February 16, 2020

A new lease on life for defensive end Adrian Tracy

He was just finishing-up his plate of pancakes when we began talking…

I’m a real foodie,” he confessed. “I think I’m going to enjoy Montreal.

And so long as you get used to our thin crêpes, Adrian, everything’s going to be just fine.

Even though he claims to have a monstrous appetite, Adrian has nothing close to a physique resembling Shrek’s. The 6-foot-3, 245-pounder has all the athletic qualities needed to be an explosive defensive end. After being drafted by the New York Giants in 2010, Adrian dislocated his elbow and that put the brakes on his NFL career. In 2015, he travelled north of the border – to Hamilton – where he discovered Canadian football. From 2016 to 2017 he had no less than 85 defensive tackles and eight quarterback sacks in 33 games played with the Tiger-Cats. People were taking notice, and Adrian became one of the rising stars of the league. Then, hampered again by injury, he saw his playing time considerably reduced last year: He’s experienced both the highs and the lows of being a professional athlete. Now fully recovered, he is more than ready to return to work and reach his peak potential.

I’m very excited for this opportunity. I’m all about hard work and dedication. It’s my brand, it’s what I do. When I spoke to Danny Maciocia, I was very clear about that. When I give you my word, I give you my all. I honestly believe I’m in a stronger and better position that I was last year, thanks to the rehab.

The ageless John Bowman, along with Woody Baron and Adrian could become a dangerous trio for opposing offences to handle. And even though he is known for his pass rushing skills, Adrian is mobile enough to be able to drop back in coverage to help out the secondary. He becomes a very intriguing weapon that defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Bob Slowik can use, especially given the problems experienced last season in terms of putting pressure on the quarterback.

By staying in the eastern part of the country, Adrian will be able to remain close to the Toronto area where he has settled down with his fiancée, Kayla-Marie Williams, who is a reporter for CP24.

My fiancée will remain at home, but seeing as I won’t be very far, she can make the trip to Montreal regularly. That was also important. As well, Jessica Muamba (Henoc’s wife) and Kayla-Marie have already discussed making the trip together. The four of us are planning on getting together to celebrate St. Valentine’s, and I’m sure we’ll be talking more about this.

The change of scenery should be seamless for the defensive end. He also thinks it’s timely. Even though he was sporting the black-and-gold Ticats uniform in 2019, he could sense the excitement coming from the Montreal locker room and he wanted to be a part of it.

I know Henoc and heard a lot about the coaching staff. I know I’m going to fit right in. It’s a perfect marriage because I was looking for a team that would recognize my value and the Als were looking for someone who could quickly contribute to the success of the team. This group had to work very hard to get where they were at and I can relate to that. I wanted to be part of a group with like-minded individuals.

And we look forward to seeing you at training camp, Adrian… and we’ll be sure to bring a plate of thin crêpes with us.