Argos Insider: Barnes’ Cflpink Pursuit

DANIELE FRANCESCHI – Argos Admrials Insider

TORONTO – Nothing can compare to the feeling of losing a loved one.  The immense void left in one’s heart simply cannot be replaced.  For Argonauts slotback Jason Barnes, the 29-year-old Sacramento State product lost his mom, Ann, in 2007 following a brief battle with cancer.

Just 23 years of age at the time of his mother’s passing, Barnes questioned his future, wondering what life would be like without the woman that was always there to support him when he needed it most.

“It was devastating.  I was a young man still trying to find myself and I remember my mom telling me right on her deathbed, ‘I want to see you sign a contract’,” stated Barnes.  “That really stuck with me the whole time and that alone just pushed me to keep going and motivate me throughout the years.”

Unfortunately, Barnes’ mom never received the opportunity to see her youngest son sign a professional contract.  Her battle with cancer lasted all of 26 days.  However, as a way to pay homage to his mother and thank her for everything that she had done for him, Barnes now bares a tattoo of a heart with angel wings on the left side of his neck featuring the phrase, “Never Give Up”.

“I got it, maybe, a week before she passed away.  When she was sick in the hospital, it was just one of those things that we knew it was coming to an end but we had to keep fighting”, commented Barnes following Tuesday’s practice.  “It was motivation for her and a reminder for me of what’s important in life.  It’s not always about football.  There are bigger things in life.  It’s just a reminder to myself of her fight and it was encouragement for her at the time.”

Following the conclusion of his collegiate football career at Sacramento State, Barnes spent two years with the Central Valley Coyotes, an arena football team, where, in 2007 following his mother’s death, he registered 1,477 receiving yards and tallied 40 total touchdowns in a 16-game schedule. 

In addition to the tattoo on his neck, Barnes also owns a special wristband with his mom’s name on it, an accessory that he proudly wears every time he steps out onto the football field.

“It’s amazing.  I have a wristband with her name on it.  I kiss it and look up to the sky every time before I hit the field as a reminder to her that I’m playing for her in her honour,” said Barnes.  “I know she’s watching and it just keeps me grounded, focused, and motivated.”

Barnes admits that he was not always the most humble or appreciative individual.  In his own words, he was a very “loud and rowdy guy”.  However, the devastating loss of his mom made him realize just how precious life can be and the significance of not taking anything for granted.

“I have a calmer presence about me both on and off the football field,” said Barnes.  “I think that’s because of my mom and it’s a reminder that I’m fortunate to be able to do what I love.”

Following the death of his mom, Barnes, the youngest of three children in his family, turned to his older brother, Matt, for guidance and support as they attempted to cope with the loss of their “guardian angel”.  For Barnes, Matt, who currently plays in the NBA with the Los Angeles Clippers, was a role model, “the rock” of their family, who helped cultivate a positive environment during such a difficult time. 

“We have a sister that is in between us, actually, but he was the rock for our family.  He held everybody together.  He was the strength and everybody looked up to him,” explained Barnes, recalling the difficulty of coping with his mom’s passing.  “I think he knew that if he broke down, everything could have broken apart but he kept us all together as a tight knit group.  It definitely brought our family together and a lot closer than we were before.”

As the Argonauts prepare to host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday night at Rogers Centre, players will don pink gloves and cleats as part of the CFL’s Pink initiative, which raises awareness and funds in support of women’s cancers.  Understandably, the month of October, and this game in particular, takes on a whole new meaning for Barnes, providing the six-foot-three, 187-pound receiver with yet another unique way to pay homage to his mom while playing the game he loves.

“The cause has been growing rapidly over the years as the disease touches so many sports and I think it’s important because so many people are effected by this disease.  If you don’t know somebody personally that has been affected by it then somebody you’re close to has,” stated Barnes.  “We have a voice and I think it’s a great cause.  I think we can reach a lot of people.  Now that the CFL has taken initiative on this cause, it’s great for all parties involved.  Personally, I’m glad to be a part of it.”

When faced with adversity, Barnes knows he does not need to look far for any extra incentive to overcome whatever obstacle has been placed in his path.

“As a person, you definitely stop taking things for granted because you think you’re going to have your mom forever.  To have that taken away from you, it really gives you a different perspective on life,” said Barnes.  “I believe in living each day to the fullest and appreciating the time that we’re here (on earth).”

Insider Extra – Finding His Groove

Prior to signing with the Argonauts last off-season, Barnes spent three seasons in Edmonton where he dressed in 33 games (including playoffs), registering 110 receptions for 1,797 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns.  The expectation was that Barnes’ familiarity with quarterback Ricky Ray would result in instant chemistry and allow the California native to emerge as the Argos’ No. 1 receiver.  However, after recording just one touchdown through the Argonauts’ first eight regular season games, Barnes was released by the club prior to rejoining the team’s practice roster shortly thereafter.

“Obviously, I wasn’t playing well and my play affected me both on and off the field.  I came back with that chip on my shoulder that I was used to playing with before,” commented Barnes.  “It was good that I got it (my swagger) back but the way it happened nobody wants to go through that.”

Upon his return to the Argonauts’ lineup, Barnes registered three touchdowns in the team’s remaining four regular season games while starting in each of the Argonauts’ playoff games en route to capturing his first career Grey Cup Championship.

“It was one of the greatest days of my life,” stated Barnes.  “It was probably the highest point in my career hands down and just to see all the hard work you put in come down to one moment when you’re celebrating with your teammates.  It’s an amazing feeling.”

In 2013, Barnes’ seven receiving touchdowns are currently tied with his previous career-high set back in 2011 when he was a member of the aforementioned Edmonton Eskimos.  With a touchdown reception on Thursday night, Barnes would set a new career-best, and considering the circumstances, it would be rather fitting if the Argos’ veteran slotback achieved the feat while donning such symbolic colours.