There’s a rumour going around that I might be hitting the century mark — 100 games played — this Friday when we face off with Winnipeg.

My parents have been season-ticket holders for over 25 years — they actually sit three rows back from our bench — so it’s kind of funny that it took me 20 years to move up 15 feet and put the Stamps jersey on my back.

It’s just been an honour being able to be a fan of this team and watch them and follow them — I was a season-ticket holder too, coming to watch the team with my family.

To be able to throw the jersey on is sort of second nature now, so it’s lost a little bit of its mystique you have as a fan. That being said, it has never lost its fun.

I have a lot of memories here over the past seven years. I’ve also scored the majority of my touchdowns here at home, which has been nice so that the family can see it.

I peaked a little too early. I got my first CFL touchdown, and was named the Canadian player of the week after my first game ever at 20 years old.

Beyond that, getting to play in the Grey Cup last year and being out there for the coin toss was a huge moment for me. There have been a lot of other special moments, too, from first playoff games to special teams tackles — I still remember my first one.

I’m excited to have been a member of this team that long, and it is a significant milestone. Will it mean anything to me during the game? Probably not, but it is special to me to be a Stampeder for that time.

Playing in 100 games to me means you’ve been able to do your job for longer than the average.

I’ve been able to do it in my hometown, a place where I want to live and play year round. It’s really special for me to be able to do it in front of my family for roughly half of those games.

It means a lot to me to be able to be a part of this club for that long. It’s been really special and I look forward to what the future holds.

Rob Cote, #26
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