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.
Monday, our beloved kicker Boris Bede will be going against his ex-Rouge et Or teammates, Danny Groulx. After sharing the same locker room for four years, the two players entered the pro league in 2015 and they haven’t lost touch since. Find out what they know about each other.
What was your first impression of him?
Danny on Boris : The first time I met Boris I was like: “Who is this 6-foot-4-inches-200-pounds guy coming from the United States? He must be a linebacker.” And when he first started talking, I heard his French accent and was so confused. I didn’t understand what was going on. But he’s actually a good guy!
Boris on Danny : I met Danny on the field at the Rouge et Or training camp, in 2011. He was huge and he looked like Big Show, the wrestler.
What is he like in the locker room?
Danny on Boris : Very talkative. He loves to talk. A LOT. He’s a funny guy and he loves to win. He’s a great team mate!
Boris on Danny : He’s imposing and tall, but he’s a cool guy. At first glance, you think he’s a bully, but really he’s a fun dude.
Let’s admit it, he’s French. Did you doubt his ability to play football at the beginning?
Danny on Boris : I mean, I knew he could kick a ball because he was good at soccer. We played in a soccer tournament for fun, for a Foundation, and it was the first time I saw him play the game. That’s when I understood where he was coming from. I had no doubt in my mind that he could kick a ball.
Considering his size, did you doubt his ability to move on the field at the beginning?
Boris on Danny : No. I mean, he has tiny little stick legs, but weirdly, they go with his body. He moves well, he’s good.
Does he have any funny expressions?
Danny on Boris : He has too many. French ones, English ones. Even bilingual ones! But I can’t tell them here.
Boris on Danny : I had just arrived in Quebec, and I have to say that Danny wasn’t the most difficult one to understand. Lots of guys were from the north of Quebec, like the Bourassa brothers. Danny speaks well, but he has the worst laugh.
How is his laugh?
Danny on Boris : I have his laugh in my head. It’s just such a funny laugh. Listen to Danny imitate the famous Bede cackle.
Boris on Danny : He has little mocking laugh, like a kid. Listen to Boris’ superb imitation.
If he was a cartoon character, which one would he be?
Danny on Boris : He would be Bugs Bunny because he talks a lot.
Boris on Danny : A big guy, with a humongous body and skinny legs, but I can’t think of a specific character! You know what he looks like? A double Popsicle with the two little wooden sticks.
All good Boris, we found one for you!
Who has the biggest ego between you two?
Danny : We’re both very humble. He sometimes thinks he’s the best at FIFA even though he’s not that good, but it’s alright.
Boris : Haha. I’m gonna say it’s him and he’ll say it’s me, for sure. Honestly, I think it’s me. I talk a lot, I’m loud. Yea, I have the biggest ego.
Does he have a weird fixation, habit or ritual?
Danny on Boris : He has a pre-game ritual, yes. He does these little steps before kicking the ball and I always laughed at him for that. But hey! If it works, it works!
Boris on Danny : Danny tapes himself. A LOT and everywhere. His ankles, his hands, etc.
What’s it like to play against him now?
Danny : It’s great to play against your old teammates. Every time I see him, we have fun. The last time he came here, I didn’t have my best game, he had a great one, but we still won. I’m happy that he’s doing well and I wish a good game on Monday… but not too good, of course.
Boris : There’s a sense of pride in facing your ex-teammates, guys who you went to war with in university. We lived great moments together, like our back-to-back Vanier Cup wins, but we also had difficult times. It’s a lot of stories in four years. Like I said, I’m proud to be able to play against guys like Danny at the professional level, at the top of our sport in Canada. We see each other before the games, we chat, we joke around and, after the game, we congratulate one another. When I go to Edmonton, we sometimes grab a meal together and it’s a great time to catch up. It’s always good to see him!
