The CFL is a small league. Players move from one team to another, creating strong rivalries and stronger friendships.
We often compare a football game to war – you hit, you run, you fight, you hurt -, but while the battle is fierce on the field, the brotherhood is what really matters off the gridiron. Across the line of scrimmage features two players who have crossed paths over the years. This week, ex-teammates and roomies DL Jake Thomas and Jamaal Westi Westerman reveal a few things about each other.
The first thing he said to you?
Jake on Jamaal: He waited until letting his true self out actually. He simply introduced himself and the first thing I noticed was how hard of a worker he is.
Jamaal on Jake: He said I wasn’t Canadian. He questioned my Canadian status. From a fellow Canadian, it hurt my heart.
Have you ever seen him angry?
Jake on Jamaal: Oh yeah, for sure! We were roommates on the road for two years and we have a very open relationship. He gets heated pretty fast. He quiets down and then just blows someone up.
Jamaal on Jake: Never. He’s from the East Coast. They’re jolly, happy people. That’s something I can say about him, he never gets angry. He gets even, but not angry.
*Later during the interview Jamaal did say that Jake gets mad if you say he’s from New Brunswick and not from Fredericton… We’re confused too.
If a movie was made about him, who would play his role?
Jake on Jamaal: He’s old so I’m gonna go with Wesley Snipes. He’s funny, can be serious and can definitely do some damage.
Jamaal on Jake: Jonah Hill, for obvious reasons. They both like to get naked a lot. I would come into our room and he would be studying his playbook naked. I was always worried that he had been in my bed naked when I wasn’t there.
His most embarrassing moment?
Jake on Jamaal: Hum… There are so many to choose from… Last year, he poked someone in the eye and he pretended like it never happened. WE ALL SAW IT. He also has a terrible swing, so the Bombers Golf Tournament wasn’t his most glorious moment.
Jamaal on Jake: He’s a stickler for time and he panicked once in BC because he thought we were late. He had forgotten about the time difference. Obviously, I told everybody.
Something weird he does?
Jake on Jamaal: When he gets frustrated, he does this little countdown thing to calm down: 1-2-3, this doesn’t bother me.
Jamaal on Jake: (In addition to doing everything naked, apparently…) He wakes up in the middle of the night and he’s just looking at you. You feel the eyes on you. He’s like a vampire waiting to take your life. A Fredericton vampire.
How are his eating habits?
Jake on Jamaal: When he pigs out, he really pigs out. Talk to him about Colosseo in Winnipeg. They know him well there. He would also eat entire apple pies. He definitely has a sweet tooth.
Jamaal on Jake: He doesn’t like sushi, which is weird and he eats subs before each game. I can’t do that. I told him, listen, I’m not gonna eat subs for 18 weeks in a row. Especially not naked. (Clearly, Jake’s passion for nudism was the main topic of discussion).
Hidden talents?
Jake on Jamaal: He’s a pretty good dancer. Not much of a singer though, but he lets his body go to the music. He does the Westi Wiggle.
Jamaal on Jake: He was a great hockey player. He has skater hips (or just bad feet, one of the two). If he was two inches taller, he could have been a good hustle and energy guy. So what’s that 3rd or 4th line?
Your best moment together?
Jake on Jamaal: When we would meet on sacks and have a celebration together. One year, we did the mannequin challenge on Black Beetles.
Jamaal on Jake: We’re two talkers, so going out for adult beverages after wins was always a good time because our conversations could easily go until 3 am. I was the only one with clothes on, of course. (This again!?)
What makes him a great d-lineman?
Jake on Jamaal: He never quits. He gets a lot of sacks and most of them are second or third efforts. You’ll see him get hit by two or three guys, yet he’s always pushing to make the play.
Jamaal on Jake: He’s a guy who’s always prepared. He knows what he’s doing at all time. He also really believes in the importance of chemistry in a room. He’s all about keeping everyone working together as a group and keeping the competitiveness high.
