By Francois Ferland,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Montreal – Throughout his 15 seasons as general manager of the Alouettes, Jim Popp has made his fair share of successful transactions. In recent memory, however, none may prove to be quite as valuable as the 2008 acquisition of receiver Jamel Richardson.
Richardson has yet to fail to make an impact in an Alouette uniform. In 2008, his first with the organization, he torched opposing defences, registering 98 receptions for 1,287 yards and 16 receiving touchdowns. The 6-foot-3, 207 lbs slotback has reached the 1,000 yards plateau in each of his three seasons with the Alouettes, achieving the feat this season three weeks ago in a loss against Calgary.
The Big D
Once again, hats off to Popp for signing the elite receiver at a time where he was available to anyone, including NFL teams.
Richardson first entered the CFL in 2003 as a Saskatchewan Roughrider and remained in the Green and White until 2006. In 2007, he took his chances down south with the Dallas Cowboys but was cut in the early goings of training camp and remained inactive for the remainder of the year.
“I took a gamble with the Cowboys because I thought I had a realistic chance of making the team,” said Richardson. But I did learn a lot while I was there, I definitely benefited from having someone like Terrell Owens with me there,” he said with a smile.
“Owens is a player who pays so much attention to detail, whether it’s with his eating habits, his training or his on-field play,” he added. Every practice was like a game down there, very intense and very organized – I really enjoyed my time with the Cowboys.”
Despite the perks offered by the NFL, especially those of a franchise such as the Cowboys, Richardson found himself back in the CFL a year later thanks to Popp.
“When I think about those years, I like to think that I was in the right place at the right time,” he said. I was and still am very happy to continue my career with an organization that is synonymous with winning.”
Prior to joining the Als, Richardson underwent several seasons filled with injuries while with the Roughriders. In 2004 and 2006, he missed a combined 26 games due to an ankle injury.
In 2005, he enjoyed a breakout season with 55 receptions for 663 receiving yards.
Cahoon: Inspirational
Since arriving in Montreal, Richardson has become one of Anthony Calvillo’s main targets.
“The chemistry and communication between us just keeps on growing, were always very vocal about new strategies,” said Richardson.
Richardson also benefits from having a player like Ben Cahoon as a teammate. “His work ethic and competitiveness really does wear off on you. Sometimes you just stare in awe after he makes one of his trademark ‘Cahoon-like’ catches!” he said.
With a two-year contract including an option year, Richardson has quickly become one of the elite receivers in the CFL. “I just want to become the best there is, it’s my goal to be first in as many stat categories possible,” he said firmly.
The Alouettes will face the Toronto Argonauts at the Rogers Centre on Friday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. (RDSHD, TSNHD, NRJ, CJAD 800).
