Camp has been great so far! Canada is beautiful and I’m having a fantastic time.
This is my absolute first time being up here but I love every minute of it. The weather by far is the best training camp weather I’ve ever had. After playing in New Orleans or South Carolina where training camp temperature is usually 105F, training camp isn’t too much fun. But practising in 75 F weather has been great. The weather really allows me to give my all and it’s been a wonderful experience so far.
Since I’ve been here I’ve seen a jackrabbit run across the field and have fallen in love with Tim Hortons. I love the little doughnut balls (Timbits). I’m trying to be smaller but the temptation for more Tim Hortons continues.
Training camp has been super busy. Outside of Calgary, I’ve had the opportunity to go to Medicine Hat (for Red and White Day and a KidSport camp). I had a great time with the kids down there. I had a great time teaching them football and sharing our love for football.
Getting to Calgary has been a long journey. I’ve come a long way since 2001 when I was at the University of South Carolina. I had an unbelievable time and gained a lot of memories that I truly cherish.
In 2006, I found myself with the New York Giants, where I got to meet Coach Hufnagel. Winning a Super Bowl with the Giants in 2008 ranks as a great memory for me. Shortly after, I ended up in Seattle with the Seahawks for the 2009 season where I got to play behind and learn from the best, Walter Jones.
In 2010, I landed in New Orleans, where I won another Super Bowl. I really got to learn a lot playing behind four Pro Bowlers and I hope I can use what learned down there to my advantage here in Calgary.
After that, I went to the UFL where I played for Virginia. I was fortunate enough to learn from legendary Marty Schottenheimer and I won another championship there. I’m a championship guy so if all goes right and I stick with the Stampeders, hopefully I can help bring a Grey Cup here.
I talked to one of my good friends Cory Boyd, he told he much he loved playing up here and his description has yet to be inaccurate. I love it and can’t wait for the season to get going.
So far, the biggest challenge has been getting used to the defensive lineman getting one yard off the ball.
Rookie camp was a very humbling experience. You have to go back to your fundamentals and remember the things that got you to this level. Without a doubt, it was a challenge but it gave me some extra time to adapt to the Canadian game. Coach Gibson has worked with me a lot on the differences between the Canadian and American game and it seems to be paying off.
The two days of rookie camp helped me get up to speed and get past the learning curve.
The defensive ends up here are just as fast as the ones in the NFL but they’re smaller and more agile so you have to get used to that. Rookie camp gave me time to prepare for the speed of the game. Now it’s all about being consistent.
For those of you that don’t know me, I’m a real family guy. My oldest son is Sean and my newest son is Naden who is only one. Being in the NFL and travelling for so long, this off-season really provided me with a good opportunity to relax and spend time with my family.
Being from Dayton, Ohio, I love all sports, I love basketball. I pride myself on being a happy guy. I love travelling and I’m so happy to be in Canada. I’m very focused with camp right now but if all goes well, I can’t wait to bring the rest of my family up here. I’m looking forward to seeing the Stampeder faithful.
Na’Shan Goddard, #68
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