In a remarkable turn of events, Trevor Harris and Zach Collaros, who both entered the Canadian Football League (CFL) as rookies in 2012, find themselves thriving in their late 30s. Once teammates in the Toronto Argonauts quarterback room alongside legends like Ricky Ray and Jarious Jackson, these seasoned quarterbacks are now gearing up for the Grey Cup, with Harris leading the Saskatchewan Roughriders against Collaros” Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Reflecting on their early days, Harris recalled how he and Collaros were perceived back then. “I remember our first year in the league, we were leaving after the season, and Swayze Waters, the Argos kicker at the time, said, “Man, we”re never going to see Zach Collaros ever again.” He was ready to go home,” Harris shared. “But look at him now, he”s turned into a first ballot hall-of-famer.”
At 37, Collaros has led the Bombers to five Grey Cup appearances and secured two championships. Meanwhile, Harris, now 39, seeks his first Grey Cup victory as a starting quarterback after winning two titles as a backup. “Zach”s had quite a run, and if he wants to continue, he”ll do it because he”s a really good football player,” Harris noted with a smile. “Anytime a team has Zach as a quarterback, they”re going to have a chance.”
As both quarterbacks age, they have adapted their training routines. Gone are the days of one-on-one basketball games for warm-ups. “Now we have to stretch,” Harris explained, highlighting the adjustments that come with experience.
Meanwhile, the future of Mike O”Shea, the Bombers” head coach, is under scrutiny as he is not currently under contract for next season. O”Shea, who has a strong rapport with his players, was seen at Pearson International Airport recently, potentially discussing opportunities with the Argonauts. Jeremy O”Day, general manager of the Roughriders, reflected on the potential impact of losing O”Shea. “From the outside looking in, you”d be losing a coach that has a great deal of respect from all the players,” he stated. “Anytime you lose your leader, it”s going to be difficult.”
Roughriders right tackle Jermarcus Hardrick, who played under O”Shea in Winnipeg, praised the coach”s leadership style. “He”s a big deal. O”Shea is a leader of men,” Hardrick said. “There was no grey area when we were in there. Very black and white. He always told us he loved us. It was amazing.” Hardrick acknowledged the uncertainty that comes with potential changes in the coaching staff but emphasized the respect O”Shea commands among his players.
The upcoming Grey Cup promises to be a thrilling showdown as Harris and Collaros continue to showcase their skills, proving that age is just a number in the world of professional football.
