By Geoff Crane
Stampeders.com

During a season when numerous Stampeders players reached the 100-game milestone, probably none have done it more quietly than defensive back Lin-J Shell.

If you ask him about it, that’s just the way he’d prefer it.

“The funny part is I didn’t even know I had hit the 100-game mark,” says Shell, a six-year CFL veteran. “We were so focused on getting these wins that I wasn’t thinking about it. It wasn’t until, I think, Smitty (Brandan Smith) came and actually told me ‘You’re over 100 games.’ I didn’t even know.”

Shell has a unique story to his football career. A special-teams standout during his time at the University of Jacksonville, Shell would find himself in the Arena Football League before signing with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, only to be assigned to the now defunct NFL Europe before returning to the AFL and eventually the CFL in 2009 with the Toronto Argonauts.

Having played about every kind of North American-style football, Shell prefers the CFL game to the 100-yard format.

“Honestly, I love the CFL and the AFL because they are more honest games,” says Shell. “With the regular 100-yard field, you can hide players in certain defences that might be overrated but out here, this field being as big as it is, you can’t hide anybody and that’s probably one of the things that I’ve learned is to have more confidence in my own skills. Playing out here in the CFL truly is a test to see whether you can play football.”

The well-traveled Orlando native didn’t start his CFL career until he was 28 years old, when a lot of other players are reaching their prime in the league. But his experience and maturity as an older player is what he credits for his longevity in the physically demanding sport of football.

Wanting to keep in the best shape possible, Shell says he does the things necessary to stay healthy such as keeping to a healthy diet and limiting the off-field activities that could be a distraction. At his age, listening to his body is critical to ensuring he can continue to contribute to his team.

“There is nothing wrong with a young guy going out and having a good time,” smiles the vet, “but everything is great in moderation. Taking care of myself is a testament and something I can teach the other guys that this is what you have to do because if you’re not out on the field, you can’t make the plays.”

Having travelled the league, the straight-shooting DB has seen a lot of different ways to go about football and has played with a lot of different players.

A part of the Argos for three seasons and then the BC Lions for two more before arriving in Calgary, Shell is glad to be a part of a tight-knit Stamps squad that sits atop of the CFL standings and is poised for a shot at the 2014 Grey Cup.

“Toronto was good,” insists Shell. “It was a family atmosphere as far as the team goes, but we weren’t winning.

 “Calgary, I can honestly say, it’s like being back in high school football. We’re all out here fighting for the same goals and fighting for each other. That makes a real family, when you know the guy next to you is going to fight for you and there is no question with this on our team. At the end of the day, if I have to end my career in the next couple of years, I want to end it in Calgary.”

For a player who has played more than 100 games in the fast-paced CFL, a couple more years is not a stretch. Shell is grateful for the chance he has had to play a game he loves with a lot of good players.

“Looking back and seeing how many guys I’ve actually played with who trusted me to play with them, I’d say that’s my biggest legacy,” he says. “That I’ve played with a lot of guys and I think every guy would go to battle with me.”