Ever the team player, sidelined Rose hasn’t lost his enthusiasm

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This article was published 14/11/2023 (717 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

HAMILTON — Winston Rose’s demotion came at the worst possible time.

The Blue Bombers made the veteran cornerback a healthy scratch in last weekend’s Western Final, and considering how well the defence played in the 24-13 victory over the B.C. Lions, there’s a strong chance Rose will be stuck watching from the sidelines again this Sunday when they challenge the Montreal Alouettes for the Grey Cup.

Rose, a 29-year-old from California, started the last three championship games for Winnipeg.

“I actually got in trouble last week for a sideline warning because I was so turnt (excited) that I almost hit the ref,” said Rose after Tuesday’s practice at Tim Hortons Field.

“I’m an energy type of guy, so, I’m gonna bring that energy, especially in these big moments. I’m not going to be one of those guys that are pouting and being in my feelings. Like nah, this is bigger than me. It’s about my brothers, it’s about all of us.”

Second-year pro Jamal Parker got the promotion to Rose’s spot on the field side. Rose, a CFL all-star in 2019, has the experience, but Parker has the speed.

Parker said Rose has had no issues in sharing that knowledge with him.

“I’ve been on both sides now. It’s not really awkward because you love that person, too,” said Parker, who spent the first 11 weeks on injured reserved before having a stint on the practice roster. Parker started eight regular season contests, and both playoff games, last year as a rookie.

“You genuinely want them to succeed, so, it’s not like you’re mad or saying ‘Ah, I should be playing.’ You know he’s a baller too, so, it’s just like you got to wait your turn… I mean, it’s a weird dynamic, but for us it’s not because we want everybody to succeed. It’s just iron sharpening iron, honestly.”

Most of the defensive backs on the Bombers — outside of safety Brandon Alexander and halfback Deatrick Nichols — have had a turn being the odd man out.

“A lot of guys on other teams are all about me, me, me, but we don’t move like that over here,” said Rose.

“To get to where we’re at now, we weren’t individuals, and if we were, we wouldn’t be here. We’re playing for each other, and we signed up for this on Day 1 of camp that we’re going to give our all and service each other. If it’s my time to service (my teammates), then I’m going to service and I’m OK with that.”

It’s been a roller-coaster of a year for Parker, but it’ll all be worth it if he can start and win a Grey Cup.

“It’s kind of been like a movie where you go through your ups and downs, and then you see the light at the end of your tunnel,” said Parker.

2021 Grey Cup in the past

The Bombers know exactly what a Grey Cup week in Hamilton is all about.

More importantly, they know what champagne tastes like in this city as they won the 2021 title at Tim Hortons Field in dramatic fashion with a 33-25 overtime victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

According to right guard Patrick Neufeld, returning to a building where they’ve experienced previous success does not make them more comfortable heading into Sunday.

“No, not at all. What makes us comfortable is our preparation,” he said. “We played a championship game here before, but it was a totally different team two years ago. Totally different players. So, that does nothing for us. What breeds confidence for us and what allows us to play like that is the work we put in this week.”

O’Shea shying away from praise

Mike O’Shea is entering rare territory on Sunday.

He’s the first head coach to lead a team to at least four consecutive Grey Cups since Hugh Campbell guided Edmonton to six consecutive title games between 1977-1982.

Does that cement O’Shea as a legend? Absolutely. Just don’t refer to him as one.

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“That just sounds goofy. I can never think that way,’ said O’Shea.

Even though he has the resume to back it up, O’Shea doesn’t think his name belongs with greats like Wally Buono and Don Matthews.

“I hold those coaches in very high regard. I’ve had interactions with all of them and I would never think about myself in the same conversation as those guys, ever,” said O’Shea.

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca

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Taylor Allen
Reporter

Taylor Allen is a sports reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. Taylor was the Vince Leah intern in the Free Press newsroom twice while earning his joint communications degree/diploma at the University of Winnipeg and Red River College Polytechnic. He signed on full-time in 2019 and mainly covers the Blue Bombers, curling, and basketball. Read more about Taylor.

Every piece of reporting Taylor produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.