Phones can be frustrating things.
Toronto Argonauts defensive back Robert Priester knows that all too well, and in all likelihood is about to experience it again.
The 30-year-old is from Tampa, Florida, a city in the path of Hurricane Helene. His family is still there, and as he spoke with Argonauts.ca following Thursday’s practice the storm was still offshore and making a beeline toward The Big Guava.
Helene hit Tampa with a vengeance Thursday night, causing power outages and flooding from storm surges. It likely means an eventual lack of communication with his loved ones back home, something Priester is taking in stride.
“I’ve sent some prayers down to them,” said Priester. “I’m not too worried as I’m thinking God’s in control. Obviously, I’m still going to be concerned about their well-being, I’ve been checking in to make sure they’re okay and in a safe spot. Being from Florida, that’s part of living there.”
If the power goes down, it won’t be the first time the University of Wyoming product has been frustrated with phones this year. His didn’t ring for an unbearable amount of time this spring.
After spending a couple of seasons in Toronto, his contract wasn’t renewed and he became a free agent in February. But his phone didn’t ring. The Argos didn’t make an offer, nor did any of the other eight CFL teams.
“It was a moment where I was able to build resilience and some character, some patience,” he recalled. “Just to take care of myself as far as gaining the things that I was lacking. Everything in the world takes patience, so it taught me patience, it taught me resilience, it taught me character. Once RD (head coach Ryan Dinwiddie) called me I was that much more grateful.”
Canada has become Priester’s second home, so it was appropriate he signed his deal on July 1.
He now calls the extended free agency period a blessing, something that allowed him to do some soul searching. When the phone finally rang and he heard Coach Dinwiddie’s voice, he was especially grateful the call came from the Argos.
“It was a big relief,” he said with a smile. “I was happy because while I wasn’t physically in camp, I was always watching everything this team was doing. I always envisioned me being back here, being back in this locker room, being a part of this team. This team feels like home to me, it feels like family.”
Priester was brought back when starting strongside linebacker Quincy Mauger was placed on the six-game injury list. He knew the system well and fit in perfectly. When Mauger returned, Priester had earned a place in the starting lineup, dropping back to halfback. With Mauger now hurt again, Priester will move back to the SAM position against the Montreal Alouettes at BMO Field on Saturday night.
Bouncing around like a ping pong ball is no problem for the veteran DB.
“I enjoy just helping the team. Wherever the team needs me to be, that’s where I want to be. I want to be a guy that’s available for this team in the best way possible. Whether it’s boundary half, SAM, field half, boundary corner; wherever the coach asks me to play, I’m willing to play. I enjoy being versatile.”
While only 5’9”, 180 pounds, Priester had laid out some ball carriers this year with huge hits. His combination of physicality and coverage skills make him an ideal SAM linebacker.
“I love SAM because I’m able to be in the box, be aggressive, attack the ball and be effective against the run game. If I’m needed to be a boundary half, I enjoy covering as well. I’m confident with everybody on the back end playing to the left or right of me, so it’s really no big deal to me.”
Persistence has paid off for Priester. He’s performing well for an organization he loves playing for. That said, he and his teammates will be in for a challenge with a well-balanced Alouette offence coming to town. It’s a challenge they’re willing to accept.
Game time Saturday night at BMO Field is 7:00 PM ET.