Hamilton lands popular slotback
The face behind Fantuz Flakes served up something different for breakfast on Friday morning.
Andy Fantuz announced via Twitter that he was leaving the Saskatchewan Roughriders, with whom he had starred for the previous six CFL seasons, to sign with the Hamilton Tiger-cats as a free agent.
“Strange to feel heart broken and thrilled at the same time,’’ tweeted Fantuz, a graduate of the Western Ontario Mustangs university football program. “Love you forever #Ridernation! Western Ontario I’m coming HOME!’’
Fantuz reached agreement with the Tiger-cats, who are based near his hometown of Chatham, Ont., on a four-year deal. The 28-year-old slotback opted to join the Tiger-cats despite being a popular and productive member of the Roughriders. His mass appeal was evidenced by the brisk sales of a breakfast cereal, Fantuz Flakes, that was released in 2010.
“Andy had Fantuz Flakes. He had TV commercials. He had tremendous sales of apparel,’’ Roughriders president-ceo Jim Hopson said. “We had talked to him about an opportunity that was there for him to have his own line of clothing, even.
“I think in terms of what was available outside (football), the business community here certainly made it very attractive. In the end, I don’t think it was about money. I don’t think Andy really ever was a money guy.’’
But he was a money receiver, as evidenced by his performance in the 2007 Grey Cup. He was named the game’s most outstanding Canadian after catching four passes for 70 yards, including a crucial fourthquarter touchdown, in a 2319 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.
Fantuz also helped Saskatchewan advance to the 2009 and 2010 Grey Cups, both of which were won by the Montreal Alouettes. He caught a touchdown pass in the 2009 Grey Cup. The following year, he caught 87 passes for a league-best 1,380 yards during the regular season, after which he was named the CFL’S most outstanding Canadian.
That success was parlayed into a tryout with the NFL’S Chicago Bears.
He returned to the Roughriders after being released by the Bears in early September, but was limited to only four games due to ankle injuries.
Shortly after Fantuz’s return, general manager Brendan Taman began contract talks with the hope of signing one of his marquee players to an extension. Fantuz filed for free agency on Wednesday after the protracted negotiations with the Roughriders proved to be unsuccessful.
“As much as it was frustrating for us, I’m sure it was frustrating for him,’’ Taman said. “That’s just the business. We’d like to get it done, and we weren’t able to. Obviously, it doesn’t surprise me too much that if it goes for five months, it’s going to get to free agency. Once that happens, I sort of was prepared that this was going to happen. The more it went on, the more you could see what was going to develop.’’
Nonetheless, Taman expressed optimism that the Roughriders would be able to weather Fantuz’s departure. The Riders’ GM pointed to the presence of two receivers who had 1,000-yard seasons in 2011 — Chris Getzlaf and Weston Dressler — and also referred to the capabilities of returning pass catchers Rob Bagg and Efrem Hill.
In all likelihood, the Roughriders will deploy an American in the slotback position once occupied by Fantuz. Hill, who had 20 catches for 284 yards over the two games he played at Fantuz’s customary spot in 2011, looms as the leading candidate. Even so, Taman indicated the Riders will sign two or three imports.
They will have the daunting task of trying to replace Fantuz, who had 289 receptions for 4,311 yards and 23 touchdowns during 77 regular-season games with the Roughriders.
Fantuz will take part in another Roughriders season opener on June 29, albeit as a member of the opposition. The Roughriders are to play in Hamilton on the opening week of the regular season.
“I want to thank the Riders organization, my teammates and, especially, the people of Saskatchewan,’’ Fantuz said in a media release.
“My experience there was unforgettable and I am so proud to have been able to represent the Rider fans. I wish you nothing but the best and hope that you will do the same for me in return.”
Fantuz also noted that the opportunity to play near home in front of family and friends was “impossible to refuse,’’ although the decision was reached after a “very difficult deliberation process.’’
“While Rider Pride will always be a part of me,’’ Fantuz concluded, “it’s time to head to Tigertown.’’