THUNDER BAY -- It was tough for Nigel Romick to watch the Grey Cup from the sidelines.
So after a whirlwind couple of weeks that saw him win a Canadian Football League title, get fitted for a championship ring and return home to Thunder Bay, the 25-year-old Ottawa Redblacks defensive lineman was back on the field on Saturday, getting back into game shape.
He was joined at the Hanger by about 40 minor football players, all taking part in PRO Kids’ Training with a Pro session.
Romick, who missed all but two games this season because of two separate injuries, said it was chance to help the next generation of player learn what it takes to play at the professional level.
“I’m just showing them football drills and how important it is to be part of an athletic program and be enrolled in sports,” said Romick, a three-year CFL veteran who started playing the sport in Grade 10 at St. Patrick High School.
“It’s great to give back to football.”
Drafted by Ottawa in 2014 out of the Saint Mary’s Huskies program, Romick played 11 games with the Redblacks as a rookie, suiting up for all 18 games in his sophomore season in 2015 – when an Ottawa team reaching the Grey Cup for the first time since 1981, losing both times to Edmonton.
Nine-year-old Noah Battistel, whose father Dave coached Romick in high school, said it was pretty cool having a chance to learn from the best the game has to offer.
“It’s very special because he’s such an experienced player, so he can teach us so much,” the youngster said, taking a breather from the drills.
“We’ve learned how to tackle better and defence and stuff like that.”
Romick, a potential free agent hoping to extend his career now that his broken thumb has healed, said being sidelined for 16 games and the Redblacks entire post-season run was difficult – but it made him stronger, a message he was trying to pass along on Saturday.
“It was really frustrating and tested my mental toughness, for sure,” Romick said. “I got back for two games and broke my thumb. I saw a light and it just closed up on me. It was stressful watching the Grey Cup on the sidelines. I couldn’t do anything. I was like every other fan watching, stressed out.”
Like the kids at this weekend’s camp, with the Redblacks Romick also has had a chance to learn from some of his own football heroes, including future hall-of-fame quarterback Henry Burris, who tossed the Cup-winning 19-yard touchdown pass in overtime to receiver Ernest Jackson.
“If a guy was a rookie, or an older guy, he treats them the same,” Romick said. “The first time I met him he was very inviting, a great guy. He didn’t treat me like a rookie. He came up to me and talked to me, which is great.”
It’s a lesson players at every level can take to heart.
