July 23, 2014

Remember Me?: A look back at Burris’ many returns

CFL.ca

CFL.ca Staff

Now that the REDBLACKS home opener is out of the way, quarterback Henry Burris has yet another contest upcoming where he will once again be in the spotlight.  Burris and his Ottawa squad visit Hamilton this weekend in what will be a key East Division battle.  It will also mark the return of Burris to the city that he was one win shy of capturing a Grey Cup for.

Burris spent two seasons in Hamilton and was the league’s leading passer in both those campaigns.  This past off-season, Hamilton decided to go in a different direction, releasing Burris and signing upstart quarterback Zach Collaros.  With Collaros on the mend and Burris coming off Ottawa’s historic win at home, the drama essentially writes itself.

This of course is not new to the 15-year veteran who has had the spotlight on him in his return to every city he has played in.

Here is a look at Burris’ output in every game where he has made his return.


Burris in action in his first stint with the Calgary Stampeders in 1998 before heading to Saskatchewan.

After spending a pair of seasons backing up the likes of Jeff Garcia and Dave Dickenson in Calgary, Burris headed to Regina to lead the Roughriders.  Prior to his stint in the NFL, Burris made his return to Calgary in October of 2000.  In a very pass-heavy game, Burris couldn’t lift his new team over the Stamps in a 28-13 loss.

Friday, October 6, 2000 | Saskatchewan 13 at Calgary 28
Passing: 18/39 for 191 yards, 2TD, 1INT
Rushing: 3 Carries for 15 Yards


Burris drops back for a pass in his (first) return to Calgary, leading the Roughriders offence in 2000.

Perhaps the most well-documented return by Burris was in October of 2005.  Following a highly-publicized free agency period, Calgary signed Burris away from Saskatchewan, leaving Riderville in an uproar.  Despite being serenaded by boos, Burris managed to top his former club in a closely-contested 29-21 Stampeders victory; one where he didn’t throw a touchdown pass but managed the game effectively.

Sunday October 23, 2005 | Calgary 29 at Saskatchewan 21
Passing: 15/26 for 292 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
Rushing: 6 carries for 48 yards


Burris was jeered in his return to Riderville, this time back where he started with the Stampeders (2005).

Arguably the most celebrated tenure of his career, Burris won a Grey Cup in 2008 as a part of a seven-year run in Calgary.  Despite still having the tools, Burris and the Stampeders parted ways in 2012 as Drew Tate quickly became the new man under centre in Cowtown.

Burris came to Calgary and had one of his best nights statistically all season and it couldn’t have got out to a better start:

VIDEO: Burris Finds Grant to Get Ticats Started in Return to Calgary: