While Spencer Wilson saw two of his fellow offensive lineman labouring in a physical sense on Saturday night against the Eskimos, Wilson himself was in a much different kind of pain.

The Stamps starting centre in the win over Edmonton had just lost his grandfather, Robert, in Calgary, but No. 50 knew he had a business trip to attend three hours north.

“I received the news a few days before the game,” explained the 28-year-old and 2015 CFL all-star. “My grandpa was in the hospital and I went and visited him. But duty called and I had to go up to Edmonton.”

Struggling to maintain his health as of late, Wilson’s grandfather eventually succumbed to cancer.

And while such a devastating loss is never easy to cope with, the fact that Wilson was able to strap on the pads and face a fierce opponent with such little time to grieve was nothing short of extraordinary.

“I tried to block it out,” the former Calgary Colt explained. “I’ve got enough on my mind with football. Once the game was over, there was a huge mental release. I was able to feel appropriate emotion – what I should have felt days prior. So it was good to let that go.”

Wilson rallied and rose to the challenge out on the gridiron, doing his part in a dramatic double-overtime victory over the Esks. The triumph also saw Wilson filling in at the centre position for the second consecutive week before dealing with multiple changes around him. Shane Bergman and Roman Grozman both exited the game due to injury.

For his valiant efforts along the offensive line – and most notably for his remarkable mental toughness in the midst of a personal tragedy – running back Rob Cote presented Wilson with a game ball on behalf of the team in a touching post-game tribute.

It’s safe to say Wilson won’t be forgetting that act of compassion any time soon, as he fought back tears of sincere gratitude and appreciation when receiving the treasured keepsake.

“It was very special,” articulated Wilson, “to realize that life is bigger than the game and to be appreciated by my teammates for what I had been through.”

Apart from his Stampeders brotherhood, the six-year veteran has been comforted by local family members on a consistent basis ever since his grandfather’s passing. Wilson also noted that he would be paying a visit to nearby relatives following Tuesday’s practice.

“My grandpa was loved by many,” Wilson solemnly reflected. “He was a very good man and we’ve got a big family on the Wilson side. He will be very missed.”