You probably don’t know too much about Keon Raymond, you know, aside from the fact that he’s a Pick-6 monster, is constantly in opposing quarterback’s kitchens, but you probably didn’t know that he likes country music and apparently looks like a young Idris Elba…?
Favourite movie?: “I’m a big movie goof. I really like Hitch. I like every genre but Hitch is a little comedy a little romantic. It has two of my favourite actors. I love Kevin James and Will Smith. They’re hilarious together.
So, if you’re a big movie buff, what did you think about the Oscars this year? It’s always entertaining. I really enjoy watching anyone who’s done well at their craft. I actually didn’t know that Leo hadn’t won an Oscar before! I saw Revenant and it was phenomenal.
Wait…how did you not know Leo had never won an Oscar!?: Haha! I just didn’t. I assumed he had!
Which CFL player is your biggest rival?: SJ Green. We always go at it. We’re actually good friends but on the field you definitely can’t tell. We trash talk so much. He’s a good player and we’re both so competitive. We have some good battles. Looking forward to getting to play against him more.
What do you think about being a part of the Argos/Ticats rivalry?: I’m really excited. I love rivalries! I’ve maybe lost to Hamilton once. I’m not a fan of losing to those guys ever. I want to take it to them any chance I get, knowing we’re just a couple miles away. We get to host them in our new stadium, bring that fan ferociousness back to Toronto!
Excited to be an Argo and Take BMO field in double blue New start and New Beginnings
— Keon Raymond (@Mr_Raymond25) February 12, 2016
Celebrity doppleganger?: People tell me I look like a young Idris Elba. (He absolutely does!) I don’t have the British accent though but I kind of think I look like him.
Any hidden talents: Hidden?: I put my talents on display!
Finish this sentence: If I wasn’t a football player I would be__: Oh man! These are tough questions. Something community based. I’ve always been really good at bringing people together and organizing events.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?: People not using manners. I can’t stand when someone doesn’t say excuse me when they want to get by.
So if we bump you on the sidewalk, we better say “excuse me”? Haha! absolutely!
What’s your favourite guilty-pleasure TV show?: I’m not a big reality TV guy. There’s a new show out called Blackish that’s really good. I’m also a big Scandal addict. I record it if I can’t catch, I’m all over it. Can’t have anyone spoiling it for me! I go back and rematch parts in case I missed anything.
Favourite food?: My favourite food is french fries. I’ll eat those as my meal. I’ll go to McDonald’s and get a salad and get a side of french fries.
So, how do you feel about poutine?: Being in Canada for so long, I’ve learned to be open to the poutine. It’s a whole new french fry experience with poutine. The first time I tried it I was like, “this is poutine!? Those Canadians are onto something.”
I need a good poutine place in Toronto. Open to fan suggestions.
Food you can’t stand: I hate beets. My grandmother always tries to make me eat them. I actually hate them. They’re the worst!
Do you have any nicknames?: I’ve been called Big Play Ray. When I was in the NFL they used to call me Pick-a-Day Ray. Those are some pretty cool nicknames.
Ricky Foley is looking forward to playing with you. Excited to join forces with him?: I’m a big fan of his. I have so much respect for how he plays on the field too. When you get a chance to watch someone and see hoe their career progresses, you want to play with guys like that.
Him, Andre Durie, Rickey Ray. He’s one of the only guys I’ve only intercepted once, and it was off a tip pass! Scott Milanovich, Jim Barker, the President Michael Copeland, those guys are the best at that they do. It feels like this was all destined to happen.
Thoughts on playing in Toronto?: I’m really excited. It’s the biggest city in Canada and I see what the organization is trying to do and their building that franchise, the new field, the new atmosphere. I’m looking forward to living in the big city and experiencing different places and cultures.
Thoughts on BMO?: That was one of the big reasons I chose to come Toronto. Having an opportunity to be a part of something new, a new atmosphere, is unreal. It’s a new beginning. For me to be a part of it is so exciting. It’s only one time that it’ll be new. This only happens once. Hearing that noise for the first time, that only happens once. Welcome to the 6ix!
What can fans expect from you?: I understand first that is is always a privilege to play football. There’s the entertainment factor as well but football demonstrates so many things: leadership, humility, grace. There’s so many life lessons in football. When I’m out there, I wear my emotions on my sleeve.
I want to engage the fans. We feed off the energy the fans bring. When they’re loud, even if we’re down, when they stand up and start yelling it gives us the energy and a boost that we need. I like to do whatever I can to get out and meet the fans and get that bond.