By Stampeders.com Staff

Jerome Messam was at his first Blue Jays game in over 10 years on Wednesday, enjoying Game 5 of the Jays-Rangers series with his girlfriend, when he got a text on his phone.

“Welcome to the winner’s circle.”

As he was replying to his Brampton, Ont., friend and current Stampeders defensive lineman Junior Turner, asking him what he meant, his phone rang. It was Saskatchewan Roughriders interim GM Jeremy O’Day telling him he had been traded to the Calgary Stampeders.

“It came as a surprise to me,” said the 245-pound running back, who was at home in Toronto for the Riders’ bye week. “But I know how the business goes. It’s late and teams are trying to make a playoff push and get the guys in that they need to get in. And Saskatchewan told me that they put me in a good spot to compete for a Grey Cup.”

Getting to the championship game is something that has eluded the six-year veteran for his whole career. With the Roughriders having been eliminated from post-season contention, it looked as though he’d have to wait another year for his chance.

Once it all sank in, getting traded to the Red and White – a team already guaranteed a home playoff game – became exciting to Messam, even if he isn’t sure exactly what his role will be on his new squad.

“I’d be lying if I say it didn’t cross my mind but I can’t worry about that stuff right now,” says the 30-year-old, who will be a free agent at the end of the season. “I’ve just got to worry about the things I can control and that’s being productive on the field and getting in there and learning the playbook and things will play out how they play out.

“Jon (Cornish) is a great running back. He’s obviously the guy there in Calgary and I just want to come in and help the team any way that I can.”

Messam met up with the Stamps Friday at their hotel in Toronto, attending meetings and getting to know some of his new teammates. He’ll be on the sideline Saturday in Hamilton watching his new team battle the Argonauts before Calgary enjoys their final bye week of the season.

After back-to-back bye weeks, Messam will be anxious to get on the field again on Oct. 31. The Stamps next opponent? The Saskatchewan Roughriders, of course.

“It’s going to be tough,” he says. “I don’t know the emotions I’m going to feel that day. They’re coming to Calgary and I’ve got a lot of friends on that team.”

Once he gets back out between the white lines and his emotions subside, we’re guessing Messam will have no problem competing for the home team on Halloween.

“I haven’t really had the best record playing against Calgary,” says No. 33. “I think we won the series (in 2011) when I was in Edmonton but ever since then I’ve been losing to Calgary so it’s good to be on the winning side.”