Murray McCormick
Regina Leader-Post

CALGARY -- Henry Burris has been there, done that, and has the championship ring to prove that he survived being a young quarterback with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

In 2000, Burris was installed as the starting quarterback with the Roughriders in just his fourth CFL season. Burris endured highs and lows while the Roughriders were 5-12-1-0 under then-head coach Danny Barrett.

Burris is now the starting quarterback with defending Grey Cup champion Calgary Stampeders, who play host to the Riders Saturday (7 p.m.) at McMahon Stadium. Burris said Friday that he empathizes with what Darian Durant, the Riders' young starting quarterback.

"He's going to make the mistakes and that's going to happen," Burris after Calgary's walk-through at McMahon Stadium. "It's a situation where you have to be patient with a young quarterback. There are going to be times when the fans think he should have reacted a different way than he did. It's lot easier sitting the bleachers playing John Madden football than when it's taking place right in your face."

Burris also offered some advice for Durant, who will experience as many challenges as Burris endured in his first stint with the Riders.

"You're the premier of Saskatchewan right now and whatever you say and do will be held against you in the court of law," Burris said. "There will always be somebody who objects to what you have done. You have to play your game, do your job and don't press.''

Burris also talked to Durant during the off-season. He did that because the quarterback fraternity is relatively small in the professional ranks.

"I did that because I see a bright future ahead of him," said Burris. "We need young quarterbacks in this league and I wish him lots of success."

After throwing for 4,647 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2000, Burris left to pursue a career in the NFL. He spent time with the Green Bay Packers (2001), Chicago Bears (2002) and NFL Europe's Berlin Thunder (2003) before returning to the Riders in August 2003.

Burris played two seasons with the Roughriders before signing with Calgary as a free agent in February of 2005. Burris's signing created a great deal of resentment in the Rider Nation. Jeremaine Copeland, Calgary's veteran receiver, pleaded for Rider fans to get over Burris's defection.

"They have to let him go and realize that he's not coming back to Regina," Copeland said with a chuckle. "He's a Calgary Stampeder and he will be one for a long time."

It's possible that Burris could close out his career with the same team from which he started after agreeing to a four-year contract extension during the off-season. Burris was with the Stampeders in 1997 to 1999 before joining the Riders.

"It gives me a sense of security," said Burris, who was named the West Division's nominee for most outstanding player in 2008. "I love Calgary and it's a great city. I've learned a lot and I've made a lot of great friends. Both of my children were born here and this is home for us. It's nice knowing that and not having the questions about where I might be next year and testing free agency or not."

Burris joined Calgary in 1997 and was on the practice roster when the Stampeders won the 1998 Grey Cup. He won his first Grey Cup as a starter in 2008 after guiding the Stampeders to a 22-14 victory over the Montreal Alouettes. He was named the most valuable player after completing 28 of 37 passes for 328 yards and a touchdown. Burris also rushed for a game-high 79 yards on nine carries.

"Winning the Grey Cup separated him from the regular class of quarterbacks," said Copeland. "Now that he has another four years to play and if he wins another Grey Cup or two, he'll be up there with elite class of quarterbacks."

Burris said that he isn't satisfied with just one championship as a starter.

"One of the first things that came to mind last year was 2004 with Saskatchewan when we missed a kick in the semifinal and didn't make it to the Grey Cup,'' said Burris. "That was one of those opportunities that got away. You're reminded of those things when you accomplish something and it made me hungrier for more. It made up for all the downs that I went through and now I'm on top of the world."

Courtesy: www.leaderpost.com