Likely the most unknown member of the Edmonton Eskimos
He’s been at almost every game for over a decade, players and coaches meet with him before kickoff and few fans know he even exists.
Edmonton Eskimos
Rose Mary Phillip
He’s at every game, has access to the most intimate details of players’ lives and the impact of his work can last a lifetime. His name is Brent Kassian, but you can call him Chappy, as nicknamed by the players. He is the Eskimo team chaplain.
Yup, the team has a chaplain. And they’re not alone. Every team in the CFL has one. Ditto for the NFL.
For the last 11 seasons, Chappy has provided guidance and mentoring on matters of life, faith and relationships.
“The role of the team chaplain is, in my opinion, vitally important to our team,” says Eskimo Head Coach Kavis Reed. “Besides providing much-needed spiritual services for the players and staff, the chaplain is able to provide counselling to players and their families, if necessary.”
His pastoral duties include, but are not limited to, prayer and encouragement, leading a weekly Bible study and providing training and resources for character development and life management.
He doesn’t try to convert, but he is vocal about his convictions.
For some, religion and pro sports don’t mix. That’s fine. His services are volunteered only to those interested and players need not share his religious convictions.
“I’m not here to force stuff on them. I’m here to support them,” says Chappy.
Whether a believer (all denominations welcome), agnostic or atheist, Chappy is available to help. On average, about a dozen Eskimos seek his services each season, including Offensive Guard Patrick Kabongo.
“He plays a major role in who we are as individuals. He wants to see us grow as men,” says Kabongo. “Football is important to him, but our lives are more important.”
Mum’s the word.
Everything said to Chappy is confidential. One hundred per cent confidential. Not so much as a word is shared with coaching staff, team management or anyone else, regardless of the potential impact on the field.
“I won’t talk to anyone, my wife included, without express consent,” says Chappy.
He is able to remain separate from the football club because they don’t employ him; Athletes in Action does. The faith-based organization oversees all eight CFL chaplains and acts as a quality control of sorts.
Heroes are not born; they are built.
On game day, Chappy’s work begins two and a half hours before kickoff. “Before every game, there is a chapel service that a lot of players and coaches, [of] both teams, attend. This is an important part of game day as the players prepare to sharpen their focus,” says Reed.
Here, Chappy provides a simple thought they can carry with them through the next four quarters. “If a couple of plays don’t go well, they can rally around that thought and maybe have a better game,” he says.
That thought is based on a larger theme for the season. Last year, it was “Heroes Are Not Born; They are Built.” In 2005 – a Grey Cup year for the Esks – it was “Find Your Sweet Spot.”
Still under construction, Chappy says the 2011 theme will be something along the lines of “Guys Going Wise.’ We’ll talk about ancient wisdom. Character, conduct and consequences fit into that.”
Is it okay to pray for a win?
Chappy says that question is theologically complex. “I pray that they will play up to the talents and skills that God has given them.”
Win or lose, he is there after 60 minutes of football. “I never comment on a game. That’s not my role,” says Chappy.
Dealing with the emotional highs and lows of pro sports is second nature to him. His dad won a gold medal in hockey, his uncle is an original Edmonton Oiler and one of his three sons, Matt, is a forward for the Minnesota Wild.
More than just athletes
“What people sometimes don’t see is that some of these young men are very intelligent. They think about things beyond football,” says Chappy. “They think about making their relationships work, about making their finances work, about life in general. They often put things quite profoundly.”
The connection and mutual respect between him and the team has led to Chappy playing a role in their lives outside football.
In 2006, he officiated the funeral of former Eskimo Defensive Lineman York Hentschel at the request of his family. He has also presided over the weddings of several players and works with alumni on occasion.
“He is an amazing man who cares about us. The most import ant thing for him is that we win in life,” says Kabongo.