By Richard Obrand
MontrealAlouettes.com
Since leaving the AF2 to join the Als in 2006, John Bowman has taken up the difficult challenge of learning the style of the CFL, MontrealAlouettes.com caught up with Number 7.
What was it like playing in the AF2 compared to the CFL?
Playing Arena football is the total opposite from the way the game is usually played. The field is a lot smaller (50 x 24 ft), only eight players per team are allowed on the field and we’re surrounded by boards. When people ask me about it, I always tell them it’s like playing football and hockey at the same time. We had motions like they have in the CFL, but it’s less of a running game. The biggest difference between the two is the salary; the CFL is a dramatic increase!
How did you adapt to the Canadian style?
When I came to Montreal in 2006, I was very new to the game so I just tried to find some playing time any way I could. In 2007, I tried to stay more focused on my game, watch a lot of film, listen to my coaches and other players like Anwar Stewart. I wouldn’t call myself a force but I’m getting there and hopefully the end of ’09 will be better than ’07 and ’08 combined.
Do you do anything interesting during the off-season?
Well typically in the off season I stay in North Carolina and get fat, then come back to Montreal and work it off. But this year, I came back to Montreal in January to participate in the CN Adopt an Alouette program, which was really interesting. Usually during off-season I just like to relax and go on a couple of vacations.
What is your most memorable football moment?
In my senior year in college in 2003, I was a D2 All-American defensive MVP and team MVP for the Wingate Bulldogs. I also set a few school records.
