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By accepting the invitation from the Detroit Lions to the NFL to the detriment of the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League, the former Rouge et Or defensive end really put himself in danger.
“It’s a risk because I was in a comfortable situation,” admits the defensive player par excellence last year in the CFL. There’s a side of me that likes to experience discomfort, and that played into my decision. I could have returned to British Columbia, where I had two great years, but I believe in my chances.
The two-time Vanier Cup champion has no illusions, he knows the trouble he has decided to get into. The opportunity comes five years after his first tryout which he received with the Chicago Bears after leaving the university ranks.
“It’s not a long, quiet river, but I’ve been in professional football for five years,” he puts things into perspective. I’m less stressed and less impressed, I know how it works. You got guys like Russell Wilson getting cut [par les Broncos] so there are no guarantees.”
“I think I’ll have a real chance to prove myself.”
— Mathieu Betts
Confident in his abilities
The 29-year-old athlete considers himself ready to walk a tightrope in what has long been a world closed to Canadian players.
“I played with so many guys in the NFL who told me I could play in that league. I understand the difficult reality of professional football, but my focus is to capitalize on what I do well.
Passing through Quebec as part of the fundraising activity of the Aléo foundationAt the table for athletes, the ex-protege of Glen Constantin knows that he took an “atypical path” to the NFL.
The original Montrealer, however, feels that the second time could be the charm! “It’s clear in my head that I’m a better football player today,” assures Betts.
“The training background and the competition I had in the CFL mean that my chances are better than five years ago.”
— Mathieu Betts
Good management
The author of 18 quarterback sacks last year in the CFL was unable to speak with experienced Dan Campbell, the head coach of the Detroit Lions, but he liked what he heard from their director general, their recruiter and the football operations people.
The lawyer and agent’s client, Sasha Ghavami, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif’s right-hand man, says he is encouraged by the direction taken by the organization in recent months. The Michigan club saw its season end in the National Association final last year.
“There will no longer be a yard between me and the line of scrimmage and I will not complain about it,” he smiled after having a quick visit to two of his alma maters, the Saint-Jean Eudes school and the Peps from Laval University. There will be an adjustment to make, I know, but I want to eliminate that difference fairly quickly.”
2024-03-28 08:00:00
#years #Mathieu #Betts #feels #ready #NFL
