The word brotherhood is an important one in the football world. Although they play hard, the CFL players are respectful of one another. Enemies on the field, friends off the field. Across the line of scrimmage introduces you to two players who, besides roughing each other up during games, have many things in common.
This week, our spunky Jonathon Mincy will be going up against his former teammate and pal Darvin Adams. They’re both from Georgia, they both have that country accent we all love and they both got to suit-up for one of the best-known universities in the United States. Discover how their friendship all started.
When did you first meet?
Adams : We met at the start of his freshman year, at Auburn University. He was one of the younger guys, but everybody was expecting him to play. We all knew that he was one of those good recruits coming out of high school.
Mincy : During my first year at Auburn. I redshirted and it was his last year at Auburn, so I got a chance to go against him a lot at practice since I was on the scout team my first year. I was able to go up against the starting offence a lot. It was fun, he’s a fun guy to be around.
What were your first impressions of him?
Adams on Mincy : Mincy is like a little brother to me. I saw right away, from the way he carried himself, that he was a good person, someone that I would like to help evolve. He was one of those guys who didn’t show any fear, he was his own man, yet he wasn’t arrogant or cocky. He was always willing to learn and to let guys help him.
Mincy on Adams : I wouldn’t say that he has a split personality, but on the field, he’s the guy that everybody looks at. He’s a leader, especially at his position. Then, outside of football, he’s a real down-to-earth guy. Very family-oriented. Just a fun guy to be around. He plays lots of video games… we had some good times outside the field.
Up to this day, you guys still text after games. What do you say to each other?
Adams on Mincy : You know, we say a lot of things (laughs). I mean, I love him as a person, as a friend. Like I said, he’s like my little bro so even before the season starts, we talk on social media. I make sure he’s healthy and I watch him play. Before his games, I tell him to do his thing. I honestly send him encouraging words and tell him that I’m praying for him. I mean, I want to see him do well… but I want to win!
Mincy on Adams : I’ll text him that he had a good game. He’ll text me something that might help me when I’m facing another opponent, something that I can probably feed off of. That game that we played against each other was very personal. It was great to go out there and battle, but I feel like I left him with the upper hand on one of those balls that I could have made, so I’m VERY excited to go against him again. IT’S ON!
You were never part of the same unit, how did you two click?
Adams on Mincy : Even in his freshman year, we hung around the same people outside of football. Auburn is a close team you know. Although he was one of the younger guys, all the older guys would let him hang. It was like he was part of the crew from the get go.
Mincy on Adams : He was one of the guys who helped me perfect my craft. Since I was on the scout team, I was able to learn from the best. He was never reluctant to teach me or to give me some pointers to help me improve my game. Darvin was always supportive. Even during his whole journey from the NFL to the CFL, I knew that he was the type of guy that I could always reach out to and ask questions. He’s always been there.
Other than football, what passions do you share?
Adams on Mincy : (laughs) I would say… both of us like to look good. He likes to send me pics like “Yo, I got these new shoes, check ‘em out! ” We take pride in carrying ourselves well and dressing well. Gotta be fresh.
Mincy on Adams : I would say that both of us are very family-oriented. I know that he loves his kids and spends a lot of time with them. That’s real big for me. I can’t wait to have a family of my own someday.
Has he ever pulled a prank on you? Or is he a jokester in general?
Adams on Mincy : No, not that I could recall. But he plays around for sure. We all got some kid in us and he’s got it in him.
*Truth be told, we know the guys have good stories in the back of their heads. They just don’t like snitching.
Mincy on Adams : Yes. He’s a jokester.
*Note that Mincy didn’t hesitate one bit when answering this question. Yet, because he respects his elders, he didn’t share any specific details. Someone’s got your back, Darvin.
What role does he play on a team?
Adams on Mincy : That’s also something we have in common. We’re the same way in the sense that we can both joke around and be serious at the same time. Once the play starts, we’re dead serious. He’s definitely more of the leader type because, as I left Auburn, I saw him grow into that role. He listens, but he doesn’t follow around, he does his thing. It’s not that he’s standoffish, it’s just that he has a mind of his own.
Mincy on Adams : He’s one of the leaders. He was definitely one of the leaders on the Auburn team. That’s his role and that’s what he brings to the game. He shows up and, although he’s not the type of guy to do a lot of talking, he sets an example through his play on the field. That’s really big. You have to respect a guy like that. Actions speak louder than words.
What’s the best moment that you two shared?
Adams: I have to say the National Championship.
Mincy: Even though I didn’t play, it would have to be winning the National Championship. We went to Arizona and we got there one week before the game, so we had a lot of time to spend with our teammates out there. We had many events and team bonding activities. I hung out with him and another guy who’s also like an older brother to me, Neiko Thorpe.
If you had one word to qualify his style of play, what would it be?
Adams on Mincy: Smart. But can I use two words? Because he’s also very physical. Some corners don’t want to tackle. Mincy won’t think twice. He’ll stick his nose in there, he’ll make the tackle.
Mincy on Adams: He’s a well-seasoned vet, he has it all as far as route running or setting you up to do a double move. But mostly, he’s a very shifty guy. He’ll come off like he’s not really doing anything and he’ll just take off.
He’s one of those guys. He’ll allow you to sleep, to think he’s not on and then he’ll just come out and make a big play. But I know that about him!
You’ll be facing each other in Montreal on August 24. What would you like to say to him prior to the matchup?
Adams to Mincy : Have a good game and stay healthy. But mostly, be ready cause you know I’m coming to play !
Mincy to Adams : I’m bringing my A-game and I know he’s bringing his. I’m excited and I’m ready to go out there and compete against him!
