sinopoli and the Redblacks when the pursuit of another Grey Cup — the Canadian Football League’s next championship game will be played in Ottawa on Nov. 26 — begins.
For now, though, Sinopoli, receivers Diontae Spencer, Greg Ellingson and Kenny Shaw, safety Antoine Pruneau and Trevor Harris are soaking up Mark’s CFL Week activities in Regina. A league initiative to pack together player availabilities with fan interactive events and the league’s pre-draft combine is already proving to be a hit.
“I think it’s great. It’s a first for the players to get to know each other a bit more,” Sinopoli said. “(Players) are excited about this. It’s kind of like a Grey Cup game without the game. No one’s really under pressure. We kind of get to enjoy the week, the fans get to come out and meet players. (It’s the time of year where there’s) no football going on, so you can get your football fix, too.”
Interacting with CFL opponents is a bonus.
“A lot of times, you don’t even know what they look like, you only see them with their helmet on,” Sinopoli said. “It’s cool. You have that mutual respect for them.
“This is a chance to grow the league. We’re getting more exposure, which is good for us and it’s good for the fans.”
Sinopoli has been house hunting and enjoying the down time from football before he takes the next step toward the 2017 season, including Redblacks mini-camp in late April at TD Place stadium.
It has been quite a ride for Sinopoli, the former Ottawa Gee-Gees star who has produced back-to-back seasons of 1,000 receiving yards since signing with the Redblacks as a free agent in 2015.
“December was really fun,” he said. “The buzz around the city was pretty crazy. Once the New Year comes, you get back into your regular routine. Now you have a big target on your back and you prep for a new season. You can only ride the Grey Cup for so long. You enjoy it as long as you can and then you get ready to play again.”
On Friday and Saturday, many of the top college-draft prospects will be interviewed and tested by the nine CFL teams. Sinopoli went through the poking and prodding in 2011 … as a quarterback.
“I remember the interviews were really tough,” he said. “It’s the first time you meet coaches and GMs. You walk into a room and there are six or seven guys, they’re real quiet. It’s a real intimidating atmosphere. It’s tough. They’re trying to put you under pressure, put you on the spot. Different teams have different tactics. Some were welcoming, others were stone cold; it was a tough room to be in. Once that’s over and you get doing the football stuff, it’s like everything you’ve been doing. Then, in a blink of an eye, it’s over.”
It’s kind of like a Grey Cup game without the game. No one’s really under pressure.
Eight-month countdown: The Grey Cup Festival in Ottawa begins in eight months.
“The 105th Grey Cup and Grey Cup Festival will be an exclamation point on a year-long celebration,” said Bernie Ashe, chief executive of Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group. “The 105th Grey Cup Festival will bring together established and loyal football supporters with a new generation of young and passionate fans. We’re excited to welcome everyone to our nation’s capital as we celebrate this great game and our great country.”
Over the coming months, the Grey Cup Festival committee will unveil several free and ticketed events, including a concert series, the CFL awards gala, team parties, street festival, cheer extravaganza, kids zone and one of the largest tailgates in CFL history.