To say it’s been a while would be a grotesque understatement. The last time the Toronto Argonauts played a game was November 2, 2019, a 21-18 loss in Hamilton. You’d have to go back a few weeks before that to find the last game the Argos played that meant something in the standings.
That period of dormancy ends Saturday in Calgary.
Twenty months and five days after leaving the field in the Hammer, the Argos will be finally playing a meaningful game (7:00 ET, TSN, TSN 1050). It’s been tough for everyone, but a for a couple of players it will be a chance to don the Double Blue for the first time, just shy of a year-and-a-half after joining the team.
Dariusz Bladek will be the Boatmen’s right guard this season. He was someone the Argos desperately wanted to sign and did so about a half-an-hour into the free agency period on February 11, 2020.
He’s been an Argo for almost 18 months, and without the benefit of a pre-season game he hasn’t even put the uniform on yet. Don’t kid yourself though, he’s completely aware of what it means to wear Oxford and Cambridge blues.
“Man, the history that comes behind it,” Bladek told Argonauts.ca following Monday’s practice. “I’m spoiled. I came from Saskatchewan; there’s a lot of pride and a lot of greats that came through that team. But playing for this city, playing for this team, and with the group of guys that we have; that makes this jersey that much more special.”
The New Jersey born, Florida raised lineman (his mother was born in Montreal, he was granted dual citizenship in 2016) had a tough training camp. He was one of those players Head Coach Ryan Dinwiddie referred to almost daily as battling a minor tweak. Bladek is thrilled to be healthy again and can’t wait to get back on the field.
He travelled to Dallas, Texas to work out with other high-level offensive linemen during the extended off-season and fine-tuned the technical side of his game. It should make him even more effective than he was in the first three years of his CFL career.
“You’re going to see a more balanced player,” Bladek explained. “I worked to find my comfort zone and I uncovered a lot of things about myself that has made me a much better player now. I’m more balanced, stronger, and a little bit more sturdy. I had an unorthodox stance, but now I’m more grounded. You’re going to see someone who is a lot quicker with his redirects. I’m just excited to put my tools to work, you’re going see a different player.”
While Bladek is excited about the change in his game, the Argos new kicker is hoping you see more of the same you saw from him in 2019.
Two days after Bladek signed with Toronto, Boris Bede was acquired in a one-for-one trade with Montreal that sent kicker Tyler Crapigna to the Alouettes. Bede was able to put the Argo uniform on for a promotional shoot at training camp in Guelph, but he hasn’t been able to run through the tunnel with the team. When he does that on Saturday it will be the first time he does so as a pro in any other uniform but Montreal’s.
“I was thinking about that,” said Bede, “It just felt natural. After the trade, in my mind I was already an Argo. I spent the whole year as an Argo without playing. It’s true, I didn’t even think about it, I just went through it naturally. I’m Double Blue now.”
The Laval University product connected on 88.6% of his field goal attempts in 2019, the second-best percentage in the CFL. He’s developed a great relationship with long snapper Jake Reinhart, and is excited to get back on the field, and for more than just the game itself.
“We’ve been out of football for almost two years. My wife and I have a child now, so I got to spend some time with my kid. It’s been one of my dreams to wear a jersey and see my kid in the stands, so obviously I’m very excited.”
The way Bede performed in training camp; fans will be equally excited to see him in a Toronto jersey.