Chris O’Leary
Edmonton Journal
EDMONTON – Chris Thompson treated his pending free agent status much like he does a play on the football field.
The defensive back was patient. Edmonton Eskimo general manager Ed Hervey went to work almost immediately after being hired, signing many of Thompson’s teammates on defence.
Linebackers J.C. Sherritt and T.J. Hill and safety Donovan Alexander all re-committed to the team before Christmas. Defensive end Marcus Howard re-signed on Jan. 15.
Thompson watched as Hervey made adjustments at quarterback, releasing Steven Jyles and trading for quarterback Mike Reilly last week.
With free agency just a week away in the Canadian Football League, Thompson made his move and got what he wanted. He re-upped with the Eskimos early Friday evening, signing a contract for two years with an option.
“I definitely wanted to get it done before the (free-agency) deadline, so I’m happy to be back in Edmonton,” Thompson said on the phone from his home in Louisiana, with his two-year-old daughter Cailyn close by. “I love the coaches, the staff, the fans. I’m just happy to be back.”
The 30-year-old had played in every game last year for Edmonton, had 51 tackles, six knock-downs and five interceptions and two forced fumbles. He’s a two-time division and CFL All-Star.
Thompson’s numbers are only a part of his value in Edmonton. Hervey told reporters at Reilly’s introductory press conference Thursday that Thompson’s leadership ability was an important asset as well.
“I just try to lead by example,” Thompson said. “I welcome all the new guys and the young guys and try to show them the ropes.
“A vet like myself, T.J. Hill, guys on the defensive side of the ball, we just know our roles and go about our work like professionals. Our motto last year was, ‘Just be a pro,’ and it kind of stuck around the locker room. That’s what we build it on. It’s the Eskimo Way.”
“Chris is a savvy veteran defender with remarkable character who does an exceptional job in the locker room,” Eskimo head coach Kavis Reed said in a statement.
With his future secure for a few more years in Edmonton, Thompson will get back to willing the calendar forward to June 2, when the Eskimos open training camp.
“I’m really excited. The changes that Ed has made so far have been right on point and I’m excited to see where we can take this team,” he said. “Most of the nucleus guys are back and it’ll be fun to build in 2013.”
Until then, he’s enjoying being a full-time dad and the odd chance to meet up with teammates. Thompson said he took Cailyn and his wife, Sherrica, to Houston recently to celebrate the birthday of Fred Stamps’ son, Fred Jr.
Thompson and Stamps are childhood friends from their time in Louisiana.
Thompson also said he was happy to see one of his teammates in the backfield, Rod Williams, who signed in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings on Monday.
“He’s a good corner,” he said. “I hope he sticks with the Minnesota Vikings, he’s got great talent, great upside. I’m happy for him. He’s putting our team on the map and himself, also. It’s good for the CFL and for himself.”
coleary@edmontonjournal.com
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