RICKY RIDES AGAIN
But the former ’Foley Green Giant’ will play for the Lions on Sunday
On the most superficial level, the decision to bring Ricky Foley back was fairly straightforward for Wally Buono and the B.C. Lions.
Foley, the Most Outstanding Canadian in 2009, might not be the force he once was but, at 35, he can still fill a number of roles with the Lions.
As a rush end, he fits into the defensive line rotation and, under the right circumstances, he can still be a productive player in the Canadian Football League. His Canadian passport also gives the team options with its roster and his experience gives the Leos’ young defence a veteran voice.
To add a player like that in mid-season represents found money for Buono and when he was asked about repatriating Foley, the Lions’ head coach and GM stressed the positive aspects the former Lion brings to B.C.
As for the more complicated parts of his relationship with Foley, well, Buono acknowledges they do exist. But in the insular world of the CFL, he learned a long time ago the game has a funny way of coming full circle and it doesn’t pay to hold a grudge.
Seven years ago Buono might have felt differently, but now when he looks at Foley he sees one thing and one thing only: Someone who can help his team win.
But that other stuff still makes for an interesting story.
“Do I let my pride say, because this happened seven years ago, we’re not going to improve our football club?” Buono said Thursday as the Lions prepared for Sunday’s encounter with the Roughriders in Regina.
“He gives us another great option to adjust or change the ratio. He’s fresh and he’s excited and when veterans are fresh and excited they’re usually productive.”
And the Lions aren’t the only ones excited about Foley’s return. Just ask the media who now have access to Foley’s unique world view.
“Some people might say it’s the universe or its energy and I know that sounds flaky,” Foley said. “But I think it was God’s plan to have me back there. It felt comfortable. It felt right. I know Wally and I still felt like I owed this team something.”
Even if it’s taken some time to make good on that debt.
In many respects, the Foley who arrived in Vancouver in 2017 isn’t dissimilar to the player who left following a standout 2009 season with the Lions. He’s still a tatted-up free spirit who parlayed a non-stop motor and crazy athleticism into a distinguished 12-year CFL career. He’s still a bright, engaging sort with an appealing personality.
Unfortunately, the Lions only saw that player and that character for one memorable season. We’ll never know how his career under Buono would have turned out. We do know he’d go on to establish himself as one of the league’s best Canadian defensive players after he left the Lions. And therein lies our tale.
Foley came to the Lions in ‘06 as a first-round pick out of York where he quickly made an impression on his teammates.
“It was like, ‘Who’s this guy?’” said Lions’ defensive coordinator Mark Washington who played with Foley in those early years. “He was a know-it-all. But the one thing was he worked his butt off. I thought, ‘This kid is going to be something.’”
And, in time, he was. Foley spent three years on special teams and as a backup before Cam Wake left for the NFL in ‘08. The next year, he took over Wake’s spot, recorded 12 sacks and was named the CFL’s outstanding Canadian.
After a failed stint down south, Foley returned to Canada where he was pursued by the Lions and Argos. Midway through the 2010 season, the Lions announced they’d signed their man and Foley conducted an interview with the team’s radio rights holder, proclaiming how happy he was to be returning to B.C.
The problem was, hours later, he reneged on his commitment to the Lions and agreed to terms with the Argos.
Foley now says he was driving to Pearson Airport with his parents when he pulled into the Argos’ offices to speak to Argos GM Jim Barker. Barker made one final hard sell. His parents, including his father Don, had already made their preferences for the Argos known.
Foley changed his mind. An hour later he was explaining his decision to Buono. We know — awkward.
“To be quite honest, he could have forced me into staying here,” Foley said. “But he didn’t. He was a human being.”
“I always tell the players you have to do what’s right for you,” Buono said. “If part of that is changing your mind on the way to the airport, that’s OK. I don’t want you here if you’re not committed.”
Seven years later, Foley is committed to the Lions. Although he was signed just four days ago, he’ll be suiting up against the Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium on Sunday — what did we say about full circle? — and both the Lions and Foley are excited about what’s ahead.
“He’s a good player,” said Solomon Elimimian. “The one thing I know about Foley is he plays 100 miles per hour and his motor is non-stop. Any time you can bring that guy into your locker-room it’s a positive.”
“I know this is a good football team but it’s young, especially on defence,” said Foley. “I know what it’s like to be a young guy and look beside you and see Tyrone Williams, Brent Johnson, Otis Floyd, Carl Kidd (Lions’ veterans who helped mentor Foley). You play free. You know the game isn’t on your shoulders because the veterans have your back. That’s a really good feeling.”
So is repaying a debt.