As far as Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel is concerned, this is simply a story about a football player trying to make a career for himself.

In the course of exercising due diligence, the Stampeders made contact with Tony Washington’s coaches and many other people in the 25-year-old offensive lineman’s life. As a result, Hufnagel is convinced Washington the man is deserving of an opportunity to earn a spot on the roster and he’s now anxious to see what Washington the player can do in the short amount of time remaining in training camp.

“We had lots of communication and testimonials from his coaches, from the dean of Abilene Christian (University) and people who have been prominent in his life, so I’m very comfortable,” said Hufnagel. “Tony’s very excited about being here and being granted this opportunity. He has a week now to prove he can be a player.”

Getting an opportunity to prove one’s self as a player is a common story at football training camps. So is the theme of second chances.

Washington is a registered sex offender because, at the age of 16, he had sex with his 15-year-old sister. Despite the horrible circumstances that existed in his home life at the time, his good conduct in the succeeding years, glowing recommendations from those who know him and the fact his sister holds absolutely no ill will towards him, some strangers have not been as forgiving. Washington’s story was chronicled in a 2010 ESPN.com story.

Despite two standout seasons at Abilene Christian and a strong performance at the National Football League combine, Washington was shunned in the 2010 NFL draft. Now, he’s getting an opportunity to prove himself in the CFL.

“I’m very grateful to Canada for giving me the chance,” he said after his first practice with the Stampeders. “This is huge. This is something I couldn’t do back home.

“It’s a start. I feel this is the break I needed to get. This is what I needed to get. This is what I needed to show people that I’m just trying to play football and live my life and go forward with everything.”

Hufnagel is confident Washington will be welcomed into the dressing room.

“Tony’s never had a problem with any of his other teammates on any of the other teams he’s been associated with,” he said. “I’m sure the players will be eager to learn more about the man and understand him as a person and as a potential teammate.”

Washington says he’s unconcerned about coming to a new city and dealing with another wave of questions about his past.

“I’ve dealt with it mentally,” he said. “I’ve dealt with it spiritually. I’ve dealt with it emotionally. I’ve moved on, my family’s moved on. I’m taking it step by step and I just hope people will see that. When I move into a new community, I try to be pro-active to show people they have nothing to worry about. I’m just a guy playing professional football and raising his kids and living his life.”

His main concern at the moment is getting caught up on his Canadian football education.

“I missed a week of camp already so I’m trying to get everything,” he said. “I’ve just got to learn the playbook. It’s a professional football playbook, so I’m going to have to learn. It’s a lot different from a Division II college and it’s a lot different from arena football.

“I’ve got a lot of things going through my head right now — nervous, excited . . . I’m just grateful.”