Here are excerpts from defensive lineman Stevie Baggs’ comments to the media after his first practice with the Stampeders:
On his injury
It’s day to day right now. I’m just trying to make sure I don’t aggravate it — I want to make sure I come back and that it’s fully healed so I can come back later in the season and I can go full throttle. The injury is just a grade one strain. Right now, its just a week-to-week thing. We’re just trying to take care of it and make sure there’s no lingering effects as I get later in the season.
What had to be taken care of with Baltimore?
We didn’t know if we were going to stay there. There was an opportunity to do an injury settlement and possibly come back six weeks after the settlement, that’s an NFL rule but I want to play now, sooner than later.
Memories of playing against Calgary
I have great memories of playing against Calgary with Saskatchewan, and we played the Grey Cup here in 2009. That memory wasn’t too great for obvious reasons with the 13th man but this place has always been a great place to play. One of those most livable cities as voted on, so those are all great things to look forward to.
I’ve heard great things about Coach Hufgnagel, I’m friends with Coach Claybrooks off the field and I’ve played for Coach Campbell in Edmonton, so we already have a good synergy.
I’ve really missed the fans. Everyone is usually so emotionally attached to me because I play with so much emotion. It’s great to be back up here and I’m really looking forward to the future.
How important is it to get back to the CFL
Very important. Over half my career has been played in the CFL. I’m the only pro football player to play on 11 different teams and I think the resilience of it speaks volumes. I’m just glad Coach Hugnagel and his staff here know what kind of person I am on and off the field. When it comes down to playing football, I love this game and I know I can contribute.
Last year was a little disappointing numbers wise, but I was glad to be on a team that was one win away from the Grey Cup. This league is so small that if you haven’t played with someone, you have played against them and with me being so well travelled, I’ve played with more than a few of these guys.
On the Stamps’ latest game, a 20-18 win in Edmonton
I watched the game this past Friday and it was a great game. It went right down to the wire but at the pinnacle of everything it’s about who can finish.
On his new teammates
It’s funny I was joking with (Charleston) Hughes before practice. We talked about how much fun it would be to play together. Everything happens for a reason and now we’re here, so I’m just looking forward to the future. It looks like the team is coming together, rolling on all cylinders. Even with guys being injured, we’ve been able to pick up some wins and that’s huge down the stretch.
On the new playbook
Like anything. It’s just terminology, it’s just getting confortable with it and getting healthy. Then we can get out there and fly around, make some plays. I’ve played for Coach Campbell before so I know what he expects.