July 5, 2018

Across the Line of Scrimmage feat. Chris Williams and Brad Sinopoli

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, receivers Chris Williams and Brad Sinopoli give you an insider look at their two years together in Ottawa.

First impression?

Chris on Brad: I knew that he was a solid football player, I just didn’t know how good he was. I thought it was cool that he used to play quarterback in Calgary and then switched to being a receiver.

Brad on Chris: It’s crazy. I thought he looked small on TV… he’s even smaller in real life! But he’s also faster in real life than he looks on TV. He doesn’t look the part, his helmet is wobbly, his pads are too big… but never judge a book by its cover. When he’s on the field, he roasts everyone.

 

What makes him lose his cool?

Chris on Brad: Don’t let him have coffee in the morning and he’s going to be an agitated man. He needs his Extra Tall Timmies (is he a true Canadian or what?) in the morning, in the afternoon and… probably at night too.

 

Brad on Chris: I’ve never seen Chris lose his cool (why are we not surprised?). He doesn’t get mad if something bad happens, even on the field. It’s the same with excitement, he’s never too high, never too low. Pretty even keel.

 

Something he says all the time?

Chris on Brad: Listen to this if you want to LOL 👉 listen to the audio clip

Brad on Chris: He caught on to saying bud, but I’m pretty sure he was just mocking me. Hey buuuud! (Yes, yes he was.)^

 

The most Canadian thing you’ve seen Brad do?

Chris on Brad: Wear his Patagonia hat. Every day. And living in the sticks.

The most Southern thing you’ve seen Chris do?

He always wears sleeves in practice, regardless of the weather. I’m sure he’s wearing them in this heat (confirmed). It’s just mind blowing to any Canadian.

His best quality?

Chris on Brad: Funny and honest. He has that good combination that allows him to make honest humour.

 

Brad on Chris: His ability to be so easy going. He’s a speed guy… I know for a fact that people are always trying to get in his head. He let’s his game speaks to himself and he’s incredibly easy to talk to.

Worst flaw?

Chris on Brad: You mean other than being slower than dirt?

 

Brad on Chris: Can I say his size? Seriously, he asks A LOT of questions. He ALWAYS has a comment. He overthinks everything. It can be annoying, but it’s mostly great because he gets coaches to think about every possibility.

 

Who beats who at video games?

Chris on Brad: I would definitely school Brad. He doesn’t play video games much, he’s too busy hiking and fishing.

Brad on Chris: That’s easy. He would destroy me. He’s always playing games on his iPad.

 

The one thing he does before every game?

Chris on Brad: Coffee. He’s got to have his coffee! (FYI: Ernest Jackson is like that too, but apparently Brad is worse)

 

Brad on Chris: Plays games on his iPad. Of course. He also gets ready later than everyone else and takes his time. (There goes the chill Southern demeanor…)

If a book was written about his life, what would be the title?

Chris on Brad: Brad Sinopoli – Ottawa’s Chosen One. He was a Gee-Gee and he won the Hec Crighton. He is the GUY in Ottawa.

Brad on Chris: C.W. He’s the fastest kid alive.

 

His biggest practice fail?

Chris on Brad: We had this play, it was a 2nd and 20, in which everybody would run deep except for Brad who would run a two-yard route and get the ball. He had to self punt it, so it could be a kick and then recover it so we could get the ball. He never got it. (Yea, we don’t blame him.)

 

Brad on Chris: We all dropped balls, but when Chris would drop one, he would jog back to the huddle as if he had caught the ball. Every other guy I have seen comes back to the huddle swearing or upset, but Chris is just too cool for that.

How were your two years in Ottawa together?

Chris on Brad: We had a great group. We were close and talked a lot. He’s not a big talker, but I can be at times. I would hit them with subtle questions here and there and they’d be like ”OK Chris… 🙄” (Aha! So he admits that he overthinks!).

 

But our main topic of discussion was probably where we were going to eat and just asking Brad if he was finally coming with us.

Brad, are you coming this time?

Brad on Chris:  I honestly loved every minute I had playing with him. He’s just a really really good person and I enjoyed learning from him.

What’s make him a great receiver?

Chris on Brad: He has unbelievable hands and a sixth sense. He always knows how to get open. Guys can be hanging onto him and he will still find an open space and catch the ball.

 

Brad on Chris: People think that he’s just speed, but he’s a very very good route runner. A lot of the faster guys tend to only rely on their speed. They don’t pay attention to the little things like stemming. Chris puts so much detail in route running. Not only is he fast, but he does everything that the slower guys, like myself (it’s good to be self-aware, Brad) HAVE to do to get open. He makes it look too easy.

 

Additional info on Brad: He is the co-creator of Budball, a game that combines soccer and tennis and that is becoming increasingly popular in CFL locker rooms. Ask him about it.

 

Come see them both in action this Friday, July 6 at Percival Molson Stadium!

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