Bombers’ Edwards just one of many ‘old’ CFL receivers who rock it

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/10/2011 (5152 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Terrence Edwards’ chiseled jaw nearly bounced off the field turf when he heard the news Tuesday.

“He’s back? Wow. Good for him.”

The return of 38-year-old receiver Ryan Thelwell to the CFL (the B.C. Lions coaxed the free agent out of retirement Tuesday) might not cause much of a ripple with the Canadian football fan or make any big waves on the field, but it did create a bit of a splash with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers veteran pass catcher.

It seems new members of the ‘Over-30’ club are always welcome. It helps support the cause.

“There are a couple older guys in the league still playing at a high level, so age is only a number,” Edwards, now 32-years-young, said after practice at Canad Inns Stadium. “Some of us still have a lot to bring to the table.”

Over the weekend, Edwards became a part of another club: the 1,000-yard club, a membership which currently carries eight players heading into the final two weeks of the 2011 regular season. His 59 catches for 1,016 yards, helped by a five catch, 110-yard receiving effort against Montreal last Saturday, marks the second straight year he’s hit the grand milestone (fourth time in his seven-year career) and ranks him seventh among the league leaders.

The Georgia-product isn’t the only ‘Over-30’ receiver to reach four-digit territory, either. B.C.’s Geroy Simon (1,190 yards) is 36, while Edmonton’s Fred Stamps (1,065) is turning 30 in December.

“I know the way they train their bodies in the off-season to go out and still do the things they do,” Edwards said. “Of course, Mother Nature takes its toll on some people and you might not be as quick or as fast, but your knowledge and experience takes over from that.”

Sorry, Jamel Richardson (1,661) and Nik Lewis (1,109). You’re still a year away from reaching club status. Other 1,000-yard players like S.J. Green, Weston Dressler, and Chris Williams (all 26 and under) are viewed as young whippersnappers in the eyes of the ‘Over-30’ sect, as well.

It’s been a strange year for the Bombers’ 2010 Most Outstanding Player nominee. His numbers and his value to the offence remain high, but some mid-season struggles had a few fans calling for Edwards to be shipped out. The prospects of that happening are unlikely, however, especially if he continues to produce like he has over the last two seasons.

The reality is this: Given all the turnover through the past two seasons, the Bombers are at its threshold for youth. Football is a change business, yes, but the team needs a veteran or two they can count on when a play has to be made.

That’s why when Edwards voices his frustration publicly for not being involved in the offence — like he did after the Edmonton game two weeks ago — the coaches actually listen.

It’s called immaturity when you’re a youngster. When you’re an older player, it’s called passion.

Yes, the privilege of being a member of the ‘Over-30’ club.

Milt Stegall, who was at Bombers practice Tuesday, had the ear of the offensive key holders. ‘Baby Milt,’ a term given to Edwards by the Bombers receiving legend when Edwards arrived in Winnipeg in 2007, enjoys the same consideration.

“I certainly have a different relationship with him than maybe some of the rookies,” head coach Paul LaPolice said Tuesday. “That’s from the respect factor I have for him; just the knowledge that he’s been around and he knows situations. He knows how the locker-room works.”

Watch Edwards throughout the course of a game and you’ll quickly understand the foundation of his football youth. By its definition, an inside slot receiver typically takes a beating in the middle of the field; asked to catch the ball and take the big hit that immediately follows from either the linebacker or the fast-closing defensive back.

It’s a technique built through experience and based survival: the longevity calling card of the ‘Over-30’ club.

“I probably had a bit more explosiveness back when I first came into the league,” he said of his ability to deflect impact. “I’ve learned throughout the years how to (substitute) for that.

“You have to keep finding that edge out on the field.”

adam.wazny@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @wazoowazny

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As his fifth year in Blue and Gold comes to a close, Terrence Edwards is moving up the club’s all-time receiving list. He started the 2011 regular season in ninth spot but has a chance to move into sixth over the next two games. A look at the Bombers career receiving leaders and how the 32-year-old stacks up:

Player (years in Winnipeg) Yards TDS

Milt Stegall (1995-08) 15,153 144

James Murphy (1983-90) 9,036 61

Joe Poplawski (1978-86) 8,341 48

Rick House (1979-91) 6,286 46

Perry Tuttle (1986-91) 5,817 41

Ernie Pitts (1957-69) 5,525 54

Terrence Edwards (2007-current)* 5,494 41

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Jeff Boyd (1983-87) 5,110 46

Gerald Wilcox (1992-96) 4,608 30

Ken Nielsen (1965-70) 4,340 31

*Has 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns through 16 games in 2011.