B.C. Lions’ Iannuzzi talks of his transition
After spending the 2015 season mostly in a kickoff and punt return role, Marco Iannuzzi is back as one of the starting receivers for the B.C. Lions this season.
Through three games, he has four catches for 69 yards. Compare that to last season, the only season in the Jeff Tedford era, when the now 29-year-old Iannuzzi had just five catches — four in the span of two games in Weeks 13 and 14 — for 91 yards. His return to a starting role comes after receivers Austin Collie (national) and Lavelle Hawkins (international) retired prior to the season. Iannuzzi spoke this week about transitioning back to a starter’s role in the offence and the CFL’s concussion protocol.
Q You had five receptions all of last year. This year, you’re up to four through three games. Do you feel better being back in a starter’s position in the receiving corps?
A I truly don’t look at stats. It might sound cliché, but I only care about championship rings. When you’re out in the community and little kids — they want to see a championship ring. They don’t care how many catches you had last game. Whatever my role is for the year, I’m all in. It is a bit bigger this year, as far as offensively, so yeah it’s fun. But I still, honestly, I’m just as happy either way. As long as I’m doing my part with the team, as long as my part is leading to a championship, I’m happy.
Q Last season, there were receivers ahead of you, but were you at all frustrated with the change?
A You can’t be. If you’re frustrated with what position you’re put in before the game starts, you’ve already lost. There’s no way you’re going to be able to do your job if you get called in to do your position for that given game. Everyone at some point in their career has to play that part. When I was in high school, I was the No. 1 guy. I got the ball every single play. But there were guys on my team that were in the same position I am now. When I look back at those teams ... I don’t look any less upon those guys. They were part of the team just the same. I’m in the role where I’m not the star but I’m part of the team all the same.
Q The league updated its concussion protocol for this year, in conjunction with the CFL Players Association. Do you think the league is doing enough and the players’ association is doing enough on concussion issues?
A I’m going to say they’re making steps to make it better. I like that there’s a guy up in the booth watching for head injuries. I like how we are more aware of it as a team. I like how we did a slide show during training camp to make the guys more aware of symptoms. Are we perfect yet? No. But I think we’re making strides to be better.