JOVAN OLAFIOYE VS SOLOMON ELIMIMIAN
The word brotherhood is an important one in the football world. Although they play hard, the CFL players are respectful of one another. Enemies on the field, friends off the field. Across the line of scrimmage introduces you to two players who, besides roughing each other up during games, have many things in common.
This week, our intimidating Jovan Olafioye will be facing his ex-teammate and buddy Solomon Elimimian. Here’s what they had to say about it.
Jovan Olafioye on Solomon Elimimian
You shared locker rooms with the BC Lions and, particularly, Solomon Elimimian for 7 seasons straight. How does it feel to know that you’ll be facing him in a couple of days?
Yea. As a matter of fact, he’s a very good friend of mine. We even roomed together for 3 years. He’s a great player, a serious competitor. And you know, since we were on the same team, we never really got to play against each other, except for during practice. Now, I’m glad I’m gonna get to rough him up a little bit more.
What was he like in the locker room? Was he the class clown, a serious cat?
Solly’s a cool guy. He definitely has a good sense of humour. In the locker room, he’s one of the leaders. He’s always trying to uplift everybody. Just an all-around good guy.
Which superhero would he be?
The predator. Because he plays angry. (Yikes!)
Even though he was part of the defence and you were part of the offence, you two were on the same team for a long time. There must be some stories worth sharing!?
I don’t know… but he’s probably gonna have way more stuff to say than me. I’m the goofy one.
What would you say is his game-day song?
Black Beatles from Rae Sremmurd feat. Gucci Mane
Who would make a better president?
It’d definitely be Solly. He’s very political. He watches the news a lot. He’s really into politics.
And who’s going to stop who on Thursday?
Oh I’m definitely going to stop him. I already called him to tell him. We’ve been cracking each other up for a few days now.
Solomon Elimimian on Jovan Olafioye
You shared locker rooms with the BC Lions and, particularly, Jovan Olafioye for 7 seasons straight. How does it feel to know that you’ll be facing him in a couple of days?
It feels great. I know all his weaknesses, all his deep dark secrets. I’ll use that during the game if I have to.
What was he like in the locker room? Was he the class clown, a serious cat?
He was definitely one of the class clowns. You can ask Kato (longtime Equipment Manager for the Lions), he basically lived in the locker room. I don’t think Big O ever went home before 5-6 o’clock. He was probably always the last one to leave. He always had to get his body right. Cold tub, hot tub, etc.
Which superhero would he be?
(Chuckles) I think he’d probably be Buck, from Planet of the Apes. Yea, that’s Jovan. He’s big, he’s strong and if you ask him, he plays like a silverback.
Even though he was part of the offence and you were part of the defence, you two were on the same team for a long time. There must be some stories worth sharing!?
One thing you have to know about Big O is that he’ll literally have his towel on and sit, in his locker, for about 20 minutes. I guess he has to cool down before he gets dressed. I don’t know, man, that’s his thing.
What would you say is his game-day song?
I’d say Phil Collins, In the Air Tonight. That’s probably his jam. Getting ready, just cool, calm and collected. Then when the beat drops, he’s ready.
Who would make a better president?
Definitely me. Jovan is not organized. He’d be the first to tell you. I pretty much organized everything when we lived together. The bills, the cable. Organization is not Jovan’s strong point.
And who’s going to stop who on Thursday?
That’s easy. I told him yesterday. We’re going to turn up the heat on him.
