Next Game
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NATALEIGH BALLANTYNE
Argonauts.ca Staff
TORONTO — With the release of the CFL schedule last week the excitement about the 2011 season reigns and the fans are not the only ones looking forward to this upcoming season with the Double Blue.
Just before the free agency deadline, Kevin Huntley extended his contract through 2013 with the Argos noting sportsmanship on the team was a key variable in his decision.
“In any organization [it’s important] the team has a cohesiveness among the coaches and the players”, Huntley said. “That’s what we have; if you want to go somewhere and win that’s a key ingredient. We have that ingredient and I’m ready to get the season started and move forward.”
During two years in Toronto, Huntley has recorded 18 sacks, 77 tackles and 2 fumble recoveries. He was named East Division All-Star and CFL All-Star at DT, both firsts in his career.
This success drew interest for other options but Huntley trusted that G.M. & Head Coach, Jim Barker understood what he needed.
“I wanted to be an Argo from day one, and this deal wasn’t about breaking the bank. It was about doing what would be best for me and my family, and having the security”, Huntley continued.
Huntley understands the risks players take during their free agency period, “You can get picked up by another team, get a high contract, and then play like crap. That’s because there’s more to being a good player than money.”
Focusing on being a good player is exactly what has been on Huntley’s mind since the Eastern Final loss to Montreal last year: “While everybody’s working out in the off-season, it’s been on their mind; being able to come back this year and take advantage of the opportunity we had. All the players on the team were assembled and brought to Toronto for a reason and a purpose. For the most part, we did what we were supposed to do. Now we need to take it another step further and win a championship – and keep it going from that point forward.”
With 8 of the 10 potential free agent Argonauts extending or re-signing their contracts through 2013, being surrounded by other players who want to be here gives Huntley motivation for success.
“We argue like brothers and we sit down and talk and make up like brothers,” the 6-foot, 7-inch linemen said from his home in California. “That’s what it’s all about, that’s what a winning team has. That’s the ‘x’ factor in a winning team.”