MontrealAlouettes.com
MONTREAL – Had enough of the CFL offseason? You’re not alone. We caught up with Jamel Richardson in his native Addison, Texas to see what the 30-year-old receiver has been up to with the 2012 season fast-approaching.
Q: We heard you got hitched this spring, how was your wedding day?
The entire day was crazy! Over 200 people showed up including a few Alouettes who were there to celebrate the special day with me. Dwight Anderson was there, S.J. Green, Kerry Watkins, Jerald Brown, Brian Bratton, Brandon Whitaker, so it was all love, man. I hope I’m not forgetting anybody. (laughs) Seeing everybody meant a lot. But I was tired at the end. My wife and I danced all night, I shook a lot of hands and tried to catch up with everybody. Trust me, you have to be in shape to get married!
|
|
Q: Which teammate gave you the best gift?
I’m not going to lie, all the gifts were nice. I got gift certificates from S.J. and a wine cooler and an indoor grill form Brian Bratton, to name a few. My wife initiated me to wine, so the cooler is slowly getting filled. Red wine is my preference. (laughs)
Q: What’s the funniest thing that happened that night?
Kerry Watkins, who was one of my groomsmen, stole the spotlight at the reception with his dance moves. He showed us how those boys from New Orleans get down and it was funny. But the main attraction was when my wife and I came down the aisle. We had our Gucci shades on, my Yankees cap and a song from Jay-Z and Kanye West playing to set it off right.
Q: How has married life changed Jamel Richardson?
It’s humbling. You quickly realize that it’s not about one person. She’s my partner in crime, so before I make any type of decision, I have to stop and discuss it with her. That’s what a relationship is: two people working together.
Q: Which is going to be stricter: your new wife’s curfew or Coach Trestman’s curfew?
It’s a tie (laughs). They both have their rules. That’s all I’m going to say to avoid getting into trouble! Besides, my wife is sitting right next to me.
Q: With 112 receptions for 1,777 yards with the Als last season, what do you have planned for an encore?
The ultimate goal is to get another ring. Plain and simple. But in terms of individual achievements, my goal heading into every season is to reach 2,000 receiving yards. I feel with that number I can be the league’s Most Outstanding Player without leaving any doubt. I would also add being named the MOP in the Grey Cup as well. That is the best season that an athlete can have.
Q: With Kerry Watkins’ retirement in the offseason, which Alouettes receiver will make the jump to help fill that void?
Every guy on our roster. We are all playmakers across the board. Green is established and I expect to see continued success from him. Bratton is another guy who does it all. Every time the team asked him to deliver on the field, he shows up and makes plays. Same for Éric Deslauriers and Brandon London. When their number is called, they both rise to the occasion. Everyone will turn it up a notch this season.
Q: What hurts more; getting tackled or dropping a pass?
Honestly, dropping a pass hurts the soul. It’s the loneliest feeling in the world, especially if you dropped an easy pass. You start to wonder how did that happened. I’ve been a victim of that once or twice in my career. I mean it happens to the best of us and you just have to shake it off. You can’t let it play on your concentration or confidence.
Q: Have you talked to AC much? Have you begun lobbying for even more balls to come your way in 2012?
Only on Facebook. (laughs) We spoke briefly about the 2012 season. He told me that he was going to come into camp running a 4.3 on the 40-yard dash (laugh). I’m looking forward to seeing that!
Q: Are you looking forward to working with new offensive coordinator Marcus Brady?
He’s definitely a talented guy. I refer to him as a mad genius (laughs). I’m curious to see how coach Trestman is going to bring him along. He knows the players and has a good relationship with us, so I’m confident the offence will continue to have success.
Q: What do you miss most about Montreal during the offseason? What’s the first thing you do when you get back here?
Practicing my French. When I’m in Montreal, I pick up French in stores, talking to fans on the streets and just walking in the city. Right now, I would give myself a 6/10. I know that Shea Emry is taking French classes so I really have to step it up now.
