Emotions high for S.J. Green’s return
Argos receiver gave 10 quality years, and at least part of right knee, to Montreal
S.J. Green has had more than seven weeks to prepare for this moment — one he knew was coming. And while he admits there’ll be emotions upon his return to Montreal, he believes he’s experienced enough to overcome anything he might face.
“When I woke up on the train and saw the city of Montreal, it kind of hit me — the reality of the situation,” Green said Thursday. “I’m playing for Toronto and no longer part of Montreal.
“I know I’ll express some emotions at some point,” the 32-yearold receiver added. “I don’t want to make the situation any more about me than it already is. There’s 43 other guys that are going to dress that we’ll need to help us win. The most important thing’s our team, not me. I’ll deal with the emotions on my own and be the best player I can be for my team.”
Green spent a decade with the Alouettes, but missed most of last season after suffering a devastating injury to his right knee in the second game of the year, tearing three ligaments and damaging the meniscus in his right knee, obviously requiring surgery.
A combination of age, finances and the belief by the Als’ medical personnel that Green’s career was in jeopardy prompted the team to trade him — basically giving him away — to the Toronto Argonauts in April, Montreal receiving a sixth-round draft choice along with a conditional pick in 2018.
Green faces the Als for the first time Friday night at Molson Stadium, and he enters the game as the Canadian Football League’s second-leading receiver. He has caught 43 passes for 673 yards while scoring three touchdowns. That includes a 210-yard performance at Ottawa after launching his comeback with 124 yards against Hamilton.
Green didn’t wear a brace throughout training camp, discarding the device the final three months of his rehabilitation. He won’t reach 1,000 yards this week, but could conceivably come close next Saturday, during the teams’ rematch at BMO Field. And wouldn’t that be poetic justice?
“There’s going to be a wave of emotions. I don’t know how it’s going to come, but I’m prepared for it,” said Green, who maintained any enmity he might have had against the Als, or general manager Kavis Reed, has long since subsided. “It won’t be the first time. The first game of the season was pretty emotional and I was able to channel those emotions. Hopefully I can do the same thing (Friday) night.”
Green won’t be alone. The game marks a homecoming of sorts for middle linebacker Bear Woods, released on the second day of camp, along with head coach Marc Trestman. Trestman coached the Als to two Grey Cups over five seasons before departing for the NFL.
While Trestman says his years in Montreal were the most enjoyable experience of his long and distinguished coaching career — and didn’t hide any excitement to be back — he maintained he and his team are on a business trip; their mandate to win a game and break a two-match losing skid.
“We’re focused on doing our job and winning a game,” he said. “We’re not sugar-coating that; that’s the reality. We’re here to play a game and help our team in a way our roles provide.
“There will be no emotions,” he stated. “You don’t get caught up in all the other things.”
Quite frankly, Trestman has more pressing issues. The Argos (3-4) sit a game below .500, and while they lead the East Division, must corral the Als without veteran starting quarterback Ricky Ray, out with a shoulder injury. Jeff Mathews will start.
“We’ll find out a lot more about ourselves (Friday),” Trestman said. “I think we’ll have a platform for where we are (Friday night) at about 10:30.”