He calls him his role model, but when the Toronto Argonauts play in Regina on Thursday night against the Roughriders, his mentor will be just another opposing coach.
Receiver DaVaris Daniels was born into a football family. His father Phillip played in over 200 NFL games before becoming a coach, winning a Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2017.
This year he’s the defensive line coach in Saskatchewan.
“My dad’s life is football,” DaVaris said of his dad’s return to the sideline this year. “It was everything for him. He and Corey (Rider head coach Corey Mace) have been friends for a little bit and they’re both great d-line coaches. It made sense once (Mace) went over there to reach out to my dad. He’s grateful for the opportunity and I’m grateful to see him back on the sidelines.”
Daniels the younger is putting together a pretty impressive pro journey of his own. After stops in both Alberta CFL cities to start his career, he’s back for a fourth season in Toronto, with Thursday’s game leaving him just two shy of 100 in his career.
The pinnacle, at least to date, was the 2022 season. Not only was it his first Grey Cup win after a pair of championship game losses with the Stampeders, but that season Phillip was no stranger to the Argos, often making speeches in front of the team.
“It was everything to me,” DaVaris told Argonauts.ca. “Because that’s my role model. Watching him come in and give us a speech and have everybody rally behind him. With the Grey Cup win, it was amazing. It was a moment I’ll remember forever; I’ve got a bunch of pictures in my house.
“Now it’s just different, he’s on the other side now,” he continued, now sporting an even bigger smile than he had while reminiscing. “At the end of the day he’s still my dad, so it’s a weird feeling, but it’s fun.”
The relationship between the Daniels is obviously more than just football oriented. There’s zero doubt that the father had a major impact on the son, to the extent that he followed his career path.
But aside from football, what’s the most important thing DaVaris learned from Phillip that he’s now trying to do as a father for his sons Jett and Ace?
“For me it’s just to be present. My dad was there for me as a kid. He supported me in every way that he could, making sure that I had the best upbringing. Everything that I asked for I got, he made sure of that and I’m grateful for that. For me, in my kids’ life, I just want to be present in every way possible and make sure that they have the greatest experiences that they could ever ask for.”
Argonauts.ca spoke to DaVaris just before the team flew to Regina. The receiver was not only looking forward to seeing his dad at the stadium, but there was a planned meeting beforehand.
“I’m going to see my mom and him as soon as we touch down. It’s family first, but I’m not going to see him the next day because I’ve got to get ready for the game. I’m going to see him a little bit and I know we’ll talk after the game and it will be a great moment, but I’m trying to get the win first.”
Has there been trash talk between father and son leading up to the game?
“Not as much as you would think,” said DaVaris, again bursting into a big smile. “I think that we both just want to win the game so then we can talk the trash. He’s focused over there; we’re focused over here trying to execute and go out there and have a better game than last week.”
DaVaris missed the Edmonton game with an injury, being placed on the six-game injured list as a precaution before returning to the lineup last week. He says he’s feeling 100 percent healthy and looks back at the decision to sit out the game as the best one for the long haul.
Facing his father’s team on Thursday, being in peak physical condition comes at a perfect time.