ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
RB/SB Andre Durie shocked the CIS by stomping on club, league and provincial records in his first season with the York Yeomen (now Lions). In 2004, he ran neck and neck with McMaster’s Jesse Lumsden for the CIS rushing title and once scored six touchdowns in a single game. His college highlights are well documented on YouTube and his Argos career is cast from more big plays than a Saturday night on Broadway.
The inspirational story of the destruction and subsequent reconstruction of his knee, including his plight to overcome news that he’d probably never walk normally again, let alone play pro football, has captured the hearts and minds of Double Blue fans everywhere. He’s overcome and thrived. Andre scored touchdowns in each of his first two regular season games and last year turned in the fourth-best kickoff return season in Argos history with 1,033 yards.
The future is bright for the 28-year old Canadian back and that’s why argonauts.ca asked him to look introspectively and make his First Response.
The bolded words or prompts below were supplied, the rest is all Durie.
Home is … A place to relax, a place where I can spend time with family and enjoy private time. It’s a getaway from your life and daily activities.
School … Is a place to learn and build relationships, as well as get an education and prepare for the future.
I always … Strive to do my best and try to keep things consistent.
A team … To me, is a unit. It’s people who pull together for one common goal and use co-operation to get to their goals.
Excitement … Everytime I step on the field, the rush of the fans, whether it’s at home or away; It’s the energy.
I regret … No regrets! If you live with regrets then you’re not truly happy.
Family … The backbone of life, your support system. It can be translated to a team by working together to achieve a goal.
I always wanted to … Play in the Grey Cup. I’ve always wanted to do that – as well as win it of course.
Other than football … I’m a support worker, a father, as well as always being active and taking part in activities like running, yoga and workouts.
Winning … Is what football is about. That’s the main objective. It makes things more fun and gives your team a goal.
When I was young … Football was everything. I slept, played and learned football. I was also very active.
I admire … My mother. It’s kind of cliché but I admire the strength she has to put up with me. She was, and still is, always able to withstand anything.
I hope for … The best for our team, as well as my children to be successful and positive in life.
I learned that … Regardless of what’s in front of you perseverance is what keeps you going and the support of everyone around you.
Before a game … I like to get in a warm up and listen to my music. I always give my kids a call to let them know I’m there for them and I love them. I also try to visualize the game before I hit the field.
My kids … Are everything. I don’t know where I’d be without them. No words to describe how much they mean to me.
Life … Is crazy, and very spontaneous. It’s also a blessing.