Streveler gets the ball

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This article was published 04/07/2024 (493 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s been nearly five years since Chris Streveler started at quarterback for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Since that 37-33 loss in Calgary on Oct. 19, 2019, he’s battled through an ankle fracture to help the team end a Grey Cup drought, made a fur coat famous, bounced around four NFL teams, became a preseason folk hero, and spent 2023 out of football before rejoining the Blue and Gold this winter.

Streveler, 29, will have a chance to show how all those experiences have shaped him as a player Friday night against the visiting Ottawa Redblacks (7:30 p.m.) when he starts for the injured Zach Collaros.

Collaros is sidelined with a thorax injury he suffered in last Saturday’s 22-19 overtime loss against the Stampeders but is expected to return next week. Rookie Terry Wilson will back up Streveler.

“I just really have an appreciation for these opportunities, for these moments,” Streveler said after Thursday’s walkthrough.

“Honestly, every day I get to put the pads on I just take a moment and feel thankful for getting to play this game. It’s not an opportunity I take lightly.”

With Collaros having trouble breathing at the half, Streveler played the final two quarters in Calgary and completed 14 of 24 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the losing effort. There was, however, a noticeable spark when he stepped on the field — which is something the 0-4 Bombers desperately need right now.

Winnipeg is dead last in scoring with 18.5 points per game through four weeks and Collaros has yet to throw a touchdown pass.

“I’m not going to put that type of pressure on anybody. It’s not on one person to turn this thing around,” said Streveler.

“It takes every single person to focus… It’s not on me, it’s not on anyone else, it’s on all of us collectively as a unit.”

Collaros and Streveler bring much different skillsets to the table. Collaros is known for his arm, while Streveler has made a name for himself with his athleticism and grit. The differences don’t end there, though. If anyone would know, it’s veteran receiver Drew Wolitarsky who was college roommates with Streveler during their days at the University of Minnesota. The Gophers ended up moving Streveler to receiver, so he transferred to South Dakota where he threw for 6,081 yards and 54 touchdowns in two seasons.

“Those guys are very different in terms of personality,” said Wolitarsky.

“I always describe Zach as a big uncle, Greek mobster, like he’s gonna take care of business but he’s gonna do it quietly. Strev is definitely an extrovert to the max, energy guy, bringing guys up, taking hits, delivering hits, he’s going to be active in that sense, so it is a different energy and as a fan base, I’m sure they love seeing that kind of stuff.”

Despite his NFL resume, no one in the CFL saw Streveler as a starter this offseason. The Bombers signed him to a one-year deal worth $120,000 plus play-time incentives.

“He gets overlooked cause of what, arm power, or whatever it is. Everybody has that, but he really takes that to heart,” said Wolitarsky.

“At the end of the day, he’s trying to prove himself, man. Everybody is. And he wants to be a starter in this league. He knows his opportunity is here so he’s ready and his energy is high. He’s played in this league before, he’s made big plays in this league and knows what he can do.”

Streveler claims he’s not focused on proving his doubters wrong.

“I’m at a different stage of my career. I feel secure in who I am… proud of the things I’ve been able to do in this game and the places I’ve been able to go,” he said.

“So I don’t feel I have to validate myself to anyone outside of this building.”

Streveler is 4-8 in his 12 CFL starts. During his relief work in the NFL, he completed 27 of 40 passes for 231 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions while adding 75 rushing yards on 16 attempts.

“I get away from here for five years and I don’t start a game. I’m playing in spot time…. You learn to appreciate these opportunities, and how rare it is, how special it is to step into a huddle with grown men and get to play a football game. It’s not given,” said Streveler.

“A lot of people would love to have the opportunity to start a professional football game and I’m fortunate enough to be able to do that this week.”

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca

X: @TaylorAllen31