By Stampeders.com staff

Juwan Simpson is going for the sweep.

As a member of the Calgary Stampeders, the linebacker is enjoying the off-season as a Grey Cup champion.

“It’s been great,” said Simpson from his home in Decatur, Ala. “A lot of people around here must have seen the championship game because they’re all aware of what happened and they’re congratulating me and supporting me. That’s really nice.”

With that CFL title — Simpson’s second — secured, he now has his sights set on yet another national college championship for his alma mater, the University of Alabama.

The Crimson Tide is one of four teams involved in the new college playoff system and will be facing the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day. The winner faces the survivor of the Oregon-Florida State Rose Bowl matchup for the national title on Jan. 12.

Alabama is seeking its fourth national title in five years.

“Of course it means a lot to me,” said Simpson. “When I was playing at Alabama, the school was on probation and we lost about half of our scholarships so we didn’t have as much success. But it’s a school with a lot of prestige and that stays with you for life.

“Guys say to me, ‘Ah, you didn’t win any national titles while you were there,’ but as an Alabama grad, I enjoy the championships that came afterwards just as much. It’s still my school.”

As luck would have it, the Stamps roster doesn’t have an alumnus from any of the other three schools involved in this year’s college football playoffs.

“But,” pointed out Simpson, “Maurice Price cheers for Florida State and Brilzy (equipment assistant Robbie Brilz) is a big Orgeon fan. And also, there’s guys like Stanley Bryant and Shawn Lemon who are big ’Bama haters and always wanting to bet against them, so there’s still bragging rights on the line.”

Then there’s former Stamps receiver Ken-Yon Rambo, an Ohio State product who is one of the few current or former teammates who could give the loquacious Simpson a run for his money in the trash-talking department.

“Now that would be an epic conversation,” chuckled Simpson. “I mean, we’ve had big debates before when the teams weren’t playing each other with so much on the line. I just might have to give him a call before the Sugar Bowl.”

As much as an Alabama victory would mean to Simpson, nothing can top the feeling he experienced earlier this month when his son was born.

Simpson’s wife Alena gave birth to Anthony Juwan Simpson Jr. who was born on Dec. 10, with the new arrival joining the couple’s first child, daughter Laila.

“Maybe we have a chance to have a future athlete now,” said Simpson. “My daughter stays as far away from sports as she can. Plus, he’s a junior and so he’ll be able to carry the name on. It’s just a great feeling.”